Use pulpits to inspire introspection, social reform: Altaf Bukhari to ulamas

Srinagar, May 26: Expressing deep concern over the alarming decline of moral and social values, Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Tuesday urged Ulamas and religious scholars to use Eid pulpits to spread the message of introspection, repentance, and seeking forgiveness from Almighty Allah.
Extending his greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Adha, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said that the sacred festival should not only be celebrated with joy and devotion, but must also serve as an occasion for collective reflection on the moral decline of our society.
“As we celebrate the blessed occasion of Eid al-Adha, we must pause and reflect on the painful deterioration of our social and moral fabric,” he said.
In a strongly worded statement, the Apni Party President said society is facing a grave crisis of values and conscience.
“As a society, we urgently need to introspect and ask ourselves why we are steadily losing our religious, moral, and even basic human values,” he said.
Referring to the recent horrific rape and murder of a minor girl in Budgam, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said the tragedy should shake the conscience of every individual.
“The heart-wrenching incident in Budgam is a grim reminder of how far we have drifted from morality and humanity. This deeply tragic incident demands serious reflection and a complete transformation in our social behaviour and collective mindset. The rising incidents of crime, violence, and the growing menace of drugs are clear signs that our society is drifting away from morality and humanity,” he said.
Emphasising the need to protect social values, he said, “If we fail to protect our social fabric today, one can only fear what kind of future awaits us tomorrow.”
Expressing concern over the continuous moral decline over the years, he said, “This decline did not happen overnight. We have witnessed it declining over the years and decades. We were not like this before. Our ancestors may not have been as educated or well-red as we are today, but they possessed far greater character, morality, and humanity.”
Recalling the spiritual legacy of Kashmir, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukahri said, “This land was once known for peace, dignity, and spirituality. Our valley was proudly called “Peer Waer” (the land of saints). Sadly, it feels as though we have lost that identity, and with every passing day, we are drifting even further away from it.”
Calling for collective repentance he said, “Even nature may not forgive us for our negligence towards society. Perhaps nature has already started warning us. Look at the changing weather patterns, the frequent natural calamities, the shrinking glaciers, and the loss of our water resources. These may be signs of nature’s anger and imbalance. The Holy Quran reminds us that when people become morally corrupt and turn away from virtue, Allah’s wrath descends upon them.”
He further said, “Before it is too late, we must introspect, pray, sincerely repent, and seek Almighty Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and blessings.”
He went on to say, “Eid al-Adha symbolises sacrifice. Let us make a sincere commitment this Eid that we will sacrifice our time, comfort, efforts, and abilities to help rebuild a noble, compassionate, and morally strong society.”
Making a heartfelt appeal to religious scholars, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “I humbly appeal to our respected Ulama and religious scholars to use the pulpits during Eid prayers to remind people that we urgently need introspection, repentance, and a return towards morality and humanity.”
He prayed, “May this blessed Eid bring peace to our hearts, dignity to our society, unity among people, and endless blessings upon all of us. Eid Mubarak!” (KNS)