Allow Eid prayers at Eidgah: MMU

Srinagar, Jul 7: Mutahidda-e-Majlis Ulema (MMU) on Thursday demanded immediate release of Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and said that the government should allow Muslims to offer congregational Eid prayers at Eidgah.
Addressing a presser, the MMU leaders said that when the government is ready to take responsibility for law and order for Amarnath yatra, why is it hesitant not to take responsibility during Eid prayers. The religious clerics also said that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who is a chief cleric of historic Jama Masjid has been barred from performing the religious duties for the last over three years now. “Mirwaiz should be immediately released from the continuous detention and be allowed to lead the prayers on Eid-ul-Adha,” they said.
Meanwhile, a special meeting of the leading and founding members of MMU was held today and a unanimous resolution passed which will be read on Friday prayers across all major mosques and shrines, they said.
“The Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema extends its heartfelt greetings to the Islamic World, especially the Muslims of Jammu & Kashmir, on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, and appealed to them to to celebrate the festival with simplicity in keepers with the islamic tradition and in view of the situation prevailing in J&K . On this occasion it urges people to extend all possible help to the poor and needy sections of society so that they too partake in the joys of Eid,” the resolution reads.
It added that MMU expressing deep concern over the current social situation of Kashmir feels there is a dire need for all-round reform in society. “The excesses at weddings and other celebrations are glaring and need to be curtailed . Following the sunnah in all matters and affairs of life is the way to follow, as the prophet (PBUH) has set the example for us,” it said.
“The serious problems and difficulties faced by the people of Kashmir, especially by the youth, are a matter of great concern for all . Again these can be faced and resisted in the light of Islamic teachings,” it added.
The MMU in the resolution urged the rulers and administration not to cause obstruction in Friday prayers at Jama Masjid Srinagar.
It also expressed concern and anguish over what it termed as the arbitrary and illegal detention of its patron and the top most religious leader of Kashmir Mirwaiz Umar Farooq for the last three years, due to which all his responsibilities and dawah work has got suspended, which is highly regrettable and reprehensible.
As such, the MMU strongly urged the rulers and the administration to ensure the release of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir in view of Eid-ul-Adha and Qurbani so that he can carry out his centuries-old religious obligations and responsibilities as per the practice of his forefathers – the Mirwaizeen-e-Kashmir.