“By establishing clear and strict guidelines regarding who is qualified to address the public from the pulpit, we can safeguard the peace and coexistence that our society holds dear.”
I write with utmost respect and concern to draw your immediate attention, and that of all responsible religious scholars—especially the esteemed members of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama J&K, the J&K Muslim Personal Law Board, and other respected Muslim organizations—to a matter of critical importance affecting the peace and unity of our society.
It has come to our notice with utmost pain that certain preachers have recently surfaced on social media and are using the sacred pulpit of the Holy Prophet ﷺ for personal publicity through highly provocative and inflammatory remarks. The sermons delivered by them blatantly disregard the sentiments of various sects, targeting their beliefs and rituals with offensive and inappropriate language. Such inflammatory rhetoric has deeply hurt the feelings of many within the community and poses a serious threat to societal harmony. If not addressed urgently, these actions could become a source of discord and unrest.
In light of this situation, we humbly appeal to you and the respected members of the Muttahida Majilis-e-Ulama to:
Call an Urgent Meeting: Convene a session of the Council with the specific agenda of drafting and approving comprehensive qualifications and ethical guidelines for those who are permitted to occupy the sacred pulpit in mosques, Imam Bargahs and Khanqahs across Jammu and Kashmir. This step is essential to ensure that the pulpit remains a platform for unity, guidance, and peace rather than division and discord.
Take Immediate Preventive Measures: Steps should be taken to prevent such individuals, who indulge in provocative speech and divisive rhetoric, from using the sacred pulpit. Furthermore, we request that all videos and related content of such individuals be removed from social media platforms to prevent the spread of their inflammatory views.
Urge Disassociation by Relevant Organizations: The school of thought or organization with which these individuals are associated should publicly disassociate themselves from their statements and views. Such a step will send a clear message that no support will be extended to those who endanger the harmony of our society.
Promote Responsible Engagement: We also urge scholars from other sects, who may feel compelled to respond to such baseless provocations, to exercise patience and avoid giving unnecessary attention to such individuals. Reacting impulsively may only serve the purpose of those who seek publicity through controversy.
Engage Government Agencies if Necessary: After due deliberations, the Ulemas may consider involving appropriate government agencies and law enforcement, if deemed necessary, to address and eliminate this menace at the earliest. This will ensure that any unlawful and divisive actions are dealt with swiftly, safeguarding the peace and unity of our community.
Sir, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the sacred pulpit remains a source of knowledge, guidance, and unity for all. By establishing clear and strict guidelines regarding who is qualified to address the public from the pulpit, we can safeguard the peace and coexistence that our society holds dear.
Let us act with wisdom, patience, and foresight to uphold the values of mutual respect and harmony. We trust that the Council in association with the J&K Muslim Personal Law Board and other such organisations will take the necessary measures to address this sensitive issue responsibly.
The write-up has been slightly edited for flow and format.
“By establishing clear and strict guidelines regarding who is qualified to address the public from the pulpit, we can safeguard the peace and coexistence that our society holds dear.”
I write with utmost respect and concern to draw your immediate attention, and that of all responsible religious scholars—especially the esteemed members of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama J&K, the J&K Muslim Personal Law Board, and other respected Muslim organizations—to a matter of critical importance affecting the peace and unity of our society.
It has come to our notice with utmost pain that certain preachers have recently surfaced on social media and are using the sacred pulpit of the Holy Prophet ﷺ for personal publicity through highly provocative and inflammatory remarks. The sermons delivered by them blatantly disregard the sentiments of various sects, targeting their beliefs and rituals with offensive and inappropriate language. Such inflammatory rhetoric has deeply hurt the feelings of many within the community and poses a serious threat to societal harmony. If not addressed urgently, these actions could become a source of discord and unrest.
In light of this situation, we humbly appeal to you and the respected members of the Muttahida Majilis-e-Ulama to:
Call an Urgent Meeting: Convene a session of the Council with the specific agenda of drafting and approving comprehensive qualifications and ethical guidelines for those who are permitted to occupy the sacred pulpit in mosques, Imam Bargahs and Khanqahs across Jammu and Kashmir. This step is essential to ensure that the pulpit remains a platform for unity, guidance, and peace rather than division and discord.
Take Immediate Preventive Measures: Steps should be taken to prevent such individuals, who indulge in provocative speech and divisive rhetoric, from using the sacred pulpit. Furthermore, we request that all videos and related content of such individuals be removed from social media platforms to prevent the spread of their inflammatory views.
Urge Disassociation by Relevant Organizations: The school of thought or organization with which these individuals are associated should publicly disassociate themselves from their statements and views. Such a step will send a clear message that no support will be extended to those who endanger the harmony of our society.
Promote Responsible Engagement: We also urge scholars from other sects, who may feel compelled to respond to such baseless provocations, to exercise patience and avoid giving unnecessary attention to such individuals. Reacting impulsively may only serve the purpose of those who seek publicity through controversy.
Engage Government Agencies if Necessary: After due deliberations, the Ulemas may consider involving appropriate government agencies and law enforcement, if deemed necessary, to address and eliminate this menace at the earliest. This will ensure that any unlawful and divisive actions are dealt with swiftly, safeguarding the peace and unity of our community.
Sir, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the sacred pulpit remains a source of knowledge, guidance, and unity for all. By establishing clear and strict guidelines regarding who is qualified to address the public from the pulpit, we can safeguard the peace and coexistence that our society holds dear.
Let us act with wisdom, patience, and foresight to uphold the values of mutual respect and harmony. We trust that the Council in association with the J&K Muslim Personal Law Board and other such organisations will take the necessary measures to address this sensitive issue responsibly.
The write-up has been slightly edited for flow and format.
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