Srinagar, Sept 16 (KNO): Grand Mufti of Jammu & Kashmir Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Farooqi on Wednesday expressed concern over the reported sounding of warning sirens in Makkah Mukarramah, saying the sanctity and security of the Two Holy Mosques is a shared responsibility of the entire Muslim Ummah.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson for the Muslim Personal Law Board, Jammu & Kashmir, said the Grand Mufti expressed deep concern over the reported warning sirens in Makkah Mukarramah and the prevailing situation concerning the security of the Two Holy Mosques.
He said the sanctity, dignity and security of the Two Holy Mosques are deeply connected with the faith, beliefs and sentiments of the entire Muslim Ummah. Any threat to the peace and safety of these sacred places, he said, cannot be treated as a matter of ordinary concern.
“The prevailing circumstances call for a serious, responsible and effective role by the international community and Muslim countries,” he said.
The spokesperson said Makkah Mukarramah and Madinah Munawwarah hold unparalleled spiritual significance for Muslims across the world, with millions visiting the sacred places to express their faith and devotion.
“The security of the Two Holy Mosques is, in essence, a source of reassurance and peace for the hearts of the entire Muslim Ummah. It is therefore natural for Muslims to be deeply concerned by any situation that may create apprehension regarding their safety,” he said.
The Grand Mufti said the reported sounding of warning sirens in Makkah Mukarramah draws attention to the seriousness of the prevailing regional situation. He said continuing tensions in the region could have implications not only for the countries directly involved but also for peace and stability across the wider region.
“In such circumstances, all parties must exercise restraint and avoid steps that could further escalate tensions,” he said.
Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Farooqi emphasised that the sanctity and security of the Two Holy Mosques must be respected and protected. He said the international community, particularly influential countries, has a responsibility to work towards reducing tensions through diplomacy, dialogue and peaceful means rather than through the use of force.
He further stated that the United States, along with other global powers, should seriously review its role and policies in the prevailing regional circumstances so that the situation does not become further complicated.
The Grand Mufti urged the international community to play an effective diplomatic role in safeguarding the sanctity and security of the Two Holy Mosques. He said international institutions and influential nations should move beyond expressions of concern and take practical measures aimed at promoting peace and de-escalating tensions.
He also appealed to all Muslim countries to set aside their differences in the present delicate situation and raise a united voice for the sanctity, peace and security of the Two Holy Mosques.
“Muslim countries should, through mutual consultation, pursue diplomatic initiatives that contribute to peace and stability in the region and help ensure that the sacred sites remain protected from all forms of threat,” he said.
Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Farooqi said this is not a time to intensify differences but to demonstrate unity, wisdom, prudence and responsibility. He urged the Muslim Ummah to respond to the prevailing circumstances not merely through emotions, but with wisdom, patience and prayer.
“He stressed that the sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques represents a shared religious and spiritual sentiment of Muslims worldwide, and that no negligence in this regard can be considered appropriate,” the spokesperson said.
He further said all peace-loving countries and peoples should play their part in promoting lasting peace in the region, take measures to ensure the safety of civilians, and work towards effective assurances to protect the sacred sites from being affected by conflict or escalating tensions.
The Grand Mufti appealed to the Muslim Ummah to offer prayers and seek the protection of Almighty Allah for the Two Holy Mosques and the entire Muslim Ummah. He urged Muslims to rise above their differences and remain united in support of peace, security and respect for the sanctity of the sacred places.
Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Farooqi prayed that Almighty Allah may always make the Two Holy Mosques abodes of peace and security, protect Makkah Mukarramah and Madinah Munawwarah from every form of danger, safeguard the entire Muslim Ummah, bring an end to the ongoing tensions in the region, and grant the Muslim world unity, harmony, peace and stability.—(KNO)