Srinagar, Jan 09 (KNO): Mirwaiz Molvi Muhammad Umar Farooq has said he was again barred from leading Friday prayers for the third consecutive week at Jama Masjid Srinagar, saying the authorities denied him the permission.
According to a statement, issued to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), he said that he had announced special prayers at Jama Masjid to seek rain and snowfall in view of the continuing unusually dry winter in the Valley, however, he was denied permission to proceed toward the mosque.
He said that such repeated restrictions are deeply distressing and it is extremely saddening that he could not lead the faithful in collective prayer for rain and snow during this unusually dry winter.
He said that despite these restrictions, Jama Masjid grand imam Syed Ahmed Naqshbandi, led the special prayer for rain and snow, with a large congregation of worshippers.
“He urged the people to turn to Allah with humility and repentance, and to intensify their supplications, seeking His mercy and blessings. Imam Syed Ahmed Naqshbandi expressed anguish that even offering prayer, a purely religious and humanitarian act, now warrants house arrest, and said that such repeated curbs on Mirwaiz have deeply hurt the religious sentiments and conscience of the people,” he said.
He also expressed deep sorrow over the demise of the pious wife of late Mirwaiz Molana Yaseen Hamdani. He added that he had sought permission to attend her funeral but was denied permission by the authorities.
Mirwaiz conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Maulana Riyaz Hamdani and the bereaved family, and prayed for the departed soul and for patience and strength for the family in this time of grief—(KNO)