Srinagar, Sep 16 (JKNS): Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam has raised concerns over what he described as a rapid rise in moral degradation in Kashmir, urging parents, religious scholars and society at large to remain vigilant and take steps to guide youth towards education, employment and Islamic values.
According to the news agency JKNS, Grand Mufti claimed that he had received reports of young women being involved in prostitution and referred to an alleged incident involving a demand of ₹200. He said such reports should be taken seriously and investigated rather than ignored.
Nasir-ul-Islam questioned the role of parents in monitoring their children’s activities and urged them to communicate with their children about where they go, whom they meet and how they spend their time.
He stressed that there was no need for physical punishment, saying children should instead be counselled and made to understand the consequences of their actions.
The Grand Mufti also called upon society to come forward and strengthen community-level vigilance, while urging parents to play a greater role in protecting children from drugs, violence and other harmful influences.
He linked some social problems to unemployment and financial difficulties, particularly among educated youth, and said frustration and pressure from families could contribute to drug abuse and other harmful behaviour.
On the issue of loans, Nasir-ul-Islam said interest-based banking was not permissible under Shariah and proposed establishing an interest-free banking or financial institution involving wealthy and religious members of society.
He suggested providing small, interest-free micro-loans to people to help them start businesses and become financially independent.
The Grand Mufti said funds from Bait-ul-Maal, including charity and Zakat, could be utilised for helping deserving people after proper verification of their needs.
He also called for greater transparency in the distribution of charitable funds and urged religious leaders to ensure that assistance reaches genuinely needy families.
On weddings, Nasir-ul-Islam appealed to Imams to discourage lavish expenditure and said money saved from expensive ceremonies could instead be used to support the marriages of daughters from economically weaker families.
He further emphasised the importance of Quranic teachings and Islamic values in shaping the character of children and addressing social challenges. (JKNS)
