Budgam, April 21: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, after authorities allowed him, today visited Budgam to offer condolences on the demise of prominent and respected Islamic scholar Aga Syed Baqir Al-Moosavi.
In a statement issued to the Kashmir Media Watch, Mirwaiz condoled with the bereaved family, including the sons of the late scholar—Aga Syed Ahmed, Aga Syed Abul Hasan—as well as the head of Aga family, Aga Syed Hassan Al-Moosavi Al-Safavi—and other members of the Aga family.
Speaking on the occasion, Mirwaiz paid glowing tribute to the invaluable contribution of the late scholar, terming his demise a huge loss to the religious and scholarly fabric of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that when an Aalim departs this world, he leaves behind a legacy of knowledge, guidance, and inspiration for the community. “The best tribute to such a towering figure is that we, as a Muslim Ummah, seek inspiration from such people and remain steadfast.”
He regretted the ongoing efforts to fragment the Muslim community at various levels—sectarian, political, and social. Citing the controversial Waqf Amendment Act as one such assault on the Muslim identity, Mirwaiz said that the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU) was not even allowed by the authorities to hold a meeting to discuss the matter. “Despite this, we stand united—from the Valley to Jammu and Ladakh—in opposing this unjust law. We fully support and stand with the All India Muslim Personal Law Board and will follow their lead and program in this regard.”
Mirwaiz expressed cautious optimism regarding the Supreme Court’s interim relief on the Waqf issue, hoping that the apex court will uphold the constitutional and religious rights of the Muslim community and ultimately strike down the discriminatory law.
Addressing the continued restrictions placed on him, Mirwaiz expressed deep anguish that he is repeatedly barred from offering Friday prayers at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar, and that the mosque remains locked on important religious occasions. “I have approached the Hon’ble High Court regarding my prolonged and arbitrary house arrest, and a hearing is scheduled for this week. I sincerely hope that the court will intervene and ask the government to stop this unjust interference in my religious rights,” he said.
Press statement
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq visits Budgam, condoles the death of renowned Islamic scholar Agha Syed Muhammad Baqir Al-Mousavi
Stresses unity against conspiracies to weaken the Muslim Ummah, expresses hope in Supreme Court against his detention
Mirwaiz Kashmir Dr. Maulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq visited Budgam today after receiving permission from the authorities and expressed his condolences to the family of renowned and respected religious scholar Agha Syed Muhammad Baqir Al-Musawi Al-Najafi on his demise.
Mirwaiz met the late scholar’s sons Agha Syed Ahmed, Agha Syed Abu al-Hassan, the head of the family Agha Syed Hassan al-Musavi al-Safavi, and other respected family members to offer condolences and express sympathy to them.
Speaking on the occasion, Mirwaiz paid tribute to the religious, academic and intellectual services of the late scholar and termed his demise a great loss to the religious and academic circles of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that when a religious scholar leaves this world, he leaves behind knowledge, guidance, and an intellectual legacy. “The best tribute to such esteemed figures is that we take inspiration from them and stand firm as a Muslim nation.”
He expressed regret that today there are systematic attempts to divide the Muslim community at various levels—sectarian, political and social. In this regard, he termed the controversial Waqf Amendment Act as yet another attack on the religious and national identity of Muslims. He said that the authorities have also not allowed the Muttahida Majlis Ulema Jammu and Kashmir to hold a meeting to discuss this sensitive issue. “Despite this, we are united from the Valley to Jammu and Ladakh and are opposing this unjust law. We express complete solidarity with the All India Muslim Personal Law Board and will move forward under their guidance.”
Mirwaiz welcomed the interim relief granted by the Supreme Court on the Waqf issue and expressed hope that the Supreme Court would declare this discriminatory law null and void while protecting the constitutional and religious rights of Muslims.
Speaking about his continued detention, Mirwaiz expressed deep regret that he is repeatedly being prevented from offering Friday prayers at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar and the doors of the mosque are being closed on important religious occasions. He said: “I have approached the esteemed High Court against my prolonged and unjustified house arrest and a hearing is expected this week. I hope that the court will direct the government to desist from this unjust interference and protect my religious rights.”
