SRINAGAR: National Conference chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq on Tuesday demanded the withdrawal of an order concerning Friday sermons, questioning the BJP’s authority to determine what imams and khateebs should say during religious congregations.
Speaking to reporters, Sadiq said imams and khateebs devote years to studying the Quran and Hadith and should be free to frame their sermons in accordance with Islamic teachings and the issues confronting society.
Questioning the directive, he asked whether the BJP would now decide which khutbah should be delivered at mosques and called for the order to be revoked.
Sadiq said people attend Friday prayers to deepen their understanding of Islam and their faith. He argued that sermons should help worshippers understand religious teachings and address the circumstances they face, rather than follow prescribed instructions.
“I am not an Islamic scholar, but an ordinary person who attends Friday prayers. I want to learn something about Islam and my religion. I do not want a letter from the BJP telling imams what they have to read,” he said.
His remarks came amid the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board’s push for uniform Friday sermons across mosques in the Union Territory. Under the proposed arrangement, sermon topics would be decided in advance and approved by a committee of preachers.
