Religious group flays disallowing prayers at Jamia Masjid
The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), the largest representative body of Islamic groups and religious institutions of Jammu and Kashmir, headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has expressed deep resentment over the decision of the authorities to disallow Shab-e-Qadr and Jumat-ul-Vida congregational prayers at the Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid.
A statement by MMU on Saturday stated, “It was deeply unfortunate and painful that while in every part of the world, including in war-torn regions and conflict zones, people were allowed to gather peacefully to offer these sacred prayers, only in Kashmir, the biggest congregation of Muslims was deliberately disallowed and barred by the authorities.”
“This has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of the people and reflects a policy of interfering in and curbing the religious rights of the Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir,” the body said.
The authorities in Kashmir disallowed the Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid. This after night prayers on Shab-e-Qadr, one of the holiest nights of the Islamic calendar, was also not allowed at the mosque.
MMU informed that on occasion of Eid ul Fitr, all cleric across J&K will, in their sermons, collectively raise their voice against the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, which the Union Government intends to table in the Parliament. “The MMU reiterates that this Bill is against the interests of the Muslim community and undermines their religious and community institutions,” the statement said.
“We appeal to the Government and the Parliament not to pass this Bill and respect the religious rights and interests of Muslims,” it added.
