By: Syed Faiz Naqshbandi
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq stands the most prominent and internationally recognized personalities of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Revered as a spiritual guide, respected as a religious scholar, and acknowledged as a political leader, he represents a rare blend of faith, intellect, and principled resistance. His leadership has shaped religious consciousness and political awareness across generations, not only in Jammu and Kashmir but also among Kashmiris living across the world.
Belonging to the historic and influential Mirwaiz dynasty, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq carries forward a legacy that has played a decisive role in the social, religious, and political life of Kashmir for over a century. The Mirwaiz family has consistently served as a moral compass for the people, guiding them through periods of political turmoil, social transformation, and spiritual introspection.
The Mirwaiz family has consistently served as a moral compass for the people, guiding them through periods of political turmoil, social transformation, and spiritual introspection. From the pulpits of Jamia Masjid Srinagar to the wider political landscape, this dynasty has worked tirelessly to awaken the collective conscience of the Kashmiri people and articulate their aspirations.
As a religious leader, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is widely respected for his scholarship, moderation, and emphasis on Islamic values rooted in justice, dignity, and peaceful coexistence. His sermons and public addresses reflect a deep understanding of faith as a source of strength, patience, and moral clarity in times of adversity. He has consistently promoted interfaith harmony, social reform, and ethical conduct, reinforcing the spiritual foundations of Kashmiri society.
Politically, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is recognized as a central figure in the struggle for the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. His contribution as a dialogue-oriented and visionary leader has earned him respect at national and international forums. He has always advocated for a just, peaceful, and lasting solution to the dispute, grounded in the wishes and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. His approach, rooted in political wisdom rather than confrontation for its own sake, has distinguished him as an icon of the liberation movement and a voice of reason amid conflict.
His global stature is further reflected in his repeated inclusion among the 500 most influential Muslim personalities in the world, a recognition that underscores his intellectual influence, moral authority, and leadership beyond regional boundaries. This acknowledgment places him among leading scholars, thinkers, and leaders who shape contemporary Muslim thought and public life.
In recent times, attempts by certain elements to malign Mirwaiz Umar Farooq through vicious, fabricated, and politically motivated campaigns are deeply condemnable. Such efforts, allegedly orchestrated at the behest of underground agencies, not only target an individual of unimpeachable integrity but also seek to undermine the broader spirit of the Kashmiri freedom movement. These tactics stand in clear contradiction to democratic values, ethical norms, and the collective struggle of a people seeking justice and dignity.
Despite prolonged restrictions, political pressure, and personal hardships, Chairman-Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has remained steadfast in his commitment in striving for right to self determination of Kashmiris. His resilience, patience, and unwavering resolve continue to inspire Kashmiris across generations.
Kashmir is a UN recognized disputed territory for which UN had passed many resolutions and people of Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Mirwaiz Umar will continue to struggle for self determination. Huge sacrifices have been given by the people.
Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed decades of human rights violations, including prolonged curfews, arbitrary detentions, restrictions on religious and political freedoms, and the excessive use of force against civilians, which have deeply scarred the collective psyche of the Kashmiri people. Despite facing repeated house arrests, movement restrictions, and sustained pressure aimed at silencing his voice, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has continued to symbolize the continuity of the Kashmiri freedom movement through principled, peaceful, and resilient engagement. By consistently highlighting the plight of the people, advocating for justice and dignity, and keeping the discourse of self-determination alive through religious platforms, political dialogue, and international awareness, he has ensured that the movement remains rooted in moral legitimacy and non-violent resistance. His steadfast commitment under repression reflects not only personal courage but also the enduring resolve of a people who refuse to abandon their quest for freedom and a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
The malicious propaganda campaign against Mirwaiz Sahib is strategically designed not just to attack his personal stature, but to discredit the entire leadership linked with the Kashmiri freedom movement and erode its moral and political legitimacy. These deliberate attempts seek to confuse public opinion, weaken the bond of trust between the people and their leaders, and suppress independent and principled voices. At a deeper level, such actions are aimed at imposing control over Jamia Masjid Srinagar, a revered institution that has historically served as a center of religious guidance, political consciousness, and collective resistance for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
In essence, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is more than a leader; he is an institution shaped by history, faith, and the enduring struggle of Jammu and Kashmir. His spiritual guidance, political vision, and moral leadership make him a towering figure whose contributions will remain etched in the collective memory of the region and acknowledged well beyond its borders.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq lives in the heart of Kashmiris.
— The author is legal expert and consultant of human rights and international law- can be reached at faiz.naqshbandi@gmail.com