J&K Waqf Board plans uniform sermons across mosques

The Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board has decided to form a core committee of imams and religious scholars to finalise common themes for sermons at mosques and shrines on Fridays and other religious occasions. The decision was taken at a meeting on 10 October, attended by around 1,500 muftis, imams and scholars, according to Board chairperson Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi.

Andrabi told Times of India that government officials have no role in the move, saying the committee will solely identify issues for uniform sermons, targeting social evils like drug abuse. The Hindu reported that an Executive Magistrate told preachers on 11 October that a common khutba topic would be selected and highlighted across all places of worship. The Hindu added that the effort is a rare bid to bring uniformity, as sermons had often drifted to political issues.

Andrabi said the move is not about interfering with sectarian affiliations but about avoiding division. The committee of religious scholars will decide topics, with no role for officials. The board also sought suggestions on bringing non-Waqf-affiliated mosques into the fold, The Hindu reported.