Srinagar, Apr 28: The members of Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) Jammu and Kashmir in a joint statement Thursday expressed strong resentment over the administration’s decision of once again disallowing prayers at the historic Central Jama Masjid Srinagar on the blessed occasions of Shab-e-Qadr and Jumma-tul-Vida.
The statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) strongly condemned the authorities for repeatedly closing down Kashmir’s largest place of worship for prayers and Fridays (now Shab-e-Qadr and Jumma-tul-Vida) saying these are purely religious acts in which thousands of Muslims from all over the valley take part.
They said the religious sentiments of millions of people of Jammu and Kashmir are connected with the Jama Masjid Srinagar, which is the centre of guidance and spirituality; and the Muslims of the region have an emotional attachment with the centuries-old grand mosque.
Moreover, during the holy month of Ramadan, people from various districts of the valley turn to this historic place of worship and prostrate before Allah Almighty. However, the administration’s offensive has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Majlis-e-Ulema has decided that on the occasions of Jumma-tul-Vida,religious scholars, preachers and imams will not only protest against the blockade of the Jama Masjid Srinagar but will also condemn the administration’s action in the strongest words, and demand the release of Mirwaiz Mohammad Umar Farooq the statement said.
Meanwhile, the statement termed it very unfortunate and condemned the authorities of a school in Baramulla for issuing an order wherein they had asked female staff not to wear hijab.
MMU said Jammu and Kashmir is a predominantly Muslim majority state and such orders are unacceptable to us. The authorities have been told to withdraw the order immediately and refrain from interfering in the religious affairs of Muslims.
IMuttahida Majlis-e-Ulema comprises Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar, Darul Uloom Rahimiya Bandipora, Grand Mufti’s Muslim Personal Law Board, Anjuman-e-Shari’a Shian, Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadith, Jama’at-e-Islami, Karavaan-e-Islami, Ittehad-e-Muslimeen, Anjuman-e-Himaat-ul-Islam, Anjuman Tabligh-ul-Islam, Jamiat-e-Hamdaniya, Anjuman Ulema-e-Ahnaf, Dar-ul-Uloom Qasmia, Dar-ul-Uloom Bilalia, Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam, Anjuman Mazhar-ul-Haq, Jamiat Aima Wa Ulema, Anjuman Aima Wa Mashaaikh Kashmir, Darul Uloom Naqshbandia, Darul Uloom Rasheediyah, Ahlul Bayt Foundation, Madrasa Kanz-ul-Uloom, Peerwan-e-Wilayat, Auqaf Islamia Khurram Sirhama, Bazm-e-Tawheed Ahle Hadith Trust, Anjuman Tanzeem Al Makatib, Muhammadi Trust, Anjuman Anwar-ul-Islam, Karavaan-e-Khatam-e-Nabuwat, Darul Uloom Syed Al-Mursalin, Anjuman Ulema Wa Aima Masaajid, Falah Daarein Trust Islamabad and all other contemporary religious, milli, social and educational associations. —(KNO)
