Srinagar, Nov 13: After nearly two weeks of arbitrary house detention, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq Friday returned to the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar, where he addressed the Friday congregation.
Addressing the faithful, Mirwaiz, as per a statement, expressed concern over the repeated restrictions on his religious and public activities, saying that such arbitrary measures hurt people , cause inconvenience and amount to unwarranted interference in discharging his religious obligations as the Mirwaiz.
Mirwaiz said that the pulpit of Jama Masjid has always stood for upholding faith and speaking the truth that reflects the concerns of people and their rights, a responsibility that he cannot abandon.
Mirwaiz regretted that due to the restrictions Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU) had to postpone its first district-level Ulema meeting, scheduled for November 4 in Bandipora, where religious scholars were to deliberate on measures to take forward its September initiative on dealing with social and religious challenges, including drug abuse, social evils, youth suicide and environmental concerns . He said such collective initiatives for social reform should be encouraged rather than obstructed.
Mirwaiz also welcomed the recent decision of the Kashmir Waza Association to regulate wedding feast timings, particularly its decision to conclude late-night Wazwan dinners by 10 pm. He described the initiative as a positive step towards bringing discipline and simplicity to marriage celebrations while respecting the dignity and hard work of the Waza community. He assured the Association of the MMU’s full support for such constructive efforts towards social reform.
Mirwaiz said that while the Waza associations decision is a step in the right direction much needs to be done around growing extravagance, unnecessary additions to wedding customs, excessive expenditure and competitive displays of wealth that have placed enormous financial and social burdens on families.
He urged society to preserve the beauty of its traditions while doing away with wasteful practices, making marriages simpler, dignified and affordable in accordance with Islamic teachings.
