Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema Holds Historic First Joint Friday Sermon Across J&K and Ladakh, Emphasizing Faith and Unity

By : Sheikh Mohammad Isa

SRINAGAR — In a significant religious and social development, the United Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) of Jammu and Kashmir conducted its first-ever joint, coordinated Friday sermon across the Kashmir Valley, Jammu, Chenab, Kargil, and Leh. “Iman” (Faith) was unanimously chosen as the foundational and common topic for congregations held across mosques, khankahs, and imambargahs in the region. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Delivers Landmark Sermon at Charar-e-Sharief

Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Maulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq delivered the primary Friday sermon at the historic Khanqah of Hazrat Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA), famously known as Alamdar-e-Kashmir, in Charrar Sharif.

Addressing a massive gathering of devotees, the Mirwaiz focused heavily on the critical importance of protecting one’s faith and remaining steadfast against worldly temptations, political pressures, and contemporary challenges.

• Faith as a Way of Life: Emphasizing that faith is far more than a verbal declaration, the Mirwaiz noted that true belief forms the bedrock of a believer’s entire existence, vividly reflected through their character, moral conduct, decisions, and day-to-day dealings.
• Incorruptibility of Belief: Quoting the guidance of the Holy Quran, he stressed that religious convictions can never be bartered or compromised for any worldly interest, material wealth, social position, or personal gain.
• The True Test of Conscience: “A believer can benefit from their rightful opportunities while living in the world, but they should never compromise their faith for worldly interests,” Mirwaiz stated, adding that true faith is genuinely tested when personal expediency and conscience stand in direct opposition.

Call to Action for Religious Scholars and Pulpits

Highlighting the responsibilities of Islamic scholars and religious leaders, the Mirwaiz asserted that the pulpit is a sacred trust. He warned against using religious platforms to foster divisions or sectarian differences, urging Imams and khateebs to use their influence to strengthen community bonds, guide society toward righteousness, and foster mutual harmony.

“The pulpit should be used to strengthen faith, guide society, and bring people closer to each other, not to be used as a means to promote mutual differences and divisions.” — Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir

Furthermore, he pointed out that preserving faith has become increasingly paramount in the modern era, where religious institutions and core values face constant external pressures. Collective unity and solidarity remain the most effective bulwarks against these challenges.

Honoring the Legacy of Hazrat Sheikh-ul-Alam

Paying rich tribute to Hazrat Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA), the Mirwaiz reminded the congregation of the saint’s profound contributions to the region’s spiritual and cultural landscape. He noted that the teachings of Sheikh-ul-Alam imparted the timeless message of Tawhid (oneness of God), Iman (faith), Tasawwuf (spirituality), and moral accountability in the local language of Kashmir.

• Preserving Linguistic and Cultural Heritage: Staying connected to the teachings of Sheikh-ul-Alam is vital not only for deepening religious roots but also for preserving the mother tongue and passing rich spiritual traditions down to future generations.
• True Tribute: The Mirwaiz concluded that honoring the legacy of Alamdar-e-Kashmir requires active implementation of his teachings, safeguarding moral values, and strengthening the bond with the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The coordinated initiative by the United Majlis-e-Ulema marks a major milestone in unifying religious discourse across the diverse geographical terrains of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.