Waqf’s sermon move sparks J&K outrage over control of Muslim religious discourse

A BJP leader-led Waqf Board’s move to introduce common themes for Friday sermons across mosques and shrines in Jammu and Kashmir has triggered a political storm, with chief minister Omar Abdullah, rival Mehbooba Mufti and the Ulema led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq opposing the initiative and calling it a bid to control Muslim religious spaces.

The controversy has exposed a deeper row over who should shape religious discourse in Kashmir — the board, headed by BJP leader Darakshan Andrabi, or Jammu and Kashmir’s established Islamic leadership. The storm forced Andrabi to claim that no order was issued by the Waqf Board, but she appeared to reiterate that the Ulema linked to the board or close to it were free to take a call.

The Waqf Board had convened a meeting of like-minded Ulema on Saturday to seek their advice on the need for a common khutbah, or sermon. Ishtiyaq Mohiuddin, executive magistrate of the board, said a directive had been issued to preachers associated with them regarding a common khutbah. He sought their opinion on how to rope in other major religious places not associated with the board.

The Waqf Board controls scores of major shrines and mosques, including Hazratbal, but several others, including Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid, are outside its ambit.

“This is an unacceptable attempt by the BJP to interfere in the religious affairs of Muslims and will not be accepted.... The BJP appointed Chairperson must immediately halt this misplaced attempt to please her masters,” Omar posted on X.