Srinagar, Sept 18 (KNO): Special prayers were held at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar on Friday for global peace and an end to the suffering and loss of innocent lives in Iran, Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, Ukraine and other conflict-hit regions.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said the special prayers were held for peace and an end to the suffering and loss of innocent lives in Iran, Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, Ukraine and other conflict-affected parts of the world. With raised hands and moist eyes, the congregation beseeched Almighty Allah for mercy, peace, justice and relief for all those enduring the pain and devastation of war.
Addressing the Friday congregation, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq appealed to people to support and actively participate in the social reform initiatives recently adopted by the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema Jammu & Kashmir.
Referring to the recent Ulema conference, Mirwaiz said scholars from different regions and schools of thought had deliberated on some of the most pressing challenges facing society, including drug addiction, suicides and emotional distress among youth, misuse of social media, weakening family bonds, environmental degradation and the need to strengthen harmony within the community.
He said conferences and resolutions alone cannot bring about change unless people themselves become part of the effort. The purpose of such initiatives, he said, is to turn concern and discussion into practical action within families, mosques, neighbourhoods and communities.
Quoting the Qur’anic verse, “Indeed, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves,” Mirwaiz said meaningful reform must begin from within and society cannot always wait for others to act.
The spokesperson quoted him as saying, “Collectively, we have to think, reflect and act. Ulema, parents, youth, mosques, madrasas and the wider community, especially parents, have a role to play.” Social reform, he added, must become a shared responsibility.
Mirwaiz said common social issues would be taken up in Friday sermons across participating mosques so that sustained attention could be brought to matters affecting society. He appealed to people to support these efforts and carry the discussion forward within their homes and communities.
He also reiterated that the Mimbar is an Amanah, a sacred trust, and should be used to guide people, unite hearts, promote mutual respect and address the real concerns of society, rather than deepen sectarian divisions.
Mirwaiz said lasting change can only come when people themselves participate in the process of reform and take responsibility for improving their homes, neighbourhoods and communities.
Mirwaiz also apprised the congregation of his recent meetings with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during which he conveyed solidarity with the people of Iran and spoke about the deep historical, cultural and religious ties between Kashmir and Iran.
He said the Iranian leadership had shown interest in visiting Kashmir, and that he had extended an invitation to them to visit.—(KNO)