In the heart of Srinagar‘s Old City, the Jamia Masjid stands as a testament to centuries of history and struggle. Its 14th-century wooden pillars have witnessed countless sermons and prayers, and its significance extends beyond the spiritual realm.
For Kashmiris, the mosque is a symbol of resilience and a beacon of hope. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Kashmir’s top cleric, has been a prominent voice in the region’s complex political landscape. However, his tone and approach have undergone a significant transformation in recent years.
Farooq’s sermons, once a powerful blend of religious messaging and politics, have become more measured and cautious. Gone are the days of fiery oratory, replaced by gentle prayers and appeals for community calm.
This change is evident in his recent sermon, where he extended greetings to the Muslim Ummah and prayed for peace, unity, and strength. “As we enter the new Islamic year,” he said, “I extend greetings to the entire Muslim Ummah. May Allah grant us peace, unity and strength, protect the oppressed, and guide our leaders with wisdom and righteousness in these testing times.”
Farooq’s changed tone reflects the altered landscape of Kashmir, where the Indian government’s decision to revoke the region’s semi-autonomous status in 2019 has led to increased security measures and administrative restrictions.
The mirwaiz’s own experience, including four years of house arrest, has likely influenced his approach. Upon his release in 2023, Farooq returned to the pulpit with a softer tone, emphasizing patience and dialogue. “This is the time for patience,” he said, pausing often, his tone deliberate.
This shift in approach has sparked debate among Kashmiris, with some viewing it as a necessary adaptation to the current political climate, while others see it as a sign of weakness. Aqib Nazir, a journalism student, believes that Farooq has become more of a preacher than a leader. “He’s more a preacher now than a leader,” he said.
However, others, like Asif, a Srinagar resident, interpret the mirwaiz’s restraint as a sign of maturity and pragmatism. “He’s the last moral voice we’ve got,” Asif said. “His restraint isn’t weakness – it’s survival.”
In Kashmir’s complex political and spiritual landscape, the mirwaiz plays a crucial role. As the spiritual leader of Kashmir’s Muslims, Farooq’s influence extends beyond the religious realm. His position requires a delicate balance between spiritual guidance and political awareness.
According to Gowhar Geelani, author-journalist and political analyst, Farooq has always positioned himself as a moderate politician, believing in the institution of dialogue and willing to talk with all stakeholders.
The mirwaiz’s recent public engagements, including appearances at interfaith and national events in Delhi, have sparked speculation about renewed communication between Farooq and the Indian government.
While it is unclear what the future holds, one thing is certain – the mirwaiz’s role remains significant in Kashmir’s complex landscape.
As Anuradha Bhasin, senior journalist and political analyst, noted, “This is not so much a shift in ideology as it is a response to shrinking space… What we’re seeing now is survival within that narrow space.”
The mirwaiz’s changed voice may be a reflection of the current reality in Kashmir, but it also raises questions about the role of spiritual leaders in politics and the challenges of navigating complex landscapes.
As the situation in Kashmir continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Farooq and other leaders respond to the changing circumstances.