Srinagar, Oct 16 (KNS): The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) Jammu and Kashmir on Friday launched its first coordinated Friday sermon initiative across participating mosques and Imambargahs in Kashmir, Jammu, Chenab Valley, Kargil and Leh, with Imaan (faith) chosen as the common theme.

The initiative follows a decision taken at the MMU Ulema Conference on September 15, where religious scholars representing different schools of thought agreed to jointly address religious and social issues through Friday sermons and community awareness programmes.

As part of the initiative, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq delivered the Friday sermon at the historic Khanqah of Hazrat Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA) at Charar-e-Sharief, stressing the need to safeguard faith and remain steadfast in religious and moral principles.

Addressing the congregation, Mirwaiz said faith was not merely a verbal declaration but must be reflected in a person's character, conduct and dealings with others.

He cautioned against compromising religious principles for wealth, position, influence or personal interests.

"A believer may live in this world and pursue its legitimate opportunities, but must never make worldly interests the price of his faith," he said.

Mirwaiz said steadfastness meant upholding truth and principles with patience, wisdom and moral courage rather than rigidity or confrontation.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Expressing concern over materialism, misuse of social media and declining religious awareness among younger generations, he urged parents, teachers and religious institutions to collectively address these challenges.

He said young people should be encouraged to ask questions and seek religious guidance through knowledge, understanding and compassion.

Referring to the coordinated sermon initiative, Mirwaiz said faith had been chosen as the first theme because it united Muslims across different schools of thought.

He urged religious scholars and Imams to use mosque pulpits to promote unity and social responsibility rather than divisions.

Mirwaiz also expressed concern over what he described as sustained pressure on religious faith and institutions, calling for unity and steadfastness.

Paying tribute to Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA), he said the saint's teachings on faith, morality and spiritual values remained an important part of Kashmir's religious and cultural heritage.

He also stressed the importance of preserving the Kashmiri language and passing its literary and spiritual traditions to future generations.

The MMU said the coordinated sermons formed part of a broader programme to address religious and social concerns through sustained engagement across the region. (KNS)