Srinagar, Jul 03: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq on Friday called for responsible and ethical conduct by media professionals and social media users, urging them to exercise restraint, sensitivity and moral accountability while creating and sharing content.
Addressing the Friday congregation at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar, Mirwaiz, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), referred to the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): “Every one of you is a guardian (shepherd), and every one of you will be questioned about those under your care.”
He said the principle of responsibility extends to every section of society, including parents, teachers, leaders, traders and the media, which plays a vital role in shaping public opinion.
Describing the media as an important pillar of society, Mirwaiz said social media has become a powerful platform that can educate and strengthen society when used responsibly.
However, he cautioned that content created solely to gain views, followers or TRPs, without considering its social impact, can cause serious harm.
Expressing concern over a recent viral video featuring a minor child responding to questions about the prevailing heatwave and school holidays, Mirwaiz said children should not be exposed to social media or used for public reactions without understanding the consequences.
“Children are the future of society, and the questions they are asked, as well as the content they consume, shape their values and thinking,” he said, adding that children cannot be treated as tools for entertainment, publicity or social media engagement.
Stressing the need for accountability, Mirwaiz said those who hold cameras and microphones carry a responsibility not only before society but also before Allah.
He appealed to journalists, content creators and social media users to act with wisdom, restraint and responsibility, saying that the kind of society people build will largely depend on what they choose to watch, promote and share online.
Mirwaiz urged people to ensure that public discourse, even in disagreement, reflects respect, maturity and moral responsibility so that children grow up with positive examples before them—(KNO)
