Hurriyat Chairman and Kashmir Chief Cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday asked the government to stop interference in religious matters.
Addressing the Friday prayers at the historic Jamia mosque in old Srinagar after two Fridays of house arrest Mirwaiz said they hope the “authorities do not create obstacles in the practice of our faith.”
” It deeply pains us that Shab-e-Baraat prayers were not allowed at Jamia Masjid, and that I was again placed under house arrest. This must stop! Worship is our fundamental right, and any undue interference in our religious affairs is unacceptable and condemnable,” he said.
Last week, Jammu and Kashmir Police disallowed the congregational night prayers at the grand mosque on Shab-e-Baraat, one of the holiest nights in the Islamic calendar, triggering widespread outrage. The police also put Mirwaiz under house detention
In his address, Mirwaiz condemned the heinous crimes of a so-called faith healer, Aijaz Sheikh, who was recently convicted by a court of sexually abusing children.
“A man who, for decades, has destroyed the lives of thousands of young children. His crimes are not just his alone; they were allowed to fester because we remained silent. We have become ignorant of our faith, following fake faith healers and superstitions instead of seeking true knowledge. When people lack understanding and blindly believe without questioning, criminals like him take advantage, manipulating and exploiting the weak in the name of faith. This is why true Islamic education is essential,” he said.
Mirwaiz said, there must be no leniency for such criminals.
“We demand the severest punishment so that no one dares to commit such crimes again,” he said
“Beyond this, our society is drowning in drugs, scams, and online gambling. Social evils are creeping in, corrupting our youth and weakening our moral fabric,” he said.
Mirwaiz said, “Look at the state of our land-no rain, no water, no snow. Is this not a sign of Allah’s displeasure? When a society allows corruption and injustice to thrive, divine blessings are withheld.”
