The Kashmir Pulse

BANDIPORA — Amidst the holy month of Ramadan, approximately 1000 devout Muslims are participating in Itikaf at the renowned seminary, Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah, Bandipora, dedicating themselves to spiritual reflection and worship.

Itikaf is a spiritual practice observed by Muslims during the last 10 days of Ramadan. Participants withdraw from worldly activities and distractions, focusing on worship, recitation of the Quran, and acts of remembrance and supplication to seek closeness to Allah.

The management at the seminary informed the news agency KNO that around 1000 individuals, including both youth and elderly from various parts of the valley, are observing Itikaf this Ramadan. Approximately 250 food plates (Traamis) are being served daily, covering both Sehri (pre-dawn meals) and Iftaar (breaking of fast).

In addition to those performing Itikaf, a large number of locals join for prayers and a grand Iftaar on a daily basis.

It is worth mentioning that during the last Ramadan, over 600 men observed Itikaf at this Islamic seminary. Over the years, the seminary has become a popular destination for people from both the valley and outsiders.

This post first appeared on The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Proficient and well-known Islamic scholar Maulana Rehmatullah Mir Qasmi, who runs Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah Bandipora, appeared before National Investigation Agency (NIA) after the probe agency summoned him in an alleged militancy funding case.

Earlier, National Investigation Agency summoned Maulana Rehmatullah Mir Qasmi informing him that they are investigating the case pertaining to the raising of funds by Jamat-e-Islami in Jammu and Kashmir and further utilizing these funds for ‘committing unlawful acts to radicalize the youth’ of Jammu and Kashmir.

"It appears that you are acquainted with the facts of this case. You are hereby directed to report at the NIA camp office Church Lane Sonwar Srinagar for the purpose of answering certain questions related to the case," reads the summon served to Maulana Qasmi.

Sources said that Qasmi presented himself before the probe agency. “What transpired during the questioning was not immediately known,” said a close aide of Qasmi.

Rahmatullah Mir Qasmi is a Kashmiri Islamic scholar, founder, and rector of Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah, one of the largest Islamic seminaries in Kashmir. He is a senior member of the managing committee of Darul Uloom Deoband, a founding member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board and a member of the working body of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind.

MMU condemns NIA's summoning of Maulana Rehmatullah Mir Qasmi

Meanwhile, Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama Jammu and Kashmir (MMU) has expressed serious concern over the summoning of its president and leading Islamic scholar Maulana Rehmatullah Mir Qasmi by NIA and termed it extremely sad.

MMU, in a statement, issued to to the news agency KNS said that Moulana Rehmatullah is not only a renowned Islamic scholar but also a sincere preacher of Islam who has dedicated himself to religious, educational and reformative services for our society.

It said that such actions are causing anxiety and anger among the people, and urged the government to put a stop to this.

This post first appeared on The Kashmir Pulse