Says BJP Cannot Dictate What Imams Preach
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq on Tuesday called for the withdrawal of the order on uniform Friday sermons, asserting that religious guidance should not be dictated by political authorities.
Sadiq said Imams and Khateebs dedicate years of their lives to studying the Quran and Hadith, adding that the Mimbar-e-Rasool ﷺ carries immense religious responsibility.
“The Mimbar-e-Rasool ﷺ is a position of immense religious responsibility, not one to be dictated to by BJP and its agents,” he said.
He said people attend Friday prayers to learn about Islam, seek guidance and understand challenges facing society, adding that they do not need political orders telling Imams what to preach.
Sadiq said religious guidance could not be reduced to prescribed scripts and that Imams should not be expected to serve any political narrative.
He demanded the withdrawal of the order, stressing that religious institutions and clerics should be allowed to fulfil their responsibilities without political interference.
