Point

Dr Nazir Zargar, Islamic scholar

The word Mirwaiz is a contraction of two words mir meaning chief and waiz meaning preacher. In Islamic tradition there is no such institution in the strict sense. However, when Hazrat Amir Kabir Mir Syed Ali Hamadani came to Kashmir as supreme daiyee (propounder of the Islamic faith), he was the supreme preacher himself who preached and explained the teachings of Islam to all and sundry especially the ruling class. Since his companions were all preachers in their respective capacities, he himself was their Ameer or simply Mir (chief). In this historical perspective the Mirwaiz assumes the same position as that of Shah Hamadan. His duties were to take care of the religious, social and economic needs of the people. More importantly, the Amir also tried his best to reform the rulers of Kashmir vis-à-vis their political as well as religious and moral condition. Therefore, the role of the Mirwaiz should be no different in present times. He is the religious head of the masses. He is supposed to play his role for the development of socio-politico-religious condition of the people to the extent the established political system permits him. Given the deplorable condition of the people of Kashmir and socio-economic problems, fresh soul needs to be infused into this institution. So far this institution has been imparting awareness in many ways but it has been confined to some issues only. The field is open. People of Kashmir need guidance especially in religious matters, which in turn can govern other aspects of their social behaviour. If at least the institution offers that guidance, there will be an all-round improvement in other spheres of our lives. So far we have been longing for such role models to lead the institution of the Mirwaiz. Of late, we have seen those leaders and preachers who are engaged in activities which are not of primary importance. They spend most of their time in petty issues. They neither possess the knowledge of the scripture nor thorough understanding of politics. We long for leaders who in Quranic terminology are called Rabbaniyuun – religious scholars, reformers and epitomes of wisdom. Only then will the institution of Mirwaiz become meaningful.