SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz Muhammad Umar Farooq visited Budgam on Monday to offer condolences on the demise of prominent Islamic scholar Aga Syed Baqir Al-Moosavi, marking his first public appearance in the area after being granted limited permission by the authorities.
While meeting the bereaved family, including the scholar’s sons—Aga Syed Ahmed and Aga Syed Abul Hasan—as well as the head of the Aga family, Aga Syed Hassan Al-Moosavi Al-Safavi, Mirwaiz described the late cleric as a “towering religious personality” whose loss had deeply impacted the scholarly and spiritual heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
He urged the community to uphold unity and derive inspiration from scholars like Aga Baqir to remain steadfast in faith and values.
Taking the opportunity to comment on broader issues facing the Muslim community, Mirwaiz condemned the Waqf Amendment Act, describing it as an “assault on Muslim identity” and a deliberate attempt to fragment the community on sectarian and political lines. He criticised the administration for not permitting the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU) to meet and deliberate over the issue, despite widespread concern.
“We are united from the Valley to Jammu and Ladakh in opposing this unjust law,” Mirwaiz said, expressing solidarity with the All India Muslim Personal Law Board and vowing to follow its guidance on the matter. He welcomed the interim relief granted by the Supreme Court and expressed hope that the apex court would uphold the constitutional and religious rights of the community.
Mirwaiz also addressed the restrictions placed on him, voicing distress over his repeated confinement and the closure of the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar during significant religious occasions. “I have approached the Hon’ble High Court about my prolonged house arrest. A hearing is due this week, and I hope the judiciary will intervene and put an end to this unlawful interference in my religious duties,” he added.
