Srinagar, Sep 22: After a gap of more than four years, Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq led the congregational Friday prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar.
In his first sermon after 5th August 2019, which was attended by hundreds of devotees from across the valley, Mirwaiz said he always advocated for peace and prosperity in the region. “I believe in peaceful coexistence between communities and nations between the strong and the weak, between the majority and the minority, ” he said.
A large number of people were seen waiting in queues to welcome the Mirwaiz at the Jamia Masjid. Emotional scenes were witnessed on the occasion.
Because of our peaceful mission, we have always advocated the return of Kashmiri Pandits and disapproved of making this human issue a political one, he said.
Mirwaiz said that on Thursday (September 21), he was informed by the police officials who came to visit him that authorities had decided to allow him to offer prayers at Jamia Masjid on Friday. “I am here today after 4 long years. It is a very emotional moment for me. I thank almighty Allah that he made it possible and once again. It has been possible by the prayers and love of people,” he said. “Staying away from you for such a long time has been very difficult on me, but you and my people are my strength that helped me in going through this trying time. You are always in my heart, my thoughts and my prayers. You are strong and kind people.”
The valley’s top cleric said the institution of the Mirwaiz believes in outreach. “It believes in dialogue and reason. It is incumbent upon the Mirwaiz, referred to as Naib e Rasool, to convey the truth to power and to people, and play his role in the interest of people and peace,” he said, adding, “History is witness to the fact that the Mirwaiz has always propagated dialogue and accord, even at the cost of personal loss and suffering.”
Mirwaiz said this is the time to conserve, be patient, act responsibly and repose complete faith in God who is the all-powerful, Almighty, adding, “We have to hold on tightly to the rope of faith and belief. As the Quran guides us … And hold fast by the rope of Allah all together and be not disunited.”
Reacting to the statement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Ukraine issue, Mirwaiz said that he was right in saying that the present era is not of war. “We have always believed and participated in efforts of resolution through an alternative to violent means which is dialogue and reconciliation. We have personally suffered for pursuing this route,” he said.
Mirwaiz also expressed his gratitude to all the people including politicians, Ulemas, traders, civil society members and others for repeatedly voicing for his release.
Earlier on Friday morning, a senior police officer told Rising Kashmir that security outside Mirwaiz’s Nigeen residence was lifted and after that, he led Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid at Nowhatta.
He said that in view of the development, additional security was deployed in the Nowhatta locality as a precautionary measure to thwart any misconduct outside the grand mosque.
Political, religious leaders welcome move
Prominent political and religious leaders of Kashmir valley have welcomed the release of Mirwaiz Moulvi Umar Farooq.
The former chief minister and vice president of the National Conference (NC), Omar Abdullah, expressed his satisfaction with the decision, stating, “I welcome the step taken by authorities to release Mirwaiz Molvi Farooq from house arrest. I hope they allow him to move freely, interact with people & resume his social/religious responsibilities. Today, all eyes in Kashmir will be on the Mirwaiz as he delivers his first Friday sermon in Jamia Masjid after 2019.”
BJP leader Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, said, “Mirwaiz Umar Farooq plays a significant role in our society, and the administration has taken the right step in his release. Religious leaders have a positive impact on society by guiding our youth towards the right path.”
She stressed the need for unity in celebrating this momentous occasion. “Congratulations to respected Brother #MirwaizUmarFarooq Sahib. It is soothing to see you after a highly appreciable decision by the Administration. Religious scholars belong to all, and no group or political party has a copyright for any religious personality. I hope this time politico-theatrical statements will not shadow the happiness of the release of Mirwaiz. Wishing him a great future.”
Mehbooba Mufti, President of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and former chief minister, also weighed in on the release, saying that Mirwaiz as a religious head, is held in high regard by Muslims across Jammu and Kashmir.
Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, President of the Apni Party, expressed gratitude to Home Minister Amit Shah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, saying, “I want to place on record thanks to the Hon’ble Union Home Minister Mr Amit Shah ji and LG Manoj Sinha ji for the decision to allow Mirwaiz Umer Farooq to lead Friday prayers at historic Jamia Masjid. Hope Mirwaiz Sahab will play his role to shape the society in a positive way for a better and peaceful tomorrow.”
Sajad Lone, JKPC Chairman, also welcomed the release of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, emphasising the importance of his role in maintaining a tradition with religious and societal significance. “It is a joyous day for all of us to see him leading the prayers hopefully. He symbolizes a tradition which is primarily religious in nature but also has strong societal connotations,” he said.
Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi, President of Anjuman Sharie Shiyan, also expressed his delight over Mirwaiz Umar Farooq delivering Friday sermon at the historic Jamia Masjid.
Grand Mufti of Kashmir, Nasir-ul-Islam, welcomed the decision to release Mirwaiz Molvi Farooq, describing it as a positive step. He stated, “It is a welcome step by the authorities to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Sahab from house detention and allow him to lead Friday prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid here.”
