SRINAGAR: The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) Jammu and Kashmir, under the direction of its patron Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Umar Farooq, convened a high-level meeting of the Shia-Sunni Coordination Committee at Mirwaiz Manzil, Rajouri Kadal on Tuesday.
The session, presided over by senior religious scholar Agha Syed Muhammad Hadi Al-Moosavi Al-Safavi, was attended by a large number of prominent religious scholars, spiritual leaders, intellectuals and representatives of major Islamic organisations.
Participants unanimously stressed the urgent need for Muslim unity amid growing challenges at local, national, and global levels. Emphasis was laid on observing the holy month of Muharram in an atmosphere of mutual respect, religious sanctity and communal harmony.
Religious leaders strongly condemned any attempts to stoke sectarian discord, warning that such acts would not be tolerated. It was reiterated that Muharram is sacred to the entire Muslim Ummah, and maintaining unity during this month is a collective and non-negotiable responsibility.
The meeting also expressed concern over the potential misuse of social media, cautioning that inflammatory videos, images or statements have in the past caused serious misunderstanding and communal distress. All individuals and organisations were urged to exercise restraint online and avoid sharing content that could offend or provoke.
Religious speakers were advised to refrain from sectarian or personal criticism, particularly since most sermons are now live-streamed or shared widely through digital platforms. It was emphasised that banners, posters and public speeches during Muharram must avoid any provocative or controversial language.
Participants also underlined that any disrespectful remarks against revered figures in Islam — including the Companions of the Prophet (Sahaba) and the Ahl al-Bayt (members of the Prophet’s household) — would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The meeting highlighted the need for proactive engagement with youth, urging scholars to guide them with wisdom and empathy during this sensitive period.
Prominent religious personalities who attended included Moulana Shaukat Hussain Keing, Agha Syed Mujtaba Al-Moosavi Al-Safavi, Syed Muhammad Tayyib Rizvi, Moulana Khursheed Ahmad Qanoongo, Ghulam Ali Gulzar, Moulana Sabt Muhammad Shabbir Qummi, Imdad Saqi, Ghulam Hassan Majrooh, Peer Ghulam Nabi, Mushtaq Ahmad Sofi, Muhammad Rafiq Zargar, and Moulana MS Rehman Shams, among others.
