Srinagar, 17 Jul: Hundreds of people from different walks of life participated in the collective Fateha Khawani (prayer meeting) held on Friday at the grave of the late Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal at Gupkar Road adjacent to Kashmir Nursing Home.
The gathering was attended by senior National Conference leaders from all three regions of Jammu & Kashmir, Members of Parliament, Cabinet Ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly, political and social leaders, representatives of various religious organizations, prominent citizens, local residents, and a large number of party workers. The prayers were led by the local Imam, Haji Molvi Sharif-ud-Din Sahib.
National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah, elder brother of the deceased, and Party Vice President and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also joined the prayers.
Later, a condolence and Isal-e-Sawab gathering was held at the late leader’s residence on M.A. Road in two separate sessions, keeping in view Friday congregational prayers. The proceedings began with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an and Naat-e-Rasool. Addressing the gathering, renowned Islamic scholar Dr. Professor Mohammad Tayyib Kamili elaborated on the Islamic philosophy of life and death in the light of the Holy Qur’an and Hadith. He paid glowing tribute to Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, for his historic contribution towards the welfare, dignity, self-confidence, self-reliance, and socio-economic empowerment of the people across all three regions of Jammu & Kashmir. He also highlighted Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s invaluable role in establishing and strengthening religious and public institutions, including the Muslim Auqaf Trust, Hazratbal Shrine, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), and numerous mosques and community institutions.
The condolence meeting was presided over by Dr. Farooq Abdullah. On the occasion, National Conference representatives from the provincial, zonal, and district levels presented condolence addresses, while Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah were honoured with traditional shawls and copies of the Holy Qur’an as a mark of respect.
Leaders representing political parties, social organizations, business associations, and the National Conference paid heartfelt tributes to the late Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, describing him as a principled, visionary, and people-centric leader who dedicated his entire political life to serving the people of Jammu & Kashmir, strengthening democratic values, upholding the ideology of the National Conference, and safeguarding the rights of the people.
The speakers remembered him as a man of humility, patience, intellectual depth, political wisdom, and an enduring connection with the masses. They said his invaluable contributions, sacrifices, and tireless efforts for public welfare would continue to inspire future generations, adding that the void created by his passing would remain difficult to fill.
Special prayers were offered for the eternal peace of the departed soul, seeking Almighty Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and the highest place in Jannat, while prayers were also offered for patience and strength for the bereaved family.
General Secretary Haji Ali Mohammad Sagar, Advisor to the HCM Nasir Aslam Wani, and Provincial President Advocate Showkat Ahmad Mir, on behalf of the National Conference leadership, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those who visited to offer condolences over the past four days, attended the funeral prayers, and participated in the burial rites. They also thanked political leaders, eminent personalities, and well-wishers from across India and abroad who conveyed their condolences through telephone messages and newspaper statements.