Kashmir Waqf Board’s Proposal for Uniform Friday Sermons Triggers Political and Religious Opposition

A proposal discussed at a recent meeting of the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board to introduce uniform sermons on Fridays and other important religious occasions has triggered controversy in the Valley. The idea has faced opposition from political leaders and religious organisations, who have raised concerns about interference in religious affairs.

A video of the board’s meeting held on Saturday showed discussions about forming a committee of imams and senior religious scholars to select topics for sermons. Following the public backlash, Waqf Board chairperson Darakshan Andrabi clarified on Tuesday that no formal directions had been issued. She stated that the matter had been discussed among imams and religious scholars associated with the board, who should be allowed to function independently.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticised the proposal, describing it as an attempt by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to interfere in the religious affairs of Muslims. He urged the board’s chairperson to withdraw the initiative.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Kashmir’s head cleric, also opposed the idea. The Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema Jammu and Kashmir, a collective of religious and socio-religious organisations, said that a statutory body should not determine or regulate the content of sermons delivered from mosque pulpits. It maintained that religious guidance falls within the domain of imams, ulema and established religious institutions.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also questioned the proposal. She argued that Friday sermons must address the specific social and regional concerns of local communities alongside broader national issues. According to her, imposing a common format would overlook Kashmir’s diverse circumstances and religious traditions.

Drawing a parallel with the proposed Uniform Civil Code, Mufti emphasised that India's strength lies in pluralism and the freedom of communities to follow their respective customs and beliefs.

Responding to the criticism, Andrabi urged political parties not to politicise the Waqf Board. She maintained that imams should decide the content of Friday sermons while retaining the freedom to discuss social issues and community concerns.