The Jammu and Kashmir Wakf Council's initiative to introduce standardized Friday sermons across Jammu and Kashmir has drawn sharp criticism from prominent regional political figures, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Mehbooba Mufti demanded the transfer of Wakf administration in Jammu and Kashmir to the elected government. She stated that this measure is part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) agenda aimed at persecuting Muslims. According to her, they seek to interfere in religious affairs, similar to how they attempt to impose a Uniform Civil Code, forcing uniformity in this matter too. Mufti emphasized that mosques belong to the people, and only imams and mullahs know what and when should be said.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who also heads the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU)—the largest organization representing Islamic scholars, imams, and socio-religious structures in Jammu and Kashmir—stated that the MMU firmly rejects any attempts by the Wakf Council to dictate unified Friday sermons. Mirwaiz noted that religious guidance falls under the purview of ulema and imams, not state structures. He deemed interference in matters of faith and religious practice unacceptable, insisting that the Wakf Council should be limited strictly to its administrative duties.