Desist from promoting sectarian differences: Mirwaiz urges Imams

Srinagar, Apr 19: President of Anjumane Nusrat Ul Islam and Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Thursday urged Imams to desist from promoting sectarian differences that create divisions and hate.
Addressing a glittering Seerat conference organised by the Anjumane Nusrat Ul Islam at Islamia at Rajouri Kadal here, Mirwaiz laid stress on following the footsteps of beloved prophet Muhammad (SAW) as a guide to every Muslims in every sphere of life.
Coming down heavily on some of the self-styled religious preachers in the state, Mirwaiz said that “these religious preachers are using the sacred pulpits of mosques to divide Muslims of the state by indulging in criticizing and demeaning each other on sectarian lines rather than working for religious and social reform among the society and preaching the real message of unity in Islam.”
Mirwaiz said what is worse is that they are using social media to promote their sectarian agenda which misguides and confuses people especially the youth. “These clerics don’t speak about the killings and injustices that we face each day but when it comes to criticizing each other that exhibit such passion and eagerness,” he said.
“The breach in our unity as an Ummah if it starts from our mosques will be extremely unfortunate and cannot be allowed,” he added.
Mirwaiz urged the Imams to desist from promoting sectarian differences that create divisions and hate and rather educate people about the core and universal message of Islam.
“Sectarian divide and hate among us only strengthens the hands of our oppressor. Those who use pulpit of mosques to do so will not be tolerated and people should publically boycott them,” he said.
He said “in the coming days a meeting of Religious organisations, preachers /imams from every sect and school of thought will be convened and we will discuss these issues so that our mosques will become reason for our unity and social reform rather than division.”
Referring to the heinous Kathua incident, Mirwaiz said “it is blot upon all humanity, irrespective of what religion we follow that the most despicable act of pre meditated rape and then murder was used a tool against a community to evict them. It has to be condemned by one and all and justice has to be delivered on this most heinous crime.”
During the Seerat conference, the students from various institutions from different districts shed light on the life and contributions of the holy prophet with lot of zest and zeal.
The function was followed by prize distribution ceremony in which prizes were distributed among the students from various schools who took part in the Seerat competition.
The first position was bagged by Soliha of RP School, second by Abeeba of Kashmir Harward Institute and Areeza of Muslim Public school Rajbagh.
Mirwaiz distributed trophies and cash prizes among the winners. Professor M Sidiq Kuchay, Engineer Ras Masood and Gh Mohiudin were the judges.