Grand Mufti calls for austerity in marriages, cites rising social burden

Srinagar, Jun 3: In a heartfelt appeal to the public, the Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Tuesday urged people to embrace simplicity and austerity in marriage ceremonies.
He was speaking at a large gathering at the revered shrine of Khanqah-e-Moula in Srinagar, during the annual Urs of Hazrat Ameer-e-Kabir Mir Syed Ali Hamadani (RA).
Mufti Nasir expressed deep concern over the rising number of young women unable to marry due to the financial burden imposed by societal expectations. “Around 30 per cent of our daughters remain unmarried simply because families cannot afford the extravagance that has become the norm in our weddings,” he said.
He emphasised the need to reduce the number of dishes served during wedding feasts, suggesting a cut from twenty dishes to just one. “This is not about tradition; it’s about compassion and community responsibility. We must reflect on our priorities,” he added.
The Grand Mufti’s call resonated with many attendees, who acknowledged the need for change.
Religious scholars and community leaders present also backed his appeal, urging the public to return to the simplicity advocated by Islam and practiced by revered saints like Ameer-e-Kabir. (KNO)