Peerzada Faisal Qadri
Portraying the Jammu and Kashmir administration’s move to profile mosques, madrassas and religious functionaries as something unusual or unconstitutional reflects either a lack of understanding of facts or a deliberate attempt to create political noise. In most countries of the world, the registration, monitoring and maintenance of official records of places of worship and religious institutions is a routine state policy. Its purpose is to ensure transparency, discipline and social harmony. Presenting this process as a restriction on religious freedom is nothing but cheap politics aimed solely at staying in the news and misleading the public.
If we look at the global context, in Pakistan mosque registration is carried out under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 or as trusts and waqfs. This requires proof of land ownership, national identity cards of mosque committee members, affidavits and other legal documents. Provincial Auqaf departments and district administrations supervise the entire process. For the construction of a new mosque, a no objection certificate from the district administration is mandatory, intended to prevent illegal constructions and financial irregularities.
In Saudi Arabia, the entire mosque system falls under the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. Planning, construction, maintenance and management of mosques are the responsibility of the government. Imams, muezzins and other staff are government employees and receive salaries from the state. Religious activities are fully regulated under the state framework so that sermons and teachings remain in line with national policy.
In Turkey, most mosques are managed by Diyanet, the Presidency of Religious Affairs, which handles their funding, administration and the appointment of imams. Even if a mosque is built by the community, it must be registered as an association or a foundation to gain legal status, and government approval is mandatory. In this way, the state keeps the religious structure within an organized framework.
In Malaysia, Islamic affairs fall under state jurisdiction. In every state, the Islamic Religious Council and the Islamic Religious Department oversee the registration and supervision of mosques. No building can be used as a mosque without written permission, ensuring harmony with urban planning and designated purposes.
In Egypt, the Ministry of Awqaf exercises strict control over the registration and administration of mosques. This process is part of a broader system of state supervision over religious sermons and activities, aimed at preventing extremism and irresponsible religious narratives.
In the United Arab Emirates, government bodies in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates are responsible for mosque registration, licensing and management. Official approval, financial planning and legal documentation are mandatory for establishing, modifying or operating a mosque, ensuring compliance with Islamic law and public order.
In Indonesia, mosques are registered as religious organizations or foundations under the Ministry of Religious Affairs. This process involves legal and administrative steps at both local and national levels, and similar requirements apply to institutions of other religions as well.
In Qatar, the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs supervises mosque registration, staff appointments and administration. Imams and muezzins are appointed with official approval, and the establishment of Islamic centers requires final authorization from the minister, as Islam is the state religion.
All these examples clearly show that maintaining records of mosques and religious institutions is neither unusual nor limited to a specific region. It is a global administrative practice. In Jammu and Kashmir too, this process is essential for transparency, rule of law and better management of religious institutions.
Law abiding and responsible members of mosque committees in Kashmir should come forward to provide the required details and cooperate with the administration. This will not only remove misunderstandings but also improve mosque management and help strengthen their role as centers of social reform and welfare.
In conclusion, it is important to understand that state oversight and religious freedom are not opposites but complementary to each other. Those who are giving this initiative a political color and spreading doubts are seeking momentary publicity rather than serious dialogue. The reality is that an organized and transparent system alone strengthens the dignity and credibility of religious institutions.
