Srinagar, Nov 14 (KNS): Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq has been named among the world's 500 most influential Muslims for the 13th consecutive year, with the 2027 edition of The Muslim 500 highlighting his advocacy of dialogue between India and Pakistan and the restrictions imposed on his religious and public activities.
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‎The annual publication, issued by the Jordan-based Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre (RISSC), has included Mirwaiz in its Political category, recognising his role as a religious leader and his involvement in issues concerning Kashmir over the past three decades.
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‎According to a statement issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS), the publication identifies him as the 14th Mirwaiz of Kashmir, a position he assumed in 1990 at the age of 17 following the assassination of his father.
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‎The 2027 edition draws particular attention to his position on the Kashmir issue, observing that he "repeatedly calls for dialogue between India and Pakistan as the only sustainable path to peace."
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‎It also acknowledges his continued advocacy of "non-violent engagement on regional issues," reflecting his longstanding position that political differences should be addressed through dialogue rather than confrontation.
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‎The publication has also referred to restrictions on Mirwaiz's movement, including his prolonged house detention between August 2019 and September 2023.
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‎It notes that he "remains subjected to sudden, intermittent detentions by authorities," pointing to the restrictions that have continued to affect his religious and public engagements.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
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‎Referring to his position as the chief cleric at Srinagar's historic Jamia Masjid, the publication states that he "expertly bridges vital traditional religious leadership with ongoing human rights advocacy."
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‎Mirwaiz has remained a prominent religious and political figure in Kashmir since assuming the position following his father's assassination in 1990.
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‎Over the years, he has consistently advocated dialogue between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, while also raising issues concerning religious freedom, human rights and peaceful engagement.
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‎His inclusion in the 2027 edition comes against the backdrop of continuing restrictions on his public activities, including intermittent house detentions that have prevented him from attending religious gatherings and other engagements.
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‎The Muslim 500 is an annual publication that profiles influential Muslim personalities from different parts of the world, covering categories including religious scholarship, politics, social affairs and other fields.
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‎The latest recognition marks Mirwaiz's 13th consecutive appearance in the publication, which has again taken note of both his religious position and his advocacy of dialogue and non-violence on the Kashmir issue. (KNS)
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