Srinagar, July 9 (KNO): Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Thursday paid tributes to Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei at a memorial event in Budgam, describing him as a leader of faith and moral courage while saying that the greatest tribute to him would be to uphold Muslim unity and stand for justice and the oppressed.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said Mirwaiz said that Ayatollah Khamenei’s life carried an important message for Muslims across the world: that faith is not confined only to personal worship, but also demands standing for justice, defending human dignity, speaking for the oppressed and resisting injustice with wisdom and courage.
He said the greatest tribute to Ayatollah Khamenei would be to uphold the cause of Muslim unity. “In a time when the Ummah faces division, conflict and external pressures, his message reminds us that Shia and Sunni, despite differences of school and opinion, are part of one Ummah, with one Qur’an, one Prophet (pbuh) and one Qibla,” Mirwaiz said.
Referring to Ayatollah Khamenei’s principled position on nuclear weapons, Mirwaiz said that despite facing repeated threats and pressure, he opposed the acquisition and use of nuclear weapons, viewing them as contrary to Islamic teachings and against humanity. He said this moral position was significant in an age where destructive power is often mistaken for strength, while true strength lies in justice, restraint and responsibility.
Mirwaiz also recalled Ayatollah Khamenei’s consistent support for the Palestinian people and their right to dignity, justice and freedom. He said that the suffering of Palestine continues to remain a wound on the conscience of the world and a test of the moral responsibility of the Muslim Ummah and the international community.
He said, referring to the situation of people facing prolonged uncertainty and injustice, Mirwaiz said that oppressed peoples everywhere draw strength from unity, patience, moral clarity and collective resolve. He said that dignity cannot be secured through division, and that communities seeking justice must remain united, disciplined and guided by wisdom.
The spokesperson said Mirwaiz prayed for the departed leader and said that his legacy should inspire Muslims to reject sectarianism, strengthen brotherhood, stand with the oppressed and work for justice, peace and unity.—(KNO)