Shabir Ali
A new controversy has ignited in Kashmir following the circulation of a video from a Mushaira event held in Srinagar’s Kralpora area, in which a poet and a select few individuals reportedly used derogatory language against the first three companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The event, which took place on Sunday, was hosted by a few youth from Srinagar.
Zeeshan Jaipuri, a prominent Kashmiri poet took to his social media and clarified, “As soon as I heard the inappropriate words being used against the first three companions, I immediately intervened, instructed the individual to sit down, and stopped him from speaking any further.”
Zeeshan said that he clarified it during the event that such individuals have no place in public spaces and Shias of Kashmir will not tolerate insult to any companion of Prophet Muhammad.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from various quarters, particularly from Shia scholars and prominent figures, who have expressed their displeasure with the remarks and denounced the actions of the individuals involved.
They have emphasized that the actions of a few individuals do not represent the beliefs or values of the Shia community.
Aga Syed Hadi Kashmiri, a leading Shia scholar, strongly condemned the defamatory language used during the event.
“These individuals do not represent the Shia community,” said Aga Hadi. “We are the ones speaking from pulpits, having studied religion, and we know that there is no room in our faith for using such language against the predecessors of Hazrat Ali (AS).”
Irshad Hussain, a respected Shia journalist from Kashmir, highlighted the damage such actions can cause to inter-community harmony. “The Shia community has always prided itself on living in peace and harmony with others,” Hussain stated.
“The misguided actions of individuals should not be used to tarnish this longstanding tradition of peaceful coexistence. This is an attempt to sow discord and create division in Kashmir.”
This incident is not the first of its kind. Several months ago, a video surfaced online where an individual was seen making offensive remarks against the Hanafi community.
“It’s clear that these provocations are part of a broader strategy to create divisions in our society,” said Hussain.
“It is unfortunate that we are continuously forced to defend our respect for the Sahaba (companions of Prophet Muhammad). We should not have to prove our values based on the actions of a few who seek to spread hatred.”
Murtaza Ali, a Shia author from Budgam, echoed similar sentiments, calling for accountability while rejecting collective blame.
“While the individual responsible for this shameful act must be held accountable, it is deeply wrong to use the actions of one person to target and stigmatize an entire community,” said Ali. “This kind of generalization only fuels sectarian tensions and undermines the unity we have fought so hard to maintain.”
As the controversy continues to unfold, religious leaders, social activists, and community members have come together to call for unity and mutual respect.
They urged authorities to take immediate action against those responsible and ensure such events do not harm the fabric of Kashmir’s pluralistic society.
“Kashmir is a land of deep-rooted cultural and religious values, and we must protect it from those who seek to disrupt this delicate balance,” Farooq Ahmed Bhat, a prominent social activist from the region said.