Shia Association Defies Kashmir Grand Mufti Summons

A fresh row has erupted in Kashmir after the J&K Shia Association, led by Molvi Imran Reza Ansari, outrightly rejected a summons issued by the Office of Kashmir’s Grand Mufti, declaring that the body has no rightful authority over Shia religious matters

- Observer News Service

The Association reaffirmed that it would not appear in any proceedings initiated by the Mufti’s office, framing its refusal as a principled stance aimed at safeguarding core beliefs rather than an act of evasion.

The controversy began after remarks by Imran Reza Ansari drew strong public reaction and widespread social media debate. In response, the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU) — the umbrella body of major Sunni and Shia religious organisations in J&K — convened a meeting on July 15 to address the issue.

Chaired by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the MMU unanimously reaffirmed that the sanctity of the Sahaba — the revered companions of Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) — and the Ahl al-Bayt — the Prophet’s noble family — is a foundational belief shared by all Muslims.

“Differences in theology must never become an excuse for disrespect,” the Majlis said, warning that unity built on centuries of coexistence in Kashmir is a moral and religious obligation. The MMU welcomed the public stance of senior Shia clerics distancing themselves from Ansari’s comments, emphasising that such views were personal and contrary to the guidance of top Shia Maraji, who forbid any disparagement of Sunni sacred figures.