Hawzah News Agency- a one-day conference of Kashmiri scholars was held by the "Majlis-e Muttahid Ulama" in Srinagar. A group of scholars and religious figures from various regions of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh attended the meeting and discussed the most important religious, social, and moral issues and challenges facing society.
Young Generation Must Not Be Left Alone Against Social Challenges
At the conference, Hojatoleslam Sibt Muhammad Shabbir Qomi, a Kashmiri cleric, stressed the need for serious attention to the concerns and challenges of the younger generation, describing the role of scholars and religious and social institutions in strengthening communication with youth and confronting cultural and social harms as important and effective.
Referring to the challenges facing young people, he stressed the need to strengthen the role of mosques, schools, and religious centers in guiding, supporting, and effectively communicating with this segment, saying that religious centers must take a more active role in supporting and guiding youth in the face of social and emotional pressures arising from modern life.
The religious expert also stressed the need to provide grounds for cooperation and collective action to strengthen religious and moral values in society, identifying the growing gap between youth and religious and social institutions as among the issues requiring serious attention and action.
Two Resolutions Adopted at the Conclusion of the Kashmiri Scholars Conference
The first resolution was dedicated to examining existing social challenges and clarifying the practical role of scholars, mosques, and religious schools in addressing these issues. The second resolution stressed the need to strengthen the unity of the Islamic Ummah, expand convergence among denominations, and promote mutual respect among followers of different schools of thought.
Concern Over the Spread of Social and Cultural Harms
In the first resolution, concern was expressed over the spread of drug and substance abuse, rising cases of self-harm, psychological and emotional pressures among youth, irresponsible use of social media, weakening family ties, declining moral values, the growing gap between youth and religious and social institutions, as well as environmental destruction and its consequences.
The resolution particularly stressed the need to address the psychological and emotional state of young people, stating that merely condemning problems or remaining silent about them cannot be an appropriate solution.
According to the resolution, scholars, mosques, and religious schools can provide a safe and supportive environment in which young people and their families can discuss their psychological and emotional problems, feelings of loneliness, anxiety, family pressures, and other issues without fear of shame, judgment, or social stigma.
Strengthening the Role of Scholars and Religious Centers in Supporting Youth
The resolution further stated that prayer leaders and scholars must, by raising public awareness, familiarize families with the signs of psychological and mental problems and encourage them to approach those struggling with such issues with empathy and support.
According to the resolution, mosques and religious schools can gradually become centers for guidance, counseling, and facilitating access to specialized and support institutions; however, in serious and complex cases, the use of specialists and professional care will be necessary.
Friday Sermons to Address Key Social Issues
The conference also stressed that addressing social harms and challenges must not be limited to holding meetings, conferences, or occasional speeches.
Accordingly, it was decided that on designated Fridays, one of the most important and common social issues would be raised as the topic of Friday prayer sermons in participating mosques, so that scholars across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh can coordinately highlight important issues requiring social attention and reform.
Regular Meetings to Be Held Across Jammu and Kashmir
It was also decided that the "Majlis-e Muttahid Ulama" would hold regular, preferably monthly, meetings in various regions and districts of Jammu and Kashmir, involving scholars, prayer leaders, mosques, and religious schools from each region.
The purpose of these meetings was described as gaining a more accurate understanding of local issues and needs and developing practical solutions suited to the conditions and requirements of each region.
Emphasis on Expanding the Social Role of Mosques and Religious Schools
At the end of the resolution, emphasis was placed on the need to strengthen the social role of mosques and religious schools alongside their primary duties in education and religious affairs.
According to the resolution, these centers can also play a more active role in areas such as guidance and counseling, effective communication with youth, supporting families, and carrying out social and charitable activities.
The resolution also noted that close communication between mosques and religious schools and families, and their continuous presence in the heart of society, provides a suitable capacity for timely identification of problems, raising public awareness, and helping families access needed support and services.
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