Srinagar: The Muttahida Majlis‑e‑Ulema (MMU)—the leading Sunni‑Shia umbrella group in Jammu & Kashmir—held a significant meeting in Srinagar to respond to recent controversial remarks by Imran Raza Ansari and the resulting backlash on social media .
Attended by prominent religious figures—Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Mufti Nasir‑ul‑Islam, Aga Syed Hassan Al‑Moosvi, Molana Masroor Abbas Ansari, Aga Syed Mohammad Hadi, Mufti Nazir Ahmad Qasmi, Molana Showkat Keng, Mufti Mohammad Yaqoob Baba, Maulana Rahmatullah Qassimi, and others—the MMU unanimously affirmed that respect for the Prophet’s Companions (Sahaba) and his family (Ahl al‑Bayt) is a core tenet of Islam and must never be compromised. They declared that any form of disrespect or provocation against these revered figures is unacceptable .
While acknowledging doctrinal differences between Sunni and Shia beliefs, the MMU stressed that these differences must never disrupt communal harmony. Highlighting the inclusive stance of senior Shia scholars like Aga Syed Hassan Al‑Moosvi and Molana Masroor Abbas Ansari, the group clarified that Ansari’s comments were his personal opinions and not reflective of Shia teachings, which explicitly condemn disrespect toward Sahaba, as reinforced by leading Maraji such as Ayatollah Khamenei and Sistani .
To prevent future provocations, the MMU announced the formation of a regulatory panel chaired by Mufti Nasir‑ul‑Islam, including Aga Syed Hassan Al‑Moosvi, Mufti Nazir Ahmad Qasmi, Aga Syed Mohammad Hadi and Mufti Mohammad Yaqoob Baba. This committee will seek clarification from Ansari and investigate those who used abusive language against the Ahl al‑Bayt on social media.
The council also urged all imams and preachers in Kashmir to avoid using pulpit platforms to criticize other sects and to promote respect, unity, and tolerance. They warned that violations of these principles would lead to community boycotts, reinforcing that preserving Muslim unity is both a religious duty.
A broader assembly of all MMU-affiliated organizations is scheduled in the coming days to formalize these decisions and ensure implementation across the Valley’s religious landscape .