‘Repeated closure of Jama Masjid deeply hurtful’
SRINAGAR: After two weeks under house arrest, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq addressed a gathering at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar on Friday, urging the faithful to reflect on the moral decline within society and the nation. His remarks came amid growing discontent over issues of corruption, blind faith, and societal exploitation.
In a passionate speech, Mirwaiz stressed the urgent need for self-reflection, questioning the direction in which the nation is headed. “We must ask ourselves: Where are we headed as a nation? Our morals and values are eroding—lies, deceit, and selfishness have taken root,” he lamented, calling for a return to the fundamental teachings of Islam.
He specifically highlighted the recent uproar surrounding Aijaz Sheikh, a man accused of committing heinous crimes against children for decades. “His crimes are not just his alone; they were allowed to fester because we remained silent,” said Mirwaiz, urging the community to embrace true Islamic education to counteract the influence of fraudulent faith healers.
Mirwaiz condemned the prevailing social evils, including drug abuse, scams, and online gambling, which he claimed were corrupting the youth and eroding society’s moral fabric. “Look at the state of our land—no rain, no water, no snow. Is this not a sign of Allah’s displeasure?” he questioned, linking the environmental crisis to societal corruption.
With the holy month of Ramadan approaching, Mirwaiz called on the people to seek forgiveness and purify themselves, urging them to abandon dishonesty in favor of truth and justice. “InshaAllah, I intend to speak on these critical issues throughout Ramadan,” he added, encouraging imams and khateebs to address the community’s concerns in their sermons.
Mirwaiz also lamented the restrictions placed on religious practices, stating that Shab-e-Baraat prayers had been disallowed at Jama Masjid and expressing his distress over his continued house arrest. “Worship is our fundamental right, and any undue interference in our religious affairs is unacceptable and condemnable.”
As his address concluded, Mirwaiz urged the faithful to sincerely repent and seek Allah’s guidance, hoping for a restoration of divine mercy upon the community. His speech resonated with many in attendance, who expressed a renewed commitment to tackling the issues he raised and fostering a more just and moral society.