First time in five years, Mirwaiz delivers Ramadan sermon at Jamia Masjid

SRINAGAR — For the first time in almost five years since August 2019, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was allowed to lead prayers at historic Jamia Masjid Srinagar in the holy month of Ramadan.

During his address, Mirwaiz appealed to all sects and organisations – religious, social or political to rise above personal and sectarian interests and ensure unity and brotherhood among the people of Jammu and Kashmir to preserve and protect its collective identity.

He said that the best way to ensure collectivism is by following basic human, moral and religious principles and values, otherwise fighting and oneupmanship will make us perish.

He also said that the youth are the future of this place and through pursuance of education and awareness, that will bring out their inner capabilities and consciousness, they can help shape a just and prosperous community.

Appealing to the authorities, he said that they should listen to the voice of people’s conscience and unconditionally release thousands of Kashmiri political prisoners who are in jails in Jammu and Kashmir and all over India, as a goodwill gesture in Ramadan.

He said the condition of many prisoners, who are in jails for years on end, is very bad, causing great distress to people.

He said that it is incumbent upon authorities to address the issues of people including the lack of electricity that has increased the hardships for people especially in Ramadan, particularly for the poor who don’t have alternative means.

He said that authorities should address this issue at the earliest, as they have the means to do so. He said the condition of roads is pathetic making commuting a nightmare.

He said as this month is one of great blessings and mercy, people should make the most of it. “This month gives us the opportunity to reassess ourselves and take stock of what we are doing and how we are living and is it in order with the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. It gives us another chance to realign our faith with the principles of Islam and follow them accordingly so that we earn the Raza of Allah in this world and Jannah in the hereafter.”