Srinagar, October 13: Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi on Tuesday defended the proposal for common Friday sermon themes, saying religious scholars should decide the subjects they address.
Responding to National Conference spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq’s criticism, Andrabi questioned his authority to speak on behalf of clerics. She maintained that scholars were better placed to identify issues affecting society and guide their communities.
Sadiq had opposed the proposal and demanded its withdrawal, arguing that Imams and Khateebs should not be directed by political authorities on what to preach. He said religious scholars draw on years of study and an understanding of local circumstances when delivering sermons.
At a press conference in Srinagar, Andrabi said the Board had issued no order making uniform Friday sermons mandatory. She maintained that neither she nor Board officials could dictate sermon topics, and that preachers would remain free to decide how to address them. Andrabi said the proposed committee would consist of religious scholars and that she would not be a member. She described the initiative as an effort to encourage discussion of social concerns, including drug abuse, suicide and problems affecting young people.
The proposal has drawn opposition from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema. They have questioned the Board’s role in religious discourse and called for the independence of mosque pulpits to be protected.
