SRINAGAR: The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema Jammu and Kashmir (MMU) on Friday launched a coordinated religious awareness initiative across mosques and Imambargahs in the Kashmir Valley, Jammu, Chenab Valley, Kargil and Leh, with Imaan (faith) chosen as the theme of its first common Friday sermon.
The initiative follows the decisions taken at the MMU Ulema Conference on September 15, where religious scholars and representatives of different schools of thought agreed to address key religious and social concerns through coordinated Friday sermons, district-level engagements and sustained community awareness programmes.
As part of the initiative, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq delivered the sermon at the historic Khanqah of Hazrat Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA), revered as Alamdar-e-Kashmir, at Charar-e-Sharief.
Emphasising the importance of preserving faith amid worldly pressures and changing social circumstances, the Mirwaiz said Imaan was not merely a verbal declaration but the foundation of a believer’s life, reflected in character, conduct, decisions and dealings with others.
Referring to Quranic teachings on belief in Allah, His Messenger Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the divine guidance revealed through the Holy Quran, he said faith instilled accountability, the Prophet’s teachings provided moral guidance, and the Quran illuminated the path of truth and righteousness.
He cautioned against compromising religious convictions for wealth, position, influence or personal gain, saying no worldly advantage could justify abandoning one’s faith or conscience.
“A believer may live in this world and pursue its legitimate opportunities, but must never make worldly interests the price of his faith,” Mirwaiz said.
He added that the real test of faith emerged when truth conflicted with personal interests, principles clashed with expediency, or conscience came under pressure.
Stressing the importance of Istiqamat (steadfastness), the Mirwaiz said professing faith was only the beginning, while remaining committed to it through adversity and changing circumstances constituted its true test. He clarified that steadfastness did not mean rigidity or confrontation, but required adherence to principles with wisdom, patience, dignity and moral courage.
Expressing concern over challenges facing younger generations, including materialism, the misuse of social media, moral confusion and declining religious awareness, he called on parents, teachers, Ulema and religious institutions to work collectively to safeguard and nurture the faith of young people.
He also stressed the need to encourage youngsters to raise questions and seek religious guidance through knowledge, understanding and compassion.
Explaining the choice of Imaan as the first common theme, Mirwaiz said faith was the fundamental bond uniting the Muslim Ummah across differences of Maslak (school of thought) and religious interpretation.
He said the Mimbar (pulpit) was an Amanah (trust), requiring Ulema and Imams to practise the integrity and steadfastness they preached. Religious platforms, he said, should strengthen faith, guide society and foster unity rather than become instruments of division.
The Mirwaiz also underlined the importance of remaining united and steadfast in faith amid what he described as sustained challenges to religious beliefs and institutions.
Paying tribute to Hazrat Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA), he said the revered saint had conveyed the message of monotheism, faith, spiritual purification and moral responsibility to the people of Kashmir in their own language.
He said the saint’s teachings and Shruks remained an integral part of Kashmir’s Islamic and cultural heritage, adding that engaging with them also helped preserve and promote the Kashmiri language for future generations.
The Mirwaiz said the most meaningful tribute to Sheikh-ul-Alam was to follow his teachings, uphold the faith and values he championed, and pass them on to future generations.
He concluded by urging people to strengthen their relationship with Allah, the Holy Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), protect the faith of their children and remain committed to truth and righteousness despite the pressures and challenges they face.
