Rulers’ Will Can Establish Nationwide Congregational Prayer: Allama Arif Wahidi

Shiite News: Addressing the Ulema & Mashayikh Conference organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony at a local hotel, the Central Vice President of Shia Ulema Council Pakistan and member of the National Ulema & Mashayikh Council, Allama Arif Hussain Wahidi, emphasized that if the country’s rulers become genuinely serious about the matter of prayer, establishing congregational Salah across Pakistan is entirely possible.
Rawalpindi and Islamabad based scholars, Mashayikh, senior government officials, secretaries and ministers were present at the event.
Addressing the gathering, Allama Wahidi highlighted the fundamental status of prayer, quoting the Holy Prophet (PBUH & his progeny): “Prayer is the pillar of religion; if prayer is accepted, all deeds will be accepted, and if prayer is rejected, all deeds are rejected.”
He said Pakistan is a divine blessing established on the foundation of Kalima Tayyiba, therefore its society must function according to the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Expressing concern, he said that today mosques remain empty while markets remain full even during prayer times, a matter requiring deep reflection.
Allama Wahidi proposed that a national system should be devised under which markets close during Adhan and congregational prayer, ensuring all citizens move toward the mosques.
Referring to the famous Hadith “Al-nas ‘ala deeni mulookihim”, he said that when rulers demonstrate seriousness on the matter of Salah allocating prayer time in government offices and ensuring congregational prayers in departments, society will inevitably follow.
He stressed that if every ministry, district office, DC and DPO office strengthens the system of congregational prayer, the establishment of Salah nationwide will become a reality.
He also appreciated the efforts of the Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, for initiating structured measures toward prayer and time discipline, expressing hope that all sects’ jurisprudential viewpoints would be respected in determining prayer and Adhan timings.
Allama Wahidi added that if all schools of thought jointly establish congregational prayers, even across each other’s mosques, it would become a powerful step toward unity of the Ummah.
He said that Salah is a spiritual system that connects hearts and can play a key role in eliminating sectarianism and discord from Pakistan.
He concluded that by ensuring punctuality, vibrant mosques, and public participation, Pakistan can present a beautiful message of unity, peace and harmony to the world.