Hardliners envy moderates pride! Moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has a last laugh as he became the first Kashmiri leader to be included in the list of 500 influential Muslims of the world by the prestigious Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre (RISSC), Jordan for 2014-15.
Who is Mirwaiz?
Mirwaiz, 41, is the chief cleric of Kashmir who heads the moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference, a separatist conglomerate of over two dozen outfits.
Holding a PhD in Islamic studies, Mirwaiz is married to Kashmiri-American Sheeba Masoodi. Alumni of prestigious Burn Hall School, run by Christian Missionaries, Mirwaiz did his graduation in English Literature, Political Science and Arabic.
It was long journey entailed with personal tragedies for Mirwaiz. When he was 17, militants killed his illustrious father Mirwaiz Mohammad Farooq on May 21, 1990 in a cold blood forcing the young boy to forgo his personal dreams and become the youngest Mirwaiz – chief cleric of Kashmir -- and head of separatist Awami Action Committee.
The first test of his capabilities came in 1993 when he became the first chairman of the largest separatist alliance All Parties Hurriyat Conference and thus had the opportunity to lead the tallest leaders like slain Abdul Gani Lone and hardliner Syed Ali Shah Geelani.
Why was he chosen?
RISSC has bifurcated the list of most influential global Muslims in 13 categories including scholars, politicians, administrators of religious affairs, preachers and spiritual guides, philanthropists, charity and development, social Issues, business, science and technology, arts and culture, media, celebrities and sports stars.
Mirwaiz has been chosen in the category of politics. "It is overall the context of politics which we pursue in Kashmir and it is obviously recognition of that viewpoint and thought. Obviously we are encouraging more balanced approach on Kashmir, we are encouraging dialogue and engagement", Mirwaiz told dna.
What is RISSC?
An affiliate of Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought, the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre is international Islamic non government research organisation based in Amman, capital of Jordan.
Who else is in the list?
Around two dozen Indian Muslims including former president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, noted Islamic scholar and preacher Dr Zakir Naik, actors Aamir Khan and Shabana Azmi, music composer AR Rehman, Wipro chief Azim Premji, Saifuddin Syedna Mufaddal, the spiritual leader of Dawoodi Bohras, are also in the list of 500 influential Muslims.
"I had no idea. I had heard that they (RISCC) have been doing it for last so many years now. It is Jordanian based organisation but I had no idea about it (my inclusion in the list). I was myself surprised that they have picked my name this year", said Mirwaiz..
What does Mirwaiz's inclusion mean for Kashmir?
"I believe it is recognition of Kashmiri voices. When we talk of Kashmir outside there is generally Indian or Pakistan point of view. Now Kashmiris voices have been recognised. They are also being heard. We hope when this process will continue they understand that this (Kashmir) problem is basically a humanitarian problem", he said.
Will this list now boost moderate thought?
Mirwaiz said there is a huge problem and crisis in the Islamic world from extremism to unfortunately to those forces who are abusing the name of Islam.
"At the leadership level there is huge crisis among the Muslim world. We are not able to set our houses in order. In that context if we are being given recognition towards moderate thought and moderate approach I think it is good and encouraging," he said.
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