Grand Mufti J&K Cautions Against Propaganda Linked to ‘Gohar Shahi’ Ideology – Alfaaz – The Words

Srinagar: The Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Farooqi, has issued a public advisory cautioning against the circulation of material attributed to Younis Al-Gohar, which he said promotes an ideology falsely presented as Islamic and rooted in the so-called ‘Gohar Shahi narrative’.

In the advisory, the Grand Mufti J&K stated that Younis Al-Gohar claims spiritual association with Gohar Shahi and seeks to propagate beliefs under the framework of Islam and Sufism. The statement maintained that these claims do not align with the Qur’an, Sunnah, or the recognised tradition of Tasawwuf, and described the narrative as a form of fitna that risks misleading sections of the public.

The advisory says that the ideology in question departs from established Islamic doctrines, places undue emphasis on individual personalities, and diverts followers from accepted scholarly traditions. It further says that similar movements in Islamic history emerged by exploiting religious sentiment but failed to sustain themselves when examined through established knowledge and consensus.

Referring to the potential social impact, the Grand Mufti J&K Nasir-ul-Islam, warned that the spread of such narratives could contribute to confusion, internal divisions, and disruption of communal harmony if left unaddressed.

The statement urged members of the Muslim community, particularly young people, to rely on recognised scholars and institutions for religious guidance. It also called upon parents, educators, community leaders, and civil society to exercise caution and play a responsible role in addressing misleading religious content.

Emphasising the Islamic principle of verification, the advisory stated that religious teachings must be assessed against primary sources and authentic scholarship, and not shaped around personal claims or self-styled interpretations.

The Grand Mufti J&K said the advisory was issued with the objective of safeguarding religious integrity and maintaining social stability in Jammu and Kashmir.