Uncomfortable, nevertheless pertinent

In the undulating valleys of Kashmir, where the mist dances with the morning sun and the whispers of ancient traditions linger in the air, a profound paradox reveals itself amidst the serene beauty – a dichotomy of communal priorities.

Here, amidst the breathtaking landscapes and deeply entrenched customs, the grandeur of mosque construction stands as a beacon of faith and spiritual unity, resonating with prayers and sermons, particularly during the sacred month of Ramadan. Yet, in the shadows of these towering edifices, the silent struggles of the community's most pressing needs often fade into obscurity, overlooked amidst the transient fervour of devotion.

Across the sprawling expanse of Kashmir, communities engage in a solemn ritual of fundraising, pooling resources for the construction and embellishment of mosques, an act perceived as a noble testament to their unwavering devotion.

The sight of these architectural marvels, adorned with intricate designs and suffused with the echoes of heartfelt prayers during Ramadan, serves as a tangible manifestation of the collective faith that binds the community together.

However, as the ephemeral fervour of Ramadan dissipates and the mosques retreat into a tranquil silence, a poignant question lingers in the minds of the discerning few – do these endeavours truly address the community's most profound needs?

Undoubtedly, the construction and maintenance of mosques hold a sacred place in the tapestry of Kashmiri society, nurturing a sense of communal belonging and spiritual interconnectedness. Yet, the fervour and dedication lavished upon these endeavours often eclipse other critical facets of communal well-being. Late marriages, entrenched unemployment, and the struggle for sustenance linger as silent spectres, haunting the collective conscience of the community.

Late marriages, in particular, cast a long shadow over the fabric of Kashmiri society, ensnaring families in a web of financial strain and societal expectations. The burden of orchestrating these unions, compounded by the weight of tradition and social obligations, inflicts profound stress upon families, perpetuating a cycle of economic hardship that undermines both individual prosperity and communal cohesion.

Similarly, the scarcity of viable employment opportunities exacerbates the challenges faced by Kashmiri communities, relegating them to the margins of economic precarity. While the funds mobilised for mosque construction symbolise unity and devotion, their potential for transformative change remains untapped.

Redirecting these resources towards initiatives that foster economic empowerment – such as vocational training programs and support for local enterprises – could serve as a catalyst for sustainable development, uplifting families from the throes of poverty and nurturing a resilient community fabric.

Moreover, the plight of parents striving to secure a promising future for their children through marriage often remains obscured by the grandeur of mosque construction. The exorbitant costs associated with weddings, coupled with societal expectations, impose a heavy toll on families, diverting precious resources from essential needs such as education, healthcare, and adequate housing.

In essence, while the construction and adornment of mosques signify a profound commitment to faith and spiritual unity, the true measure of devotion lies not merely in the splendour of architectural marvels, but in the compassionate attention bestowed upon one's fellow beings.

By recalibrating community priorities and directing resources towards initiatives that address the multifaceted challenges confronting the community, Kashmiri society can chart a course towards holistic development – where faith and welfare intertwine to forge a more inclusive and resilient collective identity.