Opinion | Grand Mufti Urges Unity to Tackle Kashmir’s Challenges

Grand Mufti Urges Community Institutions to Respond to Kashmir’s Growing Social, Economic and Environmental Challenges

Grand Mufti Nasir ul Islam has called for a collective effort to address some of the serious social, economic and environmental challenges facing the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a one-day meeting of the Mutahida Majlis e Ulema (MMU) in Srinagar, he stressed that religious institutions, scholars, professionals and the wider community must come forward with practical solutions to the problems affecting ordinary people.One of the important suggestions made during the meeting was the use of Baitul Maal to help financially vulnerable families become self-reliant. The Grand Mufti said that instead of limiting assistance to charity, small loans could be provided to needy people so that they could start small businesses and create a source of income for themselves. He said such an initiative could give people an opportunity to stand on their own feet and live with dignity. At the same time, he stressed that institutions entrusted with public money and social responsibility should be managed by Ulema who have the trust and confidence of the people.

CONCERN OVER DRUG ABUSE

Drug abuse emerged as one of the most serious concerns raised at the meeting. The Grand Mufti expressed particular concern over the increasing involvement of young people in drugs and said the issue could no longer be treated as a problem for individual families alone.He referred to an estimate of more than 15 lakh young people being involved with drugs and described the situation as highly sensitive. He called for families, religious scholars, doctors, civil society organisations and the administration to work together to prevent the spread of drug abuse and help those already affected.He also drew attention to the vulnerability of girls and young women between the ages of 13 and 30. The concern, he said, required greater awareness within families and stronger support from community institutions.The meeting also touched upon complaints relating to Darul Ulooms where girls are studying. The Grand Mufti said such concerns should be examined seriously and responsibly. Institutions providing education to girls, he stressed, must ensure a safe and healthy environment for students, along with transparency and accountability.

“A stronger Kashmir will be built not by charity alone, but by turning compassion into livelihoods, protecting our youth, caring for our vulnerable families, and making every citizen a guardian of our environment.”

PROTECTING KASHMIR’S ENVIRONMENT

The Grand Mufti also spoke about the changing environmental condition of Kashmir. He expressed concern over food adulteration, pollution, waste disposal and the deteriorating condition of lakes and other water bodies. Kashmir’s natural environment, he said, cannot be protected by government agencies alone. The growing pressure on lakes, streams and water resources requires people themselves to take responsibility for the places in which they live.He questioned the public about its own responsibility towards the environment and urged people to think beyond government action. Religious institutions, civil society groups, local communities and individuals, he said, all have a role in protecting Kashmir’s water bodies and natural resources.The message was simple: if people want clean water, healthy surroundings and a safe future for their children, protecting the environment has to become part of everyday life.

SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES IN NEED

The Grand Mufti also appealed to members of the medical fraternity to extend support to people who are unable to afford treatment. For many families, the cost of medical care can become a heavy burden, particularly when a serious illness affects the earning member of the household. He said community institutions could help such families by connecting those in need with available support and ensuring that financial difficulties do not prevent people from receiving necessary treatment. The meeting therefore went beyond religious discussion and focused on issues that directly affect everyday life in Jammu and Kashmir. From unemployment and financial hardship to drug abuse, education, healthcare and environmental protection, the concerns raised were closely connected with the wellbeing of society.The broader message of the meeting was that social problems cannot be solved by one institution or one section of society. Religious scholars can provide guidance, doctors can offer professional support, civil society can mobilise communities, the administration can strengthen public systems and ordinary people can contribute through responsible action.The Grand Mufti’s call was ultimately for stronger community institutions and greater public participation. Helping a poor family find a livelihood, protecting a young person from drugs, ensuring a safe place for girls to study, assisting a family struggling with medical expenses and keeping Kashmir’s lakes and water resources clean are all part of the same responsibility.

For a society facing growing challenges, the meeting conveyed an important message: charity, awareness and advice are valuable, but lasting change requires people and institutions to work together and turn concern into practical action.

The author is a writer, activist, analyst, educator, and environmentalist. He can be reached at -sheikhnazirmehdi@gmail.com