Srinagar, October 13: Grand Mufti Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Farooqi, has strongly opposed the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board’s reported decision to prescribe specific topics for Friday sermons delivered by Imams and Khateebs, stressing the need to protect religious autonomy and the sanctity of the pulpit.In a statement, the Grand Mufti said Friday sermons are an integral part of Islamic guidance and must be delivered in accordance with Shariah, Islamic principles and the religious responsibilities of Imams and Khateebs.He said any directive concerning the content of Friday sermons requires careful consideration and consultation with established Islamic scholars and religious authorities.Emphasising the separation of religious guidance from political interests, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam said Shariah should not become a platform for political propaganda, nor should the mosque pulpit be used to advance the agenda of any political party or organisation.He maintained that decisions concerning Islamic teachings and religious discourse should not become instruments of political influence, adding that the autonomy of religious institutions and the dignity of the pulpit must be respected.The Grand Mufti also cautioned that the Waqf Board’s administrative responsibilities should not be interpreted as an unrestricted authority to determine religious discourse.“We will not remain silent when matters of Shariah and religious autonomy are affected by decisions taken without adequate consultation,” he said.He added that the pulpit must remain a source of spiritual guidance, moral responsibility and service to humanity, rather than an instrument of political messaging.
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