Srinagar: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Monday laid foundation stone for a new mosque in Athawajan area of Srinagar district.
Addressing the gathering at the foundation laying ceremony at Naz colony Sempora, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq highlighted the mosque’s vital role and concept of “Jama’at” (congregational prayers) in Islam as a way to connect with the almighty.
He emphasised that Masjid is not only as a place of worship but as a hub for addressing community issues—be it social, economic, or otherwise.
He reminded people of the mosque’s historical role during the time of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), serving as the heart of the community where crucial societal issues were addressed.
“Building a mosque goes beyond constructing a place for prayers; it’s about creating a community center that embodies the spirit of Islamic teachings, fostering a strong, vibrant Muslim community,” Mirwaiz said.
He emphasized the importance and need of inclusivity in these new sacred spaces, particularly the provision of designated areas for women to pray and assemble.
“We should not keep out women-folk away from the mosques as we cannot envision real change in our society or aspire to build a strong community without ensuring that our mosques are welcoming and accessible to women. Their participation and inclusion is crucial if we are to stay true to the values of Islamic teaching,” he added.
