Waqf Board chief Dr. Darakshan denies reports of mandatory common Friday sermons in Waqf mosques

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 13 (STC): Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi has clarified that the Board has issued no order making common Friday sermons mandatory in its affiliated mosques.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, she said religious scholars and preachers were free to decide sermon topics without interference from the Board. She said the proposed initiative aimed to encourage discussions on social issues, including drug abuse, family problems and mental health challenges among youth.
Andrabi added that a proposed core committee would comprise religious scholars who would independently decide the subjects of sermons.
Notably, her clarification comes amid opposition from political and religious leaders over the proposal to introduce common themes for Friday sermons in Waqf-affiliated mosques.
(Straight Talk Communications I Inputs from KINS)