For the first time in nearly five years, since August 2019, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was granted permission to lead prayers at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar during the holy month of Ramzan.
In his address, as per a statement issued to KNS, Mirwaiz called upon all sects and organizations—religious, social, or political—to transcend personal and sectarian interests and prioritize unity and brotherhood among the people of Jammu and Kashmir, safeguarding their collective identity.
He emphasized that adhering to fundamental human, moral, and religious principles and values is essential to foster collectivism, warning against internal strife and ego-driven competition that could lead to ruin.
Mirwaiz underscored the pivotal role of youth in shaping the future of the region, advocating for education and awareness to unlock their inherent potential and conscientiousness, thereby contributing to a fair and prosperous society.
Appealing to authorities, he urged them to heed the collective conscience of the people and release thousands of Kashmiri political prisoners held in jails across Jammu and Kashmir and India, particularly during Ramzan, as a goodwill gesture.
Expressing concern over the dire conditions faced by many long-term prisoners, he called on authorities to address pressing issues, including the lack of electricity, which exacerbates hardships, especially for the underprivileged during Ramzan.
Mirwaiz highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure improvements, citing deteriorating road conditions that have turned commuting into a nightmare for residents.
As Ramzan is a month of blessings and mercy, he urged people to seize the opportunity for self-reflection, aligning their lives with the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah, with the aim of earning the pleasure of Allah in this life and the reward of paradise in the hereafter. (KNS)
