Noted Islamic scholar Mufti Menk from Zimbabwe recently visited Kashmir to conduct a Nikkah ceremony of pro Indian politician’s son in Srinagar.
His visit caused much ire among his followers in Kashmir who lashed out at the scholar for not understanding the political dynamics of Kashmir.
People blamed him for siding with those in power and leaving his millions of followers disappointed.
Here Are Some Of The Reactions:
“Celebrity scholars like Mufti Menk and co always tend to appease the power corridors. They want to retain their celebrity status rather than their Aqeedah, but Allah always exposes the likes of them in front of the Ummah….” wrote one netizen.
Sorry I can’t follow u anymore my dear Sheikh Mufti Menk… No compromise…” wrote another on Twitter after photographs of Menk with local politicians went viral.
Response of Mufti Menk:
Mufti Menk’s office has responded to the criticism with an official letter.
Assalaamu alaykum
Mufti Menk is not Kashmiri. While we all stand for the rights of Kashmiris since we were born, we are not aware of the finer details of Kashmiri politics or even the names and details of current or past politicians and what they do or the reputation of each one.
Mufti Menk did not have a close relationship with any Kashmiris before his visit. He was simply asked while in Dubai if he would come over to officiate a Nikah . He immediately thought it would be a good opportunity to meet with Ulama and Muslims of Kashmir and get to know more about the conditions etc. He has visited many places in the same way. It is impossible to visit most places for Islamic lectures, due to local authorities etc, so a wedding ceremony is the next best thing in many cases.
He asked if the Nikah would be held in accordance with Islamic rules and it was confirmed.
He flew for one and a half days at his own expense to Kashmir and immediately met with Ulama and as many members of public who had previously emailed him on religious matters but based in Kashmir. This happened in an orderly fashion and people were very happy.
There was some murdering of teachers that happened the day the Mufti Menk arrived so he didn’t go out at all.
The next day too he met with some Ulama and members of public. In the evening he was taken to officiate the Nikah and didn’t spend much time there. He said a few words of advice and left immediately.
He spent a few hours that evening too with some Ulama who had come to see him.
Thereafter he left early morning. Just as he flew out, he was told that there are some negative comments about why he visited the wrong people in Kashmir.
For your information he met more than 350 ordinary Kashmiris approximately and he hardly knew anyone.
We still don’t know what the internal squabble is among the Muslims and definitely don’t know names of every politician and what he or she is accused of. Had he known in advance that Kashmiri Muslims are so divided within, he would never have visited.
With the type of comments, abuse and threats received, I doubt he would ever consider visiting Kashmir again.
May Allah Almighty have mercy on the Ummah and guide those who are astray.
There was no need to swear at our Mufti online and degrade him. People could have simply highlighted that our Mufti was totally unaware of who’s who in Kashmir and the reputation of each one, which is a fact.
Mufti Menk did not visit to divide the people or to solve any political matter or interfere or even comment. He simply wished to meet the Ulama and some members of the public to hear from them about their situation etc.
May Allah Almighty protect us from Kashmiri gatherings. You never know who might be sitting next to you and the whole of Kashmir will begin to swear at you.
And by the way, not a single penny was given to Mufti Menk. He doesn’t charge and doesn’t take money. He flies at his own expense. He has done the same with hundreds of poor families and he has sponsored many of their marriages. Subhanallah
That sums it up
Admin
Harare, Zimbabwe.
A Point of View
While it can be argued that Mufti Menk may have been unaware of the political intricacies of Kashmir, it is difficult to fathom he may not have knowledge of Kashmir’s human rights issue.
The way some of the people reacted to the scholar’s visit to the political corridors of Kashmir was uncalled for. Criticism should have come from a good place. Tweets about his family and personal life were distasteful, Mufti Menk is a scholar and people should have had the corrected him on the matter with the respect he was due.
Of course everyone is entitled to their opinion, but it should come with a consideration to whom you are speaking. Scholars of Islam hold a high regard for the Muslims and people criticising them should maintain a decorum. The criticism should be healthy and aimed at understanding and bringing Muslims together, not send one of the respected scholars whimpering away.
Having said that an Islamic scholar of Mufti Menk’s calibre and stature should be aware of the prevailing situation in Kashmir. He should understand that people in Kashmir and all around the Muslim world look up to him. Especially the people in Kashmir gravitate towards a Muslim scholar who speaks about justice and rights and Islamic duties.
This ire against Mufti Menk came from a place of love and respect as Kashmiri Muslims follow and listen to his lectures hoping to draw inspiration for themselves, as such the revered scholar should have tried to pay heed to the feelings of the society. It is important for any person to be considerate about the society or region he is visiting whether he is politically aware or not.