Sectarian Preaching by so-called Islamic scholars

Sectarian preaching by self-proclaimed Islamic scholars in Kashmir, or in any region, can be a significant concern for several reasons, and it can have harmful long-term social, political, and religious consequences. While the diversity within Islam is natural, sectarianism often arises from the politicization or misinterpretation of religious teachings, leading to division and hostility between different groups of Muslims or between Muslims and others in the community.

Impact of Sectarian Preaching in Kashmir:

1. Division Within the Muslim Community: Kashmir has a long history of diverse religious practices within Islam, including Sunni, Shia, and Sufi traditions. When certain groups or individuals promote sectarian interpretations of Islam, it exacerbates divisions within the Muslim community, which has otherwise coexisted peacefully for centuries. The result can be increasing tensions, mistrust, and even violent conflict between different sects, leading to social fragmentation.
2. Exploitation of Religious Sentiment: Sectarian leaders can often exploit religious sentiment for political gain. In regions with complex political dynamics like Kashmir, where territorial disputes and local issues are sensitive, some so-called religious scholars may use sectarian rhetoric to mobilize followers, which can deepen divisions not just within the religious community, but also between different ethnic or regional groups. This exacerbates the already tense political situation.
3. Undermining the Unity of the Muslim Ummah: Islam emphasizes the concept of the Ummah, a unified global community of believers. Sectarianism contradicts this principle by emphasizing differences rather than commonalities. It can encourage the idea that one group is superior to another, undermining solidarity and cooperation between different Muslim groups in the region and even internationally. This weakens the collective strength of the Muslim community as a whole, and isolates groups that might otherwise benefit from unity.
4. Increased Social Tension and Violence: As seen in many parts of the world, sectarianism often leads to increased violence and unrest. The Kashmiri context is particularly vulnerable because of its history of conflict and ongoing territorial disputes. Sectarian violence can contribute to already existing tensions, making reconciliation and peace-building efforts more difficult.
5. Distortion of Islamic Teachings: The promotion of sectarian ideologies often involves selective interpretations of Islamic texts to justify divisiveness. Scholars who preach sectarianism may misinterpret or misapply Islamic teachings to suit political or personal agendas, distorting the true message of Islam. This can mislead the public and create misunderstandings about Islam as a whole, undermining the faith's potential to foster peace and unity.
6. Impact on Kashmir's Cultural and Religious Pluralism: Historically, Kashmir has been a melting pot of diverse cultural and religious traditions, where different communities — including Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists — have lived together for centuries. Sectarianism within the Muslim community can threaten this broader cultural and religious harmony, making it harder for Kashmir to maintain its pluralistic identity. The region's legacy of interfaith tolerance could be severely impacted by growing sectarian divisions.

Factors Contributing to Sectarian Preaching:

1. Political Manipulation: Some individuals or groups with political agendas may use religious rhetoric to further their own goals, dividing communities along sectarian lines to gain followers or exert influence. In Kashmir, where the political environment is highly sensitive and contested, such tactics are sometimes employed by different factions.
2. Influence of External Actors: In the global context, various international actors — whether state or non-state — may also support sectarian ideologies as part of a broader strategy to destabilize regions or promote their own interests. External funding, support, and ideological influence from particular sectarian groups can exacerbate divisions in the region.
3. Radicalization and Lack of Proper Religious Education: In some cases, poor or incomplete religious education, coupled with the influence of extremist ideologies, can lead individuals or groups to adopt sectarian views. The absence of critical, scholarly engagement with Islamic texts may contribute to the spread of narrow, divisive interpretations.
4. Media and Social Media: The rise of social media has made it easier for divisive voices to spread rapidly. Sectarian messages can be amplified, reaching large numbers of people, including the younger generation, and causing emotional and ideological polarization.

Addressing Sectarian Preaching in Kashmir:

1. Promoting Inter-sect Dialogue: Encouraging dialogue between different sects of Islam in Kashmir, as well as between Muslims and people of other faiths, can help bridge divisions. Clerics and scholars from different traditions can collaborate to emphasize shared values and principles in Islam, which promotes unity, peace, and mutual respect.
2. Empowering Moderate and Inclusive Voices: The voices of scholars and religious leaders who advocate for an inclusive, moderate interpretation of Islam should be given more prominence. These individuals can play a pivotal role in countering sectarianism by promoting unity and stressing the ethical teachings of Islam that encourage peace and coexistence.
3. Community Engagement and Education: Religious education should focus on critical thinking, historical context, and the commonalities of Islamic teachings, rather than promoting sectarian differences. Education programs that teach about the plurality of religious traditions and the importance of tolerance can also help build resilience against sectarian ideologies.
4. Strengthening Legal Frameworks Against Hate Speech: Governments and civil society should work together to strengthen laws and policies against hate speech, incitement to violence, and other forms of sectarian propaganda. This includes regulating content on social media platforms and holding individuals accountable for spreading hate.
5. Promoting the Role of Religious Institutions in Peace-building: Religious institutions in Kashmir, such as mosques, can be powerful agents of peace. They should focus on promoting the teachings of peace, tolerance, and unity. Encouraging mosques and madrasas to foster inter-sect cooperation, alongside regular sermons and dialogues on Islamic principles of justice and unity, can help curb sectarianism.

Sectarian preaching by so-called Islamic scholars in Kashmir — like anywhere else — poses a significant threat to the region's social cohesion, stability, and religious harmony. It's critical to address the roots of sectarianism through inclusive religious education, inter-sect dialogue, and the promotion of moderate, peace-building narratives. Ultimately, by emphasizing common values over divisions, Kashmir's religious and political fabric can be strengthened, creating a more peaceful and harmonious society.