SRINAGAR: Grand Mufti Jammu and Kashmir Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam has objected to the Waqf authorities’ decision to prescribe a topic for Friday sermons, saying religious pulpits must remain free from political messaging.
In a statement issued here, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam said Friday sermons were an essential part of Islamic guidance and should be delivered in accordance with Shariah, Islamic principles and the religious responsibilities of Imams and Khateebs.
He said decisions affecting the content of religious sermons required careful consideration and consultation with established Islamic authorities.
The Grand Mufti maintained that religious teachings should not be used to promote the interests of any political party or organisation. He stressed that the independence of religious institutions and the sanctity of the pulpit must be protected.
Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Farooqi also said the Waqf’s administrative role did not give it 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, adding that the pulpit should remain a source of spiritual guidance, moral responsibility and service to humanity rather than political messaging.
