NC demands withdrawal of order on Friday sermons in J-K

National Conference chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq on Tuesday demanded the withdrawal of an order concerning Friday sermons, alleging that it amounted to interference in religious matters and questioning the authority of the BJP to decide what imams and khateebs should say.
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‎Speaking to reporters, Sadiq said imams and khateebs spend years studying the Quran and Hadith and should be allowed to deliver sermons based on their understanding of Islamic teachings and the issues faced by society.
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‎“What kind of an order is this, where you tell imams and khateebs what they have to say? Will the BJP now decide which khutbah should be delivered? I think this order should be taken back,” he said.
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‎Sadiq said people attend Friday prayers to learn about Islam and their religion, adding that sermons should address religious teachings and the circumstances faced by people rather than follow prescribed instructions.
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‎“I am not an Islamic scholar, but an ordinary person who attends Friday prayers. I want to learn something about Islam and my religion. I do not want a letter from the BJP telling imams what they have to read,” he said.
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‎He also targeted the Leader of the Opposition, accusing him of speaking on issues without adequate understanding and claiming that he had failed to make an impact in the Assembly.
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‎Referring to protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and elsewhere, Sadiq said the BJP should respect democratic principles and seek a fresh mandate through elections.
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‎“If they have even a little understanding of democracy, the BJP should leave its seats and hold fresh elections so that people can vote through ballot papers,” he said.
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‎Sadiq also claimed that the BJP was considering replacing the Leader of the Opposition, alleging that a decision to this effect had been made within party circles. He said the LoP should first step down before looking towards the National Conference. (KNS)