Srinagar, Oct 13: Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) president and former minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen has opposed the J&K Waqf Board’s proposal to introduce uniform Friday sermons in mosques and shrines under its control, terming it interference in religious affairs.
In a statement, Yaseen said mosques served communities with different social and religious concerns, which local religious leaders addressed through their sermons. He argued that a uniform format could limit the ability of *khateebs* to address issues relevant to their congregations.
“No committee should decide what our Ulema say in the House of Allah. The Ulema speak in the light of Quran and Sunnah, not on the dictation of any board or officer,” he said.
Yaseen demanded the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the proposal, asserting that religious sermons should not be dictated by administrative authorities.
He said the Waqf Board should prioritise the provision of basic facilities, including water, electricity, sanitation and better management of mosques and shrines, rather than introducing measures that could hurt religious sentiments.
The PDF president maintained that Friday sermons should remain the responsibility of religious scholars, who, he said, were best placed to address the needs and concerns of their respective communities.
Sheikh Saleem Bin Ahmad is a journalist and media professional from Jammu and Kashmir. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of The Kashmir Convener, an English-language newspaper established in 2006 and based in Srinagar.
He holds a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Kashmir. His professional experience spans journalism, editorial management, government public relations and media communication.
His earlier professional experience includes reporting with media organisations and working with the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR).
He is one of the youngest Editors-in-Chief in India by taking charge as Editor-in-Chief at The Kashmir Convener in 2015at the age of 26.
Through journalism and editorial leadership, he seeks to strengthen public-interest reporting and bring regional issues to a wider readership.
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