Srinagar, May 18 ): Speaking at a rally organised by Aga Syed Hadi Al-Moosvi at Imam Barah Bemina to pay tribute to Shaheed Ayatullah Ali Khamenei, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq paid heartfelt tributes to the late leader and expressed solidarity with the people of Iran.
Mirwaiz said that Ayatullah Khamenei was a towering figure of the Muslim Ummah who consistently stood for the oppressed and voiceless, especially the people of Palestine.
Expressing concern over the prevailing global situation, Mirwaiz said that sadly the international politics of “might is right” is pushing the whole world towards instability and danger, while people are increasingly losing trust in international institutions including the United Nations. He said that no war can ever truly be won through the violation of international laws and human values.
Recalling Ayatullah Khamenei’s affection for the people of Kashmir, Mirwaiz remembered his historic visit to Kashmir and offering of Friday prayers at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar along with Shaheed-e-Millat Mirwaiz Molvi Muhammad Farooq (RA). He appreciated his role in promoting Muslim unity and said that in today’s challenging times — marked by political, social and moral crises — the need to uphold unity and mutual respect within the Ummah has become even more important.
Mirwaiz also highlighted Kashmir’s historic civilisational and cultural links with Iran and Central Asia, saying that these deep-rooted connections, dating back to the Silk Route era, need to be revisited and revived. He said Kashmir’s arts, crafts, carpets, language and intellectual traditions bear the imprint of this centuries-old association, which should continue to be strengthened for the benefit of future generations.
On the occasion Mirwaiz also spoke about the urgent need to preserving Kashmir’s distinct identity, language and culture, facing serious challenges in the present times. Referring to the growing concern regarding Urdu,a language spoken and cherished by millions , Mirwaiz regretted that it was being viewed through a religious prism merely because it is widely spoken by Muslims and was hence being targets. He said all languages deserve respect and recognition, and politicising or communalising languages is deeply unfortunate and harmful to the composite cultural ethos of society.
Mirwaiz said that under the banner of the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), they will continue to work for sectarian unity, mutual respect and brotherhood among all schools of thought within the Muslim Ummah. He urged people to support and strengthen these efforts and be wary of those who promote division and sectarian discord within the community.
