Hurriyat Conference Chairman and Chief Cleric of Jammu and Kashmir, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, spoke out on Friday, April 11, 2025, alleging that he was once again subjected to house arrest, preventing him from participating in the Friday prayers at the renowned Jamia Masjid. This act of restriction comes as a blow to religious freedoms and has sparked outrage within the community as Mirwaiz is traditionally responsible for delivering a sermon at this historic mosque in the heart of the city of Nowhatta.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Mirwaiz expressed his dismay, stating, “Yet again, this Friday put under house arrest and barred from offering prayers at Jama Masjid. It is both heartbreaking and outrageous that authorities continue to trample on my basic religious rights at their will.” This incident sheds light on the ongoing tensions and restrictions faced by religious leaders in the region, highlighting the struggle for freedom of expression and worship.
### Mirwaiz’s Stand Against Waqf Amendment Act
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s plight is further exacerbated by his support of a resolution drafted by the Mutahida Majlis Ulema (MMU), a coalition of religious bodies, in opposition to the Waqf Amendment Act. This legislation, aimed at reforming the management and supervision of Waqf properties, has sparked concern among the Muslim community for its potential impact on the religious and charitable aspects of these endowments.
The MMU, in its resolution, expressed apprehensions regarding the changes introduced by the new law, which shift decision-making powers away from Muslim-led Waqf Boards to government authorities and non-Muslim officials. This alteration has raised fears within the community that the fundamental principles of Waqf management, rooted in Islamic traditions, may be compromised.
One of the key points of contention highlighted by the MMU is the provision allowing non-Muslims to serve on Central and State Waqf Boards, a departure from the longstanding practice of Muslim oversight in these institutions. Moreover, the removal of the requirement for the CEO of a Waqf Board to be a Muslim has been perceived as a departure from the core values and ethos of Waqf governance, as outlined by Islamic teachings.
### Upholding Religious Institutions
The MMU’s resolution also underscores the potential risks associated with the transfer of decision-making authority to district collectors, raising concerns about unilateral decisions impacting the status of Waqf properties. Furthermore, the elimination of the concept of ‘Waqf by long-standing use’, which protected ancestral Islamic sites without formal documentation, poses a threat of property loss due to lack of official records.
In response to these challenges, the MMU has pledged its support to the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and has called for unity and vigilance within the Muslim community. Emphasizing the importance of peaceful and lawful efforts to safeguard religious institutions and endowments, the MMU urges active engagement and support for initiatives aimed at preserving the sanctity and integrity of these establishments.
As Mirwaiz Umar Farooq continues to advocate for religious freedoms and stands against oppressive measures, his struggle serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing battle for autonomy and cultural preservation in the region. The challenges faced by religious leaders like Mirwaiz underscore the need for collective action and unwavering dedication to upholding fundamental rights and values in the face of adversity.
