Srinagar: Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Tuesday urged Ulamas and religious scholars to use Eid pulpits to spread the message of introspection, repentance and moral reform, while expressing deep concern over what he described as an alarming decline in social and moral values.
Extending Eid-ul-Adha greetings to the people, the Apni Party president said the sacred occasion should not only be celebrated with devotion and joy but should also become a moment for collective reflection on the moral condition of society.
“As we celebrate the blessed occasion of Eid al-Adha, we must pause and reflect on the painful deterioration of our social and moral fabric,” he said.
In a statement, Altaf Bukhari said society was facing a serious crisis of values and conscience and called for urgent introspection.
“As a society, we urgently need to introspect and ask ourselves why we are steadily losing our religious, moral and even basic human values,” he said.
Referring to the recent rape and murder of a minor girl in Budgam, Bukhari described the incident as a grim reminder of the erosion of morality and humanity.
“The heart-wrenching incident in Budgam is a grim reminder of how far we have drifted from morality and humanity. This deeply tragic incident demands serious reflection and a complete transformation in our social behaviour and collective mindset,” he said.
He added that rising incidents of crime, violence and drug abuse reflected a dangerous drift away from ethical and humane values.
“If we fail to protect our social fabric today, one can only fear what kind of future awaits us tomorrow,” he remarked.
Expressing concern over the gradual moral decline in society, Bukhari said earlier generations possessed stronger character and humanity despite having fewer educational opportunities.
“This land was once known for peace, dignity and spirituality. Our valley was proudly called ‘Peer Waer’ — the land of saints. Sadly, it feels as though we have lost that identity,” he said.
The Apni Party president also linked social decline with environmental imbalance, pointing towards changing weather patterns, shrinking glaciers and natural calamities.
“Perhaps nature has already started warning us. Look at the changing weather patterns, the frequent natural calamities, the shrinking glaciers and the loss of our water resources,” he said.
Calling for repentance and social responsibility, Altaf Bukhari said Eid-ul-Adha symbolises sacrifice and should inspire people to contribute towards rebuilding a compassionate and morally strong society.
“Let us make a sincere commitment this Eid that we will sacrifice our time, comfort, efforts and abilities to help rebuild a noble, compassionate and morally strong society,” he said.
He appealed to religious scholars to remind people during Eid prayers about the need for introspection, repentance and a return to morality and humanity.
Bukhari concluded by praying for peace, unity and prosperity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and extended Eid greetings to all.
