The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Bidding adieu to the auspicious month of Ramadan, congregational Friday prayers were held on the Jumu'atul-Widaa (the last Friday of Ramadan) at revered shrines and mosques across Kashmir except for the Jamia Masjid Srinagar, which remained closed.

It was learnt by the news agency CNS that shrines and mosques in the valley on the Jumu'atul-Widaa witnessed a surge in devotees’ presence, who offered their Friday prayers, seeking expiation for their sins and bidding farewell with moist eyes to the ongoing Ramadan (month of fasting), which is drawing closer to its end.

On the occasion of the Jumu'atul-Widaa, the biggest gathering was held at Dargah Hazratbal, Srinagar, where devotees in large numbers participated in Friday prayers. JKNC President Dr Farooq Abdullah, Vice President Omar Abdullah, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti and Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari also visited the Hazratbal shrine and offered Friday prayers.

In Srinagar, the congregational prayers were held at Masjid Asar-e-Sharif, Janab Sahib, Soura; Jamiat-e-Ahle Hadith, Gawkadal; Asar-e-Sharif, Shehri Kalashpora; Ziarat Dastgeer Sahib, Sarai Bala; Ziarat Dastgeer Sahib, Khanyar; Ziarat-e-Makhdoom Sahib, Khanqah-e-Moula, and several other mosques and shrines.

Meanwhile, authorities shut the Jamia Masjid Srinagar for Friday prayers on the Jumu'atul-Widaa and did not allow Mirwaiz Dr Umar Farooq to deliver a sermon, which he was expected to address the devotees on the last Friday of Ramadan.

In central Kashmir’s Budgam, Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian said that a huge rally was held on Friday, with scores of women and children in attendance.

Addressing the gathering, Anjuman Sharie Shian President Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi Al-Safavi criticised the world community for supporting Israel in its oppression of Palestinians. He demanded that Muslim countries should come together for the Palestinian cause.

This post first appeared on The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Amid restrictions in the city centre Lal Chowk, Ashura, which commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), was observed across Kashmir valley on Tuesday with religious gaiety and mourning.

Remembering the supreme sacrifice of the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), mourning processions were taken out across Kashmir valley throughout the day wherein glowing tributes were paid to Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions who laid down their lives during the battle of Karbala against evil, falsehood and oppression.

Clad in black attire, carrying black banners, mourners paid respect to Imam (AS) and his companions while taking out huge mourning processions at several places. The district’s largest Ashura procession with Zuljanah, Alam and Tazia was held on its traditional route from Aalipora Bota Kadal, to the historic Imambargah of Zadibal.

Over 10,000 Shia Muslim mourners, including a large number of women, participated in the procession while reciting Marsthiya Majalis (an elegy to remember Karbala) and Noha (an elegy depicting Hussain's martyrdom).

While addressing the gathering at Aalipora, Agha Syed Alsafvi Al Mousavi said that the tragic battle of Karbala teaches sacrifice and perseverance for advancing the cause of truth. Thousands of devotees attended the congregation to remember the sacrifices of Imam Hussain (AS) and his pious companions on the battlefield of Karbala.

Mousavi added that the event of Karbala immortalized the fact that ultimately truth prevails and falsehood perishes. Senior religious and political leaders of the community were also part of the processions at different places which later passed off peacefully.

Tight security arrangements were put into place in Srinagar by the authorities to thwart any untoward incident.

The Alam and Zuljanah processions were also carried out in other parts of the city and the Valley. Thousands of people in the districts of Budgam, Bandipora, Baramulla, Ganderbal and Panner Jagir Tral attended the Ashura processions and paid rich tributes to Karbala martyrs. The processions were also held in Shahoo, Sachen, Vangaam of Devsar Tehsil in Kulgam district.

A similar procession was held in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, where Shia Muslims were seen mourning and performing the ritual of self-flagellation.

In the deserts of Karbala, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Imam Hussain (AS), laid down his life along with 72 other aides, who included his family, children and acquaintances, on the 10th of Muharram. The day is commemorated as Youm-e-Ashura.

The martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS), which teaches the lessons of righteousness over evil, is remembered by Muslims across the world every year during the month of Muharram. The battle of Karbala has set an example of the supreme sacrifice in the history of mankind which depicts the victory of virtuousness over evil.

Meanwhile, govt departments, volunteers and self-help groups had pitched tents to feed the mourners along the path of the procession and to ensure that roads were not blocked. Several ambulances were also kept ready in case of emergency and there were free medical check-ups and blood donation camps along the way.

This post first appeared on The Kashmir Pulse