Budgam| WTNS | Feb 19,2026: A dignified and intellectually engaging gathering was organized at the headquarters of Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian in Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir, as part of the organization’s long-standing tradition of welcoming the holy month of Ramadan.

The event witnessed the participation of a large number of heads and representatives of various religious organizations, prominent scholars, Friday prayer leaders, intellectuals, and social figures, reflecting broad community engagement.

The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Hafiz Muzammil, followed by a naat in praise of the Holy Prophet presented by Shahid Hussain Mir.

The proceedings were conducted smoothly by Hujjat-ul-Islam Syed Muhammad Hussain Safvi, who guided the program with clarity and decorum.

The welcoming address of the ceremony was delivered by Hujjat‑ul‑Islam Agha Syed Mujtaba Abbas Mousavi Safvi. In his speech, he strongly condemned the terrorist suicide attack that took place in Islamabad, and expressed deep concern over the closure of Jamia Masjid Srinagar, stating that shutting down places of worship is unacceptable under any circumstances and that all possible facilities should instead be provided to the public.

Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Dr. Molvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, while addressing an Isteqbal-e-Ramazan conference at Budgam attended by prominent ulema, imams, and khateebs including Agha Syed Hassan Al-Mosvi and Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam,said that the blessed month of Ramazan presents a significant opportunity for religious scholars and preachers. He noted that during this sacred month, people, especially the youth turn towards the mosques in large numbers, seeking spiritual guidance and a stronger connection with their faith.

Mirwaiz emphasized that the message from the pulpits should focus on strengthening one’s relationship with Allah (SWT), character building, moral refinement, and fostering unity within the Ummah. He urged the ulema to address pressing social issues with wisdom and compassion, guiding society towards reform, responsibility, and mutual respect.

He said that Ramazan is arriving at a time when the Muslim world is facing serious challenges. Referring to the continuing injustice in Palestine and the difficult situations in Iran and Yemen, he described the suffering of Muslims across regions as deeply distressing. He added that Muslims in the country are also passing through a sensitive and testing period amid rising communal polarization and circumstances that have caused anxiety and insecurity within sections of the community.

Mirwaiz expressed serious concern over the profiling of mosques and termed it an unwarranted interference in religious matters. He, along with other participating ulema, called for an immediate halt to such actions and urged that religious institutions be allowed to function freely and with dignity.

He further expressed hope that during this holy month there will be no interference in religious affairs and that the authorities will respect and uphold the religious rights of the people, particularly ensuring that places of worship, including the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar, function without any obstruction. A memorandum to this effect was also jointly adopted by the participating ulema.

He concluded by urging the ulema and imams to utilize this blessed month to inspire hope, resilience, unity, and spiritual awakening among the people.

Finally, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam explained the philosophy of Ramadan, saying that it provides training for the remaining eleven months of the year and that its true purpose is to restrain people from sin.

In the concluding presidential address, Agha Syed Hasan Mousavi Safvi thanked all the scholars and distinguished guests and stressed unity and harmony among the Muslim Ummah. He said that Allah has bestowed Ramadan as a gift of mercy and forgiveness, and it is the responsibility of all believers to benefit from it fully.

He strongly condemned the recent action of authorities in locking Srinagar’s central mosque and demanded that it remain open during the holy month of Ramadan, as it serves as a center of worship, religious gathering, and spirituality for the entire Kashmir Valley. He said that closing places of worship hurts the religious sentiments of the people and is unacceptable under any circumstances.

The ceremony concluded with special prayers for the oppressed, for their success, and for unity and solidarity in the Muslim world.