Kashmir at moral & spiritual crossroads: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

He urged all imams and khateebs to raise these concerns in their sermons.

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 21 (STC): Kashmiri society is drowning in drugs, scams, and online gambling. Social evils are creeping in, corrupting Kashmiri youth and weakening their moral fabric.
This was stated by Mirwaiz Kashmir Umar Farooq while addressing the Friday congregation at Jamua Masjid.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said, “We must ask ourselves: Where are we headed as a nation? Our morals and values are eroding—lies, deceit, and selfishness have taken root. The pursuit of personal gain has blinded us, leading us away from the teachings of Islam. Instead of seeking true faith, we have fallen into baseless superstitions, making it easy for frauds and criminals to exploit us.”
Mirwaiz quoted the incident of Aijaz Sheikh – a man who, for decades, destroyed the lives of thousands of young children. “His crimes are not just his alone; they were allowed to fester because we remained silent. We have become ignorant of our faith, following fake faith healers and superstitions instead of seeking true knowledge. When people lack understanding and blindly believe without questioning, criminals like him take advantage, manipulating and exploiting the weak in the name of faith. This is why true Islamic education is essential,” Mirwaiz said.
He further said, there must be no leniency for such criminals! We demand the severest punishment so that no one dares to commit such crimes again. “His actions have not only devastated innocent children but have also brought disgrace and mistrust upon the Mansab of Imamat,” Mirwaiz said.
Mirwaiz said, look at the state of our land—no rain, no water, no snow. Is this not a sign of Allah’s displeasure? When a society allows corruption and injustice to thrive, divine blessings are withheld.
With Ramadan approaching, Mirwaiz said, we have a chance to turn back to Allah, seek His forgiveness, and purify ourselves. Let us abandon dishonesty and selfishness and embrace truth and justice.
Mirwaiz said, throughout Ramadan, he intends to speak on these critical issues as well —the moral decay, the corruption that is eating away at our society, and the exploitation of the weak. He urged all imams and khateebs to raise these concerns in their sermons. We must awaken our people to the dangers that surround us and guide them back to the path of righteousness.
Mirwaiz said, we hope the authorities do not create obstacles in the practice of our faith. It deeply pains us that Shab-e-Baraat prayers were not allowed at Jamia Masjid, and that I was again placed under house arrest. This must stop! “Worship is our fundamental right, and any undue interference in our religious affairs is unacceptable and condemnable,” he said. (STC)