Kashmir's Grand Mufti Mufti Bashir-ud-Din, Saturday asked Jammu and Kashmir [Images] Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to undertake penance for his recent utterances asking people to adopt Gandhian philosophy for worldly success.

In an edict (Fatwa) issued by him, the Grand Mufti said that in case "he does not undergo penance for his utterance, his act would be considered as anti-Islam."

The chief minister had, while addressing a gathering of school and college students on Gandhi Jayanti, reportedly said while "Islam secures the world hereafter, adoption of Gandhian philosophy was the route to success in this world."

The Grand Mufti, while asking the chief minister to clarify his position on the matter, said, "Gandhi was relevant to his community but for the Muslims Prophet Mohammad was the only leader to be followed."

"The best path for every Muslim to follow for betterment in both this world and the world hereafter is the path shown by the Holy Prophet. The chief minister must clarify his recent statement in which he told people to follow the Gandhian path. He must also seek penance for his assertions," the Grand Mufti said.

Syed Ali Shah Geelani, the senior separatist leader and the chairman of the hard-line group of the separatist All Parties Hurriyat Conference also issued a statement lashing out at Azad.