Kashmir-based Islamic bodies upset by Shia cleric Imran Ansari remarks, calls for boycott-OxBig News Network

The Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU), comprising scholars and leaders from both Sunni and Shia sects, on Sunday (July 13, 2025) took exception to the remarks allegedly made by J&K Peoples Conference leader and Shia cleric Imran Raza Ansari against one of the companions of Prophet Muhammad.

In a joint statement, the MMU, headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, said it was deeply anguished and strongly condemned deliberate provocations by Mr. Ansari. “The MMU had refrained from naming the individual, hoping that he would reflect and correct his malicious intent. However, instead of rectifying, Mr. Ansari has now publicly resorted to openly abusing and disrespecting the revered companions of the Prophet,” it alleged.

The MMU termed the reported remarks of Mr. Ansari “absolutely unacceptable” and “a direct attack on the foundations of Islamic unity, ethics, and mutual respect”.

“It will not be tolerated. The MMU strongly urges the authorities to initiate immediate legal action against Mr. Ansari for inciting communal disharmony and hurting the religious sentiments of the Muslim community,” the MMU said. 

All member scholars of the MMU, Sunni and Shia alike, have taken a unanimous decision to boycott Mr. Ansari until he publicly apologises and withdraws his statements. “No platform, religious gathering, or public event associated with MMU or its constituents will host or endorse him till then,” the MMU added, while asking all to maintain unity and calm.

Several Shia clerics, including Aga Syed Hassan Al Moosvi, Molvi Masroor Abbas Ansari, Aga Syed Mohammad Hadi Al Moosvi Hadi, have also distanced themselves from Mr. Ansari’s statements. National Conference (NC) MP and Shia cleric Aga Syed Ruhullah also condemned Mr. Ansari for his remarks.

“Ayatullah Khamenie has issued a decree (fatwa) that it is forbidden (Haram) to insult Khulafa Rashideen or Sacred Tenets or Sanctities of Ahl al-Sunnah. If you (Mr. Ansari) are so much inspired by his leadership, stop doing what is forbidden. And stop using religion for your personal benefit,” MP Ansari said.

Responding to the MMU statement, Mr. Ansari, in a statement, said, “A video clip has recently circulated online, accompanied by claims that have spoken ill of the Sahabah. I want to state, plainly and without ambiguity, that this allegation is unfounded. The interpretation being pushed onto my words is not only inaccurate but also ignores the broader context and intent of what was said.”

He said the path toward any meaningful unity within the Muslim Ummah “must begin with mutual respect, not with provocation, distortion, or sectarian one-upmanship”.

“My focus has always been on building understanding where there is confusion and promoting unity where there is disarray. The video in question, while selectively edited and misrepresented, may have struck a nerve for some. I acknowledge that, but I reiterate: no disrespect was intended, and any claim to the contrary is baseless, and I was not aiming at disrespecting any Sahaba, nor did I intend to mention one,” Mr. Ansari said.

He said a certain individual or the handful of Shia organisations, who are attempting to stifle voices of conviction in the name of unity, “are not serving the Ummah but betraying Bibi Fatima”.