SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz of Kashmir, Molvi Umar Farooq, inaugurated a newly constructed mosque in the Hawal area of Srinagar, where a large gathering of worshippers came to hear his address.
Speaking on the occasion, the Mirwaiz emphasised the crucial role mosques play as centres of worship and as pillars of societal development and unity.
He called on the community to foster unity, brotherhood, and mutual respect, warning against attempts to create discord or sectarian divides. “Our strength as a Muslim-majority state should reflect in our actions, not just in numbers,” he said.
Highlighting the broader purpose of mosques, the Mirwaiz referred to the example of the Prophet Muhammad’s mosque in Madina, which served as a centre for addressing economic, political, and social issues alongside spiritual guidance. He urged the community to adopt this model, making mosques vibrant hubs for societal progress.
The Mirwaiz noted that Srinagar is home to nearly 1,450 mosques, which can be utilised as platforms for addressing challenges such as drug addiction and other social evils. “If we use our mosque networks to engage with the youth and collaborate as a community, we can effectively counter these issues,” he stated, encouraging collective efforts and coordination.
Advocating for the establishment of Maktabs—religious learning centres—within mosques, the Mirwaiz suggested that these centres could provide moral and spiritual guidance to children after school, helping instil strong foundational values and a sense of discipline.
“The mosque should be a centre of learning, social change, and guidance for the community,” the Mirwaiz said, urging the faithful to leverage these spaces to build a stronger, more unified society.
