Former Imam of Hazratbal Shrine challenges Waqf Board’s ban, denies forced conversion claims
Srinagar: Dr. Kamal-ud-Din Farooqi, the former Imam-o-Khateeb of the revered Hazratbal shrine, Srinagar has challenged the Muslim Waqf Board’s authority of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir for preventing him from performing his religious duties. Farooqi asserted that the man who embraced Islam at his hands did so voluntarily and there was no coercion.
According to Kashmir Media Service, while questioning the Muslim Waqf Board’s authority aligned with Bharatya Janata Party’s policies in IIOJK to stop him from performing his religious duties, Farooqi stated that the conversion was entirely voluntary. He emphasized that his family has served as the Imam-o-Khateeb of the Hazratbal shrine for over three centuries and that he is not an employee of the Waqf Board. Farooqi labeled the board’s decision as unjustified and unacceptable.
Following allegations of a forced conversion of a Hindu man from Haryana in April, Farooqi was prohibited from leading prayers at the shrine. He was accused by the Waqf Board of overseeing the alleged forced conversion, causing confusion and unrest among the community.
“Choosing Islam of one’s own free will is not forced conversion,” Farooqi stated during a press conference at his residence. He mentioned that he received a notice from the Waqf Board and was also questioned by the police for over three hours regarding his role in the conversion.
As a religious leader, Farooqi had guided the man from Haryana in reciting the ‘Shahaadatayn’ or Declaration of Faith. He questioned the accusations of forced conversion, stating that the conversion took place before two lakh worshippers, including police and Waqf Board administrators. “I have led prayers at the Hazratbal shrine for a long time and strictly follow the principles of Islam. Why would I force someone to convert against their will?” he asked.
The Jammu and Kashmir police have lodged an FIR against Anayat Muntazir for the alleged forced conversion of his domestic help, Sandeep Kumar, at the shrine during Jumat-ul-Vida (the last Friday of Ramazan). Refuting claims that anti-national chants were raised during the conversion, Farooqi said the shrine resonated with the chants of ‘Nara-e-Takbeer, Allah-o-Akbar’ following the man’s conversion, which was witnessed by the police and Waqf Board administrators.
Farooqi stated, “I obtained a copy of the FIR from the court, and my name was not mentioned in it. While I appreciate the police’s kind conduct, I contest the Waqf Board’s authority to prevent me from fulfilling my religious duties.”
