Mirwaiz Umar Farooq
@MirwaizKashmir • 233,070 subscribers
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Restrictions in the valley continue and have been heightened on a Friday in the holy month of Ramzan. I have also been placed under house arrest, and in these greatly blessed days, when thousands come to the mosques seeking blessings and guidance the pulpit of Jama Masjid is silent and all lanes and by lanes leading to the mosque barricaded. It is very sad and unfortunate. But the sadness felt in Kashmir today is not only because of these restrictions. Muslims across the world are aggrieved and deeply anxious by Israeli and American aggression in the region. Israel and America want to reshape the region to suit their interests, and for that they are willing to go to any extent, as the brutal killing of the head of a country and a great spiritual leader, Ayatullah Khamenei and the attack on a sovereign nation Iran, plunging the entire region into a crisis and grief, shows. Across Jammu and Kashmir, from the Valley to Jammu, Ladakh and Kargil people have expressed their condemnation of this aggression and expressed solidarity in one voice, beyond divisions as one ummah. The Ummah cannot be divided in moments like this. When injustice is inflicted upon one part, pain is felt by the entire body. As Mirwaiz, I stand in heartfelt solidarity with the people of Iran, with Palestinians and with those who are bearing the brunt of this aggression in the region and beyond. All human lives are precious, and wars and violence are man made catastrophes that cause loss of precious lives. May Allah protect all, grant patience to those who mourn, and bring swift justice to the oppressors and liberate the oppressed.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq54,487 просмотров • 3 месяцев назад
Again prevented from going to #JamaMasjid for third consecutive Friday. Despite the bone chilling cold thousands of faithful-the elderly,women, physically challenged, children,people from all over the valley gather, waiting expectantly with a lot of affection and devotion to listen to the word of God at the Grand Mosque. What hurt and disappointment it brings to them all when those in power assert brute force and detain me,totally impervious and heartless to the grief they cause to them,to me and to the Muslims of the valley .
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq189,457 просмотров • 1 год назад
For second consecutive Friday I remain under house detention — with every lane and by-lane to my residence barricaded, causing inconvenience to the entire neighbourhood . Let me make it clear to the rulers , the memory of our martyrs cannot be regulated by them. It resides in our hearts . Facts and history cannot be erased by lockdowns and barring people from visiting the martyrs graveyards or stopping me from going to Jama Masjid on Fridays , not by appeasing narratives or shameful communal distortions, if it resides in the collective memory of people, which it does. The Marty’s of July 13 1931 were the frontrunners of the political movement in Kashmir; a people’s just struggle against oppression. They are and will remain our inspiration.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq94,976 просмотров • 11 месяцев назад
As the threat of war intensifies and the loss of precious lives continues, deep sorrow and anxiety grips our hearts. Unfortunately, whenever tensions rise between India and Pakistan, the brunt which follows is primarily borne by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Across the LOC, people are suffering immense hardships, as the loss of their lives, shelter and livelihood is seen only as collateral damage. I urge both the countries to urgently de-escalate and not to tread on this dangerous path, which can only lead to destruction. Though not allowed by authorities to go to Jama Masjid today, I join in spirit with every soul praying for "Aman-o-Amaan" . Let today’s Juma be a moment of collective duaa—asking Allah to protect us, avert further bloodshed, and guide us toward peace and wisdom. Dua from last Fridays sermon
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq101,378 просмотров • 1 год назад
I express my deep anguish and concern over the health condition of senior Kashmiri leaders Shabir Ahmad Shah and Mohammad Yasin Malik, as conveyed by their family members who recently visited them in jail. Shah Sahib’s wife, in a letter to me, conveyed that their daughter, who visited Shah Sahib in jail reported that he seems to be dying a silent death due to his fast deteriorating health and multiple complications with no recourse to urgent care or hospitalisation. The letter urges the authorities to at least shift him home and convert Shah Sahib’s house into a jail so that the family can take care of him and provide him the urgent medical attention, as his health cannot withstand any further delay. This has deeply alarmed me, and I once again fervently appeal to the central government to show compassion and, on humanitarian grounds, release Shah Sahib or at least, as per the family’s request, put him under arrest at home where he will be taken care of. Yasin Sahib’s mother and sister, who also met him in jail a few days back, conveyed that prolonged incarceration and confinement have taken a huge toll on his physical and mental health and that he is also in need of urgent medical care. I urge the authorities to provide medical assistance to Yasin Sahib. It is deeply distressing to hear of the pain and suffering that these and other leaders are enduring in detention. Reports about the worsening health and harsh conditions of other Kashmiri political detainees and youth lodged in various jails within and outside Jammu and Kashmir are equally worrying. This is a matter of human concern and compassion that is above political considerations and ideologies. I urge that immediate and adequate medical care be provided to all detainees suffering from health issues, and I appeal to the authorities and judiciary to consider their condition on humanitarian grounds and their rights as prisoners. I also urge the elected representatives of the J&K Assembly to unite on this issue and play their role especially the ruling party in securing the release and relief for the Kashmiri prisoners suffering incarceration under draconian laws.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq61,728 просмотров • 8 месяцев назад
21st of May is a painful reminder of one of the darkest day in the history of Kashmir when people lost their voice with the martyrdom of their beloved leader Shaheed-e-Millat Mirwaiz Molvi Farooq. The mayhem that followed with more than 70 mourners killed and hundreds injured is etched in the collective memory of people. Years later on the same day another sane voice was silenced when Shaheed-e -Hurriyat Khawaja Abdul Ghani Lone was snatched from us. It is unfortunate and condemnable that through Intimidation, might and media gags the state prevented people from expressing their sentiments and paying tributes to their beloved leaders and the Martyrs of Hawal. Today even individually people are disallowed from going to Mazar-e-shuhada Eidgah to offer Fatiha prayers, while I am under house arrest since yesterday evening. Repressive tactics will not change reality nor erase the contribution of these beloved leaders and their place in people’s heart. In memory of the shaheed leader a brief gaze into his short and eventful life.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq13,333 просмотров • 1 месяц назад
Once again, I have been placed under house arrest by the authorities on the occasion of Majlis-e-Rahmat-ul-lil-Alameen ﷺ at Jama Masjid, where respected ulema were to participate today. Our human and political rights already stand denied, and then there is this relentless interference in our religious matters from locking us up to silencing our voice on issues ranging from the Ashoka plaque at Hazratbal to meddling with Muslim calendar holidays, to disallowing religious functions at masjids. The pulpit of Jamia Masjid will, however, continue to raise its voice be on matters of religious interference or blatant violation of people’s rights and their disempowerment.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq55,618 просмотров • 9 месяцев назад
I am deeply pained and strongly condemn the authorities decision to once again deny the Muslims of Kashmir the basic right to offer Eid prayers at Eidgah and Jama Masjid which have been closed down and I have been detained at home Even at the peak of miltancy during 1990’s Eid prayers were offered at Eidgah , so now when huge claims of “normalcy “ are made everyday by the authorities , why are Muslims being kept away from their religious places and practices? What is the agenda ? Is the collective identify of Kashmiri Muslims a threat to the rulers ? Eidgah and Jama Masjid belong to the people. Barring them from these sacred spaces even on Eid reflects an oppressive and authoritarian approach that prevails in Kashmir today.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq73,225 просмотров • 1 год назад
I Return to Jama Masjid After Month-Long Restrictions Condemn Brutal Killings, Pay Tribute to Victims and Rescuers Urge Safety for Kashmiris, Denounce Media Vilification Today, after more than one month, authorities allowed me to come to Jama Masjid. Repeatedly, I am barred from delivering the Friday sermon and offering prayers here, which, while being condemnable, is cruel to me and all those who come here to listen to the sermon, and to all Muslims of the valley who are deeply upset by such measures. I once again ask the authorities to desist from pursuing the approach of bans and bars. Sadly, during this time, we had to witness a terrifying incident which has left our hearts bleeding. The manner in which a carnage was carried out—more than two dozen people killed after ascertaining their identities and in front of their families—is shocking and chilling beyond belief. We strongly condemn it. Who better can understand the pain and grief of loss to the families of those affected than a people who have suffered it for decades and still continue to. Today, as I say this, as per the Islamic calendar, it is the 36th martyrdom anniversary of my father, Shaheed-e-Millat Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammad Farooq, and seventy others who lost their lives on this tragic day. Our hearts go out to these families who will never see their loved ones again, and our prayers are with them. We also pray for the speedy recovery of those injured. Kashmiris have always opened their hearts and homes to outsiders, especially tourists. Known for our hospitality to visitors, people of Kashmir once again upheld the tradition of outreach, help, and humanity in this distressing time. Being left helpless, locals helped those at the spot to flee, even at the risk to their own lives, in which pony operator Adil Hussain lost his life. We pay homage to this brave young Kashmiri who gave the ultimate sacrifice of life while saving that of others. Others rushed the injured, some even on their backs, trekking miles to hospitals. Kashmiris, in every manner, reached out to help the distressed tourists, as can be seen in videos where tourists are thanking them for opening up their homes to them, giving them food and free taxi rides to airports and other destinations, and even providing emotional support. People observed a complete shutdown, held spontaneous and silent protests, and candlelight vigils in memory of those killed in this horrific manner. The people of Kashmir send a strong message of their total disapproval of such actions and their solidarity and sympathy with the bereaved by standing shoulder to shoulder with them. Yet a large section of mainstream media, with its communal rhetoric of hate directed against Kashmiris, has made Kashmiris across India vulnerable, forcing hundreds to leave cities and towns, especially the students, causing great distress to their families and to all of us. I appeal to the concerned governments in different states of India to ensure the safety of our students and all other Kashmiris. I also ask the authorities to allow me to visit the injured in hospitals and to the house of Adil Hussain to pay my condolences to the family of this brave heart. Prior to prayers, in solidarity with the bereaved families, we will observe one minute of silence.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq64,250 просмотров • 1 год назад
I meet you on the first Friday of the year not in Jama Masjid, as the Mirwaiz should, but on social media, as I have once again been put under arrest! As another year begins and we look forward to it, painful memories of 2025 stay with us. It was a year marked by tragedy and uncertainty. The horrific Pahalgam attack shook us deeply. Unequivocally condemned by one and all in the valley, it led to a lot of anxiety among the people as they were targeted and homes demolished. This was followed by another India–Pakistan war, and a stark reminder of how fragile peace in the region continues to be. Despite making unilateral changes in 2019, the reality is that the Kashmir conflict continues to keep the region in an unsettled state that can erupt anytime. That is why wars are paused, not ended, and dialogue finds no takers. The year-end witnessed another tragedy — the massive blast and loss of life in New Delhi. Yet beyond these incidents, in which Kashmiris find themselves at the receiving end of suspicion and attacks in parts of India, not much has changed for them. The trust deficit between them and New Delhi has widened, not shrunk. Enforced silence is projected as acquiescence. Wounds remain open, problems unaddressed, and an elected government of a UT complains of being powerless. A sense of hopelessness prevails, along with an existential crisis of losing one’s identity through demographic change since the state was downgraded to a Union Territory, constitutional guarantees withdrawn, and rules and laws tweaked. The year also witnessed the banning of the Awami Action Committee — a socio-political institution that reached out to people in need, advocating peace, dialogue and resolution — along with Ittihadul Muslimeen, which were part of the Hurriyat Conference. Much of that space has now been extinguished. Today we are operating in an environment where any expression of views contrary to the state, or any disagreement, is increasingly criminalised, branded as “anti-national” and penalised. No public space is available to us, and mediums of communication, including most local media, are not ready to provide any space for voicing expressions of people’s demands or views. I do not have the privilege of addressing press conferences. I cannot move without getting official clearance, and people cannot meet me without seeking permission. My access to the pulpit of Jama Masjid — the spiritual heart of Kashmir — is also curtailed. Even last Friday, I was placed under house arrest, and again this Friday too. In fact, last year I was under house arrest for fourteen Fridays. Arbitrary house arrests have become a recurring feature in my life. All this is deeply suffocating — not only for me, but for an entire society that increasingly feels voiceless. So when pressed to make changes to my social media profile — as Hurriyat constituents are banned under UAPA, displaying the title would be considered illegal and the platforms barred to me — I was left with little choice but to safeguard the minimal channel of communication available to me or face the risk of complete silencing, as even today I am addressing you through this channel when I am again put under house arrest. With Hurriyat constituents banned, all offices sealed and institutions closed, leaders and activists either in jails or under constant surveillance, social media remains the only platform that gives some voice and opportunity to connect with people and the outside world. Let me make it clear, my beliefs and convictions have not changed — not even by a comma. Some have criticised this move as a compromise. To them I say, how and for what? They make a strange argument — for being provided security. But it was provided to me since the day of my father’s martyrdom 35 years ago. If I did not compromise for it since then, why should I compromise now?
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq31,577 просмотров • 5 месяцев назад
Again disallowed from going to Jama Masjid on a Friday for the second consecutive week . As I raise people’s issues and concerns from the pulpit as is my duty, it seems to make the authorities jittery and uncomfortable , so lock him up! As if by locking me up issues will disappear and realty altered. But an authoritarian mindset can’t think beyond .. strongly condemn my house arrest and the imprisonment of thousands of Kashmiri prisoners who are victims of this mindset.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq64,011 просмотров • 1 год назад
A new menace has overtaken us and we are witnessing its growing grip on society-online gambling. As destructive as substance abuse which we are already battling, it’s luring thousands into addiction as ‘entertainment,’ destroying them and their families and corroding our moral fabric. It demands our immediate attention. The government must act on it, it’s their duty. Development is not merely the economic upliftment of people or building infrastructure for them while they are morally and spiritually lowered and lost. That defies its purpose. So comprehensive plan and actions need to be put in place to ensure that these serious concern are addressed on urgent basis. At the community and social level people also have to be proactive dealing with this. All cannot be left to the Government. Religious scholars have a key role to play in creating moral awareness about these issues in the light of religious teachings and values and disseminate the message among people through all mediums available. Addressing the youth during a Nikah Khutba, where I spoke about the need to build our lives on the foundation of Islamic character, self-control, and social responsibility, in the background of these issues. I also appeal to the judiciary to take serious note of this issue and immediately impose a ban on this menace before more damage is done.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq48,400 просмотров • 1 год назад
Strongly Condemns Israeli Bombing in Iran Israel Perpetuating Genocide, Threatening Regional Stability and Global Peace — Urges UN and World Powers to Act; Kashmir’s stands in Solidarity with Iranians and Palestinians Another distressing news that came this morning is the bombing of Iran by Israel, in which many civilians including women and children have been killed. Besides, senior Iranian military personnel have also been assassinated. This is highly condemnable. While perpetuating genocide on hapless Palestinians and getting away with it, Israel is now putting the whole of Middle East in peril. It has become a rogue state and a huge threat to world peace. It is the moral duty of the UN and all world nations to put pressure on Israel to stop the genocide and war in Gaza and prevent Israel from targeting other nations. People of Jammu and Kashmir stand with Palestinians and Iranians against Israeli aggression on them. اسرائیل کی ایران پر بمباری کی شدید مذمت ،جموںوکشمیر کے عوام ایران اور فلسطینی عوام کے ساتھ کھڑے ہیں: آج صبح یہ افسوسناک خبر ملی کہ اسرائیل نے ایران پر بمباری کی جس میں کئی عام شہریوں بشمول خواتین اور بچے جاں بحق ہوئے جبکہ اعلیٰ ایرانی فوجی افسران کو بھی شہید کر دیا گیا۔ یہ انتہائی قابلِ مذمت ہے۔ بے بس فلسطینی عوام پر نسل کشی مسلط کر کے اور اس سے بچ نکلنے کے بعد اب اسرائیل پورے مشرق وسطیٰ کو خطرے میں ڈال رہا ہے۔ یہ ایک آمر ریاست بن چکی ہے اور یہ عالمی امن کے لیے ایک بہت بڑا خطرہ بن چکا ہے۔ اقوام متحدہ اور دنیا کے تمام ممالک کی اخلاقی ذمہ داری ہے کہ وہ اسرائیل پر دباو¿ ڈالیں کہ وہ غزہ میں نسل کشی اور جنگ بند کرے اور دیگر ممالک کو نشانہ بنانے سے باز رہے۔ جموں و کشمیر کے عوام فلسطینیوں اور ایرانیوں کے ساتھ اسرائیلی جارحیت کے خلاف کھڑے ہیں۔
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq38,553 просмотров • 1 год назад
Alhamdulillah! allowed by the authorities to attend the Friday prayers at #JamaMasjid and address the faithful after a gap of one month. As the Mirwaiz it is my duty to utilise this pulpit to call attention to issues that affect our society—be they of religious, political, social or economic nature ,and provide guidance in the light of Islamic teachings and values and on moral principles. Every Friday we are left wondering whether I will be allowed to go and fulfill my responsibilities . This uncertainty is not just for me—it affects the entire community, which for generations looks to this pulpit for guidance on matters of faith and on issues and challenges faced by them . I sincerely hope that from now onwards the approach of creating hurdles and imposing restrictions will cease , and I will be uninterruptedly allowed to do my job.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq47,455 просмотров • 1 год назад
Stopped by police from leaving home today morning to receive condolences on the demise of Mirwaiz Mohammad Ahmad, at our ancestral home Mirwaiz Manzil Rajouri Kadal ,with people waiting there . Jama Masjid locked! Auqaf threatened with FIR if funeral prayers in absentia (gaibana nimaz e jinaza ) offered their for the deceased ! Is it unlawful to condole death and offer funeral prayers in ‘Naya Kashmir’ ? LG sahab Please clarify..
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq50,042 просмотров • 1 год назад
Alhumdulilah! After more than five years, I got a chance to be together with my dear colleagues Professor sb, Bilal sb and Masroor sb. An emotional experience of different feelings, including missing colleagues in jail. But happy to see dear Prof sb in good spirits and an alert mind at this age.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq49,091 просмотров • 1 год назад
For the second consecutive Friday, I have been denied permission to go to Jama Masjid. At will, the authorities curb our basic rights.Heavens would not have fallen if we had been allowed to participate in the janazah of Prof. Bhat Sahib, and offer duas for the departed soul. Are the authorities so afraid of the dead! To be locked up in my home week after week, barred from entering the historic Jama Masjid is nothing but proof that we are living under an authoritarian setup. Denying us the right to honour our leader and pay him our last respects and share our grief collectively at their passing away and forcibly preventing from praying in mosques is highly condemnable. Brute power cannot silence faith and the yearning for dignity and justice.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq24,753 просмотров • 9 месяцев назад
“Don’t call them dead, they are alive, but you do not perceive it.” (Quran 2:154) Kashmir bears witness to the painful saga of the sacrifices made by its sons and daughters against oppression— in pursuit of justice, their rights, and aspirations for their motherland. The Martyrs of July 13,1931 led this quest by standing up to the tyranny of the rulers of the day, laying down their lives. Today, Kashmir remembers and honours them. We may be put in jails or under house arrests and threatened with dire consequences, and the martyrs’ graveyards may be sealed and blocked, but they live in our hearts and in our memory and will continue to, generation after generation. #13July1931 #MartyrsDay #Kashmir
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq22,576 просмотров • 11 месяцев назад