SRINAGAR (KIMS) — Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir and head of Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, on Thursday paid tributes to late Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei, describing him as a towering religious and political figure whose life reflected faith, courage, steadfastness and concern for the unity and dignity of the Muslim Ummah.
Mirwaiz was addressing a memorial event organised by Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian, headed by Aga Syed Hasan Al-Moosavi Al-Safavi, in Budgam.
Mirwaiz said Ayatollah Khamenei’s life carried an important message for Muslims across the world — that faith is not confined only to personal worship but also demands standing for justice, defending human dignity, speaking for the oppressed and resisting injustice with wisdom and courage.
He said the greatest tribute to Ayatollah Khamenei would be to uphold the cause of Muslim unity.
“In a time when the Ummah faces division, conflict and external pressures, his message reminds us that Shia and Sunni, despite differences of school and opinion, are part of one Ummah, with one Qur’an, one Prophet (PBUH) and one Qibla,” Mirwaiz said.
Referring to Ayatollah Khamenei’s position on nuclear weapons, Mirwaiz said that despite facing repeated threats and pressure, he opposed their acquisition and use, viewing them as contrary to Islamic teachings and against humanity.
He said this moral position was significant in an age where destructive power is often mistaken for strength, while true strength lies in justice, restraint and responsibility.
Mirwaiz also recalled Ayatollah Khamenei’s consistent support for the Palestinian people and their right to dignity, justice and freedom.
He said the suffering of Palestine continues to remain a wound on the conscience of the world and a test of the moral responsibility of the Muslim Ummah and the international community.
Referring to people facing prolonged uncertainty and injustice, Mirwaiz said oppressed peoples everywhere draw strength from unity, patience, moral clarity and collective resolve.
He said dignity cannot be secured through division and that communities seeking justice must remain united, disciplined and guided by wisdom.
Mirwaiz prayed for the departed leader and said his legacy should inspire Muslims to reject sectarianism, strengthen brotherhood, stand with the oppressed and work for justice, peace and unity. — (KIMS)