Srinagar, Oct 13 (KNS): Budgam MLA Aga Muntazir Mehdi on Tuesday strongly criticised the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board's decision to constitute a committee of Muftis, Imams and Khateebs to finalise common topics for Friday sermons, saying the Board should confine itself to its administrative responsibilities rather than interfere in religious discourse.

In a statement issue here, Mehdi, who is also Secretary of the Anjuman Interfaith Dialogue Chapter, questioned the rationale behind prescribing common themes for Friday sermons, asserting that religious scholars were capable of identifying and addressing issues concerning their communities.

"The Waqf Board's job is to manage Waqf properties and institutions, not to dictate what Imams and Khateebs should propagate in their Friday sermons," he said.

His remarks came in response to Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Darakhshan Andrabi's announcement regarding the constitution of a Core Committee of Muftis, Imams and Khateebs to identify and finalise common sermon topics across Waqf-affiliated religious institutions.

Mehdi expressed concern that the initiative, although projected as an effort to promote coordination, unity and social harmony, could potentially be used to advance a particular narrative through religious institutions.

He said Friday sermons served as an important platform for religious guidance and addressing social, moral and community concerns, adding that religious scholars should retain the freedom to determine their content.

"Imams and religious scholars do not need to be told what they should speak about every Friday.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThey understand their religious responsibilities and know the issues confronting their communities," he said.

Questioning the Board's involvement in religious matters, Mehdi said established religious organisations, including the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU), already provided platforms for scholars to deliberate on Islamic teachings and contemporary issues.

"If the objective is to guide the community on religious matters, the role of established bodies of religious scholars cannot be overlooked. The Waqf Board should concentrate on its core responsibilities instead of attempting to shape the content of religious discourse," he said.

The Waqf Board has maintained that the proposed initiative is aimed at promoting religious awareness, moral values, social harmony and unity through greater coordination among religious institutions.

Mehdi, however, argued that administrative coordination should not extend to determining the content of religious sermons.

He said the Board should prioritise the management of Waqf institutions while respecting the independence and religious responsibilities of Imams, Khateebs and Islamic scholars.

"The fundamental question is simple, is the Waqf Board meant to manage religious institutions or decide what religious scholars should preach? Administrative authority should not be confused with authority over religious discourse," he said. (KNS)