Religious matters should be left to scholars, says senior BJP leader Ab Gani Kohli

Questions Waqf Board’s move on Friday sermons as and for consultations before issuing directives

STC NEWS DESK
JAMMU, OCTOBER 14 (STC): Senior BJP leader and former Jammu and Kashmir minister Abdul Gani Kohli on Wednesday criticised the J&K Waqf Board over its directives concerning Friday sermons, saying decisions involving religious practices should be taken in consultation with Islamic scholars rather than imposed through administrative orders.
Addressing a press conference in Jammu, Kohli expressed reservations over what he described as unilateral decision-making by the Board, warning that such measures could create confusion and divisions within the Muslim community.
Without naming Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, the former minister questioned the approach adopted by the Board in dealing with religious institutions.
Kohli said matters concerning the mosque pulpit, prayer niche and Friday sermons were religiously sensitive and should be guided by qualified Islamic scholars and Muftis.
He urged the Board to consult prominent religious scholars, community representatives and other stakeholders before taking decisions affecting religious practices.
Questioning the practicality of uniform guidelines for Friday sermons, Kohli said religious and social concerns differed across Jammu and Kashmir.
He said issues relevant to congregations in Jammu, Srinagar, Poonch and remote mountainous areas could vary considerably, making a standardised sermon format unsuitable for all regions.
The BJP leader also raised concerns over the management of religious institutions under the Waqf Board.
Referring to a shrine in his native Lassana area of the Pir Panjal region, Kohli claimed that educational and charitable activities had functioned more effectively under local management committees.
He alleged that student enrolment and community outreach had declined after the Board assumed direct control of the institution.
Kohli said administrative oversight should not undermine the role of local communities in managing religious and charitable institutions.
Reaffirming his association with the BJP, the former minister said political affiliation should not come in the way of expressing concerns over religious matters.
He maintained that the Constitution guaranteed freedom of religion and that administrative institutions must respect the rights and religious sensitivities of communities.
Kohli called upon the Waqf Board to adopt a consultative approach and resolve differences through dialogue with religious scholars and community representatives.
(Straight Talk Communications I Inputs from KNS)