Srinagar, November 14: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq has once again been featured among the world’s 500 most influential Muslim personalities in the 2027 edition of The Muslim 500, marking his 13th consecutive inclusion in the prestigious annual publication.The publication, released by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre (RISSC), Jordan, has featured Mirwaiz under the Political category, recognising his longstanding role as Kashmir’s religious leader and his advocacy of dialogue and peaceful engagement.The 2027 edition identifies him as the 14th Mirwaiz of Kashmir, who assumed the religious leadership in 1990 at the age of 17, following the assassination of his father.It also highlights his consistent calls for dialogue between India and Pakistan, describing it as the only sustainable path towards peace, while acknowledging his advocacy of non-violent engagement on regional issues.The publication also refers to his prolonged house detention from August 2019 to September 2023 and notes that he continues to face intermittent restrictions and detentions.Recognising his religious and public role, the publication highlights his position as the chief cleric of Srinagar’s historic Jamia Masjid, noting his connection between traditional religious leadership and human rights advocacy.For over three decades, Mirwaiz has maintained that dialogue, reconciliation and peaceful engagement remain essential to resolving the Kashmir issue. He has also consistently advocated religious harmony and the protection of human dignity.
Leave a Reply