Srinagar, April 17 (KNO): Chief cleric of Kashmir Valley, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday urged religious leaders across the world to unite for peace and justice amid the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, called on Hajj pilgrims to pray for global peace and expressed hope that diplomatic efforts by regional countries will help de-escalate tensions and restore stability.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) a spokesperson said addressing the faithful at the historic Jama Masjid today, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said that as Hujjaj begin their blessed journey to Baitullah from tomorrow, prayers are with them for a safe journey and acceptance of their Hajj
He said, this year, their journey comes at a time when the world especially the Middle East, is going through a deep turmoil.
“Across the Middle East, especially in Iran Lebanon and Palestine we are witnessing immense suffering, bloodshed, and uncertainty. Innocent lives continue to be lost, people are living in constant fear for their lives and populations are being forced to leave homes and migrate.”
The spokesperson said, the aggression by Israel supported by the US despite ceasefire commitments, continues. In such a time, the pilgrimage of Hajj becomes not just an individual ibadat but a time to collectively pray for peace and justice to prevail in world - it represent the moral conscious of the Ummah.
He said, during such a serious global crisis, it is very important, infact I believe it’s the responsibly, of religious and spiritual fugues and leaders of all communities, from all over the globe to speak up in unison, to power for the sake of humanity and condemn wars and aggression, advocating instead for peace and dialogue and humanity as means of resolution.
“The stand taken by the revered Pope Leo is commendable . I appeal to all global religious leaders of all communities to put their weight behind it, calling for global peace and justice for all humanity. If the long term occupation of Palestinians and resultant injustice is resolved on principles of natural justice and international law -which I believe are the underlying cause of this crisis, it will disappear and viable peace prevail in the region,” he said.
The spokesperson said, the diplomatic efforts being made by Pakistan supported by Saudi Arabia Turkiye and Egypt actively engaged in trying to de-escalate tensions and push for peace is also commendable . We pray that these efforts bear fruit -as the whole world is looking up to it bring peace and stability.—(KNO)