Srinagar, May 19 (KNS): Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar organised a special gathering of Quran recitation and Husn-e-Qiraat before Friday prayer at the Central Jama Masjid Srinagar on the occasion of the 33rd martyrdom anniversary of its founder Mirwaiz Moulvi Muhammad Farooq and martyrs.

According to a statement, issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS), students from more than 30 leading religious madrasas and Islamic schools of Jammu and Kashmir participated in the grand ceremony of Mehfil Husn-e-Qiraat.

"However, the head of the Aujuman Mirwaiz Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq was unable to participate in these events due to his continuous detention. He could not even able to perform Friday prayers and fulfill his official duties as he continues to be under house arrest for nearly four years," reads the statement.

It reads that that top three lucky winners who performed the art of Quran reading were awarded with cash prizes and honours.

The first position was secured by Qari Irshad Ahmed Mir, a student of Darul Uloom Bilaliya Lal Bazar, the second position by Qari Talib Hussain, a student of Central Darul Uloom Dawoodiya Khanyar, and the third position by Qari Muhammad Athar, a student of Jamia Imam Azam Anantnag.

On the occasion, Moulana Ahmad Saeed Naqshbandi, vice president of Anjuman Auqaf and senior preacher and Imam of the grand mosque, paid rich tribute to the invaluable religious, preaching, social and political services of Moulvi Muhammad Farooq and said that his sacrifices are unforgettable in every way.

He recalled that in the modern history of Kashmir, from 1947 to 1963, when pulpits of Jama Masjid Srinagar remained silent and construction and development were also paralysed, the condition of the historical grand mosque became more dilapidated until 1970.

"However, when Jama Masjid was handed back to Moulvi Farooq, he founded Anjuman Auqaf in 1972 to improve the condition of this historical and central mosque and take care of it. Besides, improving its condition, he took concrete measures and made tireless efforts to make this central place of worship a centre for the promotion of Islamic education, the propagation of Islam, and the protection of Islam."

It reads that Anjuman Auqaf under the leadership of its current head Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq is moving forward with its plans on the lines of which the Moulvi Farooq laid the foundation for the renovation of this grand masjid.

"However, due to his continued detention, pulpits of Jama Masjid continue to remain silent. Also, the religious, educational, preaching, welfare, reform and social works are also affected."

It added that in the end, Fateha prayers were held for Moulvi Farooq, Hawal martyrs and all others. (KNS)