Srinagar, Oct 16 (KNO): The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) on Friday held its first coordinated Friday sermon across mosques and Imambargahs in Kashmir Valley, Jammu, Chenab Valley, Kargil and Leh, with Imaan (faith) chosen as the common theme.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), an MMU spokesperson said the initiative aimed at strengthening religious awareness and addressing pressing concerns within the community.
He said the initiative followed decisions taken at the September 15 MMU Ulema Conference, where prominent religious scholars and representatives of various schools of thought agreed to collectively address important religious and social issues through designated Friday sermons, district-level engagements and sustained community awareness programmes.
The spokesperson said that, as part of the initiative, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq delivered the Friday sermon at the historic Khanqah of Hazrat Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA), also known as Alamdar-e-Kashmir, at Charar-e-Sharief. He emphasised the importance of safeguarding Imaan and remaining steadfast in one's faith and principles, particularly amid worldly temptations, pressures and challenges.
Addressing the congregation, Mirwaiz said faith was not merely a verbal declaration but the foundation of a believer's entire life, reflected in one's character, conduct, decisions and dealings with others.
Referring to the Quranic injunction to believe in Allah, His Messenger (SAW) and the divine light revealed through the Holy Quran, Mirwaiz said these constituted the essential foundations of faith. Belief in Allah creates a sense of accountability, following the Prophet (SAW) provides moral and practical guidance, while the Quran illuminates the path of truth and righteousness.
The spokesperson said Mirwaiz stressed that faith was the most precious trust bestowed upon a believer and must never be compromised for worldly interests. Referring to the Quranic warning against exchanging divine guidance for a paltry price, he said no amount of wealth, position, influence, personal gain or worldly favour could justify compromising one's faith, conscience or principles.
“A believer may live in this world and pursue its legitimate opportunities, but must never make worldly interests the price of his faith,” Mirwaiz said, adding that the real test of Imaan came when truth and personal interest, principle and expediency, or conscience and pressure came into conflict.
Emphasising Istiqamat (steadfastness), Mirwaiz said professing faith was only the beginning, while remaining firm through changing circumstances and difficulties was its real test. Steadfastness, he said, did not mean rigidity or confrontation, but upholding truth and principles with wisdom, patience, dignity and moral courage.
Expressing concern over challenges confronting younger generations, including materialism, misuse of social media, moral confusion and weakening religious awareness, Mirwaiz urged parents, teachers, Ulema and religious institutions to make protecting and nurturing faith a collective priority. He said young people must be encouraged to ask questions and seek guidance through knowledge, understanding and compassion.
Referring to the wider MMU initiative, Mirwaiz said Imaan was deliberately chosen as the first common theme because faith was the fundamental bond uniting the Muslim Ummah, transcending differences of Maslak and religious interpretation.
He said the Mimbar (pulpit) was an Amanah (trust) and that Ulema and Imams must exemplify the integrity and steadfastness they preach. They should use the pulpit to strengthen faith, guide society and bring people closer, rather than promote division.
Mirwaiz said safeguarding faith was particularly important in the current circumstances, when, he said, there was a sustained assault on faith and religious institutions. He added that remaining firm in Imaan and united was the best way to prevent such efforts from succeeding.
Paying tribute to Hazrat Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA), Mirwaiz said the revered saint conveyed the message of Tawheed, Imaan, spiritual purification and moral responsibility to the people of Kashmir in their own language. His teachings and Shruks remain a cherished part of Kashmir's distinct Islamic and cultural heritage, he said, adding that engaging with these teachings also helps preserve and promote the Kashmiri language for future generations.
He said the greatest tribute to Sheikh-ul-Alam was not merely to commemorate his legacy, but to live by his teachings, preserve the faith and values he upheld, and pass them on to future generations.
Mirwaiz concluded by urging people to strengthen their relationship with Allah, the Holy Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), protect their children's faith and remain steadfast in truth and righteousness, irrespective of the challenges and pressures they may face.—(KNO)