For the first time In almost five years since August 2019, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was allowed to lead a Friday sermon at the historic Jamia masjid Srinagar in the holy month of Ramzan.
Addressing the faithful Mirwaiz appealed to all sects and organizations -religious, social, or political to rise above personal and sectarian interests and ensure unity and brotherhood among the people of Jammu and Kashmir to preserve and protect its collective identity. Mirwaiz said that the best way to ensure collectivism is by following basic human, moral, and religious principles and values. Otherwise fighting and oneupmanship will make us perish.
Addressing the youth Mirwaiz said that they are the future of this place and through pursuance of education and awareness that will bring out their inner capabilities and consciousness they can help shape a just and prosperous community.
Appealing to the authorities Mirwaiz said that they should listen to the voice of peoples’ collective conscience and unconditionally release thousands of Kashmiri political prisoners who are in jails in Jammu and Kashmir and all over India, as a gesture of goodwill in the holy month of Ramzan. Mirwaiz said the condition of many prisoners who are in jails for years on end is very bad causing great distress to people.
Mirwaiz said that it is incumbent upon authorities to address the issues of people including the lack of electricity, which has increased the hardships for people especially in the holy month of Ramzan, particularly for the poor who don’t have alternative means. Mirwaiz said that authorities should address this issue at the earliest, as they have the means to do so. He said the condition of roads is pathetic making commuting a nightmare.
Mirwaiz said as this month is one of great blessings and mercy people should make the most of it. This month allows us to reassess ourselves and take stock of what we are doing how we are living and whether is it in order with the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. It gives us another chance to realign our faith with the principles of Islam and follow them accordingly so that we earn the Raza of Allah in this world and Jannah in the hereafter. [KNT]
