Srinagar, September 5 (KNS): The installation of the Ashoka emblem inside the Hazratbal Dargah has triggered criticism from political and religious figures, who say the move contradicts the principles of Islam.

National Conference leader Tanvir Sadiq stated that the presence of the emblem runs contrary to the Islamic principle of Tawheed (oneness of God). In a post on X, Sadiq clarified that while he is not a religious scholar, Islam strictly forbids idol worship. “I’m not a religious scholar but in Islam, idol worship is strictly forbidden—the gravest of sins.

The foundation of our faith is Tawheed. Placing a sculpted figure at the revered Hazratbal Dargah goes against this very belief. Sacred spaces must reflect only the purity of Tawheed, nothing else,” he wrote.

Sadiq argued that the emblem, being a sculpted figure, undermines the sanctity of the shrine. He called for the respect of religious norms and emphasized that sacred spaces should not carry elements that contradict foundational beliefs.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi also criticized the installation. In a post on X, Mehdi said, “Attempts to monumentalise egos inside Hazratbal are not acts of devotion but of arrogance. A sacred place that has stood for centuries needs no one’s nameplate for legitimacy. People were rightly offended by this dangerous attempt to play with religious sensitivities for self-glorification.”

Mehdi added that while Hazratbal has undergone reconstructions in the past, such measures were never used to claim personal or political credit. He further stated that discussions about involving Public Safety Acts (PSA) in this context would only aggravate the situation and insult the sentiments of devotees.

The Hazratbal Dargah, one of Kashmir’s most revered Islamic shrines, underwent renovation and was inaugurated on Wednesday.(KNS).