Khanqah-e-Moula row: MMU appeals for peace, unity amid controversy

Srinagar, July 20: Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU), the umbrella organisation of all major Islamic sects in Jammu and Kashmir, including some social and educational institutions headed by Mirwaiz Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, issued an important statement urging for peace and concord on the current sectarian controversy at Khanqah-e-Moula Srinagar.

MMU emphasised that known from the very beginning for its unique identity and composition based on unity, sectarian harmony and mutual solidarity, people of J&K should not allow any group or agency to disrupt this legacy for their vested interests. The people of Kashmir cannot afford such divisions, MMU said and added, there is a need to show restraint and patience.

It seems that this incident was a planned and mischievous attempt to hurt the sentiments of the larger sect by some elements at work, which needs to be investigated. While it is the duty of the Wakf Board to unearth the truth behind this mischief as they are the custodians of the shrines and maintaining their sanctity it’s duty, MMU has decided the formation of a committee consisting of responsible members from both sects to investigate and identify the elements involved in this incident. The committee will submit its report in some time after which MMU will follow up on this matter, the statement issued by MMU said.

MMU also expressed serious concern and condemnation over the disrespectful remarks and comments being  made by some scholars, preachers and speakers of both Sunni and Shia communities during various Ashura Muharram events, as well as unacceptable remarks and comments during mourning processions regarding the Sahabas. MMU said that such hurtful remarks and actions cannot be tolerated and demand an inquiry, especially when all members of MMU from all sects, have and are constantly making sincere efforts to ensure unity and brotherhood among the followers of all sects while pursuing  their respective practices. So the above mentioned committee will also seriously investigate this matter and get to its root , to see why and who are responsible for this hate spreading agenda.

This is very crucial for maintaining cohesion and stability of Kashmiri society, which will otherwise be shattered by this agenda, the statement said.

MMU urged scholars and preachers of both sects to stop making comments and speeches on all platforms including on social media that hurt each other’s sentiments, damage unity, and make the Ummah vulnerable.

Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama Jammu and Kashmir includes the following organisations: Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid, Mufti Azams muslim personal law board,  Darul Uloom Rahimiyah Bandipora,, Anjuman Shari Shian, Jamiat Ahle Hadith, Karwan-e-Islami, Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen, Anjuman Himayat-ul-Islam, Anjuman Tabligh-ul-Islam, Jamiat Hamdania, Anjuman Ulama-e-Ahnaf, Darul Uloom Qasmiya, Darul Uloom Bilaliya, Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam, Anjuman Mazhar-ul-Haq, Jamiat-ul-Aima wal Ulama, Anjuman Aima wa Mashayekh Kashmir, Darul Uloom Naqshbandiya, Darul Uloom Rashidiya, Ahlul Bait Foundation, Madrasa Kanz-ul-Uloom, Pirwan-e-Wilayat, Auqaf Islamia Khiram Sirhama, Bazm-e-Tauheed Ahle Hadith Trust, Anjuman Tanzeem-ul-Makatib, Muhammadi Yateem Trust, Anjuman Anwar-ul-Islam, Karwan Khatm-e-Nabuwwat, Darul Uloom Syed-ul-Mursaleen, Anjuman Ulama wa Aima Masajid, Falah-e-Darain Trust Welfare Society Islamabad, Ashraf-ul-Uloom Hyderpora, Darul Uloom Dawoodiya Batamaloo, Darul Uloom Furqaniya Nowshera, Darul Uloom Dawoodiya Khanyar, Jamiat-ul-Ulama, Siraj-ul-Uloom, Idara Wahdat-ul-Makatib, Darul Uloom Imdadiya Natipora, Darul Uloom Jamia-tur-Rashad Awantipora, Khanqah Muradiya Jamia Masjid Kreeri, Darul Uloom Saut-ul-Quran Gulshanabad, Awami Rahat Center, Imamia Federation Kashmir, and other contemporary religious, milli social, and educational institutions.