70 religious congregations in J&K, Ladakh delivered Friday sermons on common theme: Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema

Jammu and Kashmir’s Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), a conglomerate of Muslim bodies headed by Kashmir chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, on Saturday (October 17, 2026) said a rare feat was achieved on Friday (October 16), this week, when 70 religious congregations in J&K and Ladakh delivered sermons on a common theme. “In a first-of-its-kind collective religious initiative, more than 70 major Friday congregations across Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh responded to the call of the MMU and delivered the sermon on the common theme of imaan (faith) on Friday, October 16,” said a spokesman of the MMU.The MMU described the initiative as “a significant expression of unity and collective religious responsibility across different schools of thought”.“Despite their distinct religious style and interpretations, they came together voluntarily to convey a shared message on faith, while upholding the independence and sanctity of every mimbar (pulpit),” said the MMU.Earlier, the MMU had opposed the move of J&K Waqf Board, headed by BJP leader Darakshan Andrabi, to create a core committee to pre-decide sermons for mosques and shrines affiliated to it. The MMU, while registering its protest, said such decisions should be taken left to religious preachers. Meanwhile, the joint sermons delivered focused on individual character, family life and the moral fabric of society. They called upon worshippers to reflect faith by upholding values of honesty, integrity and humanity in conduct, which should never be compromised for worldly gain, position, personal interest or under pressure.This unique initiative followed the decisions taken at the MMU’s Ulema Conference held on September 15 in Srinagar. “The overwhelming response demonstrated the sense of cooperation among religious institutions, notwithstanding differences of maslak (sects), jurisprudence and religious traditions, which is highly commendable, sending a very important message of unity to the community,” said the MMU.The MMU said Fridays will be designated by it to touch upon the issues like unity among Muslims, drug abuse, suicide and mental health, youth challenges, responsible use of social media, family values and environmental protection.“The objective is to translate the collective resolve of the Ulema into sustained public awareness, meaningful community engagement and practical action at the grassroots level,” the MMU said.Those in distress or having suicidal tendencies could seek help and counselling by calling any of the following numbers: Published - October 18, 2026 04:50 am IST