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.

SRINAGAR — Thousands of devotees from all over Kashmir converged at the revered shrine Hazratbal in Srinagar to have a glimpse of the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on the occasion of Mehraj-e-Alam (SAW) on Thursday.

Mehraj-e-Alam (SAW) was celebrated with great religious fervour across J&K. From Wednesday evening, thousands of devotees from far-off places of Kashmir reached the Hazratbal shrine to be part of the night-long gathering.

Duroods, Khatmatul Moazamat and Naats were recited throughout the night at the shrine after which the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was displayed to devotees soon after the Fajar (pre-dawn) prayers. As per reports, similar gatherings were held in the Jammu region as well.

Thousands of people were seen rushing towards the shrine for Zuhr (afternoon prayers) and to have a glimpse of the holy relic. The holy relic was displayed after every prayer of the day.

The 26th night of the Islamic month Rajab is observed as Mehraj-e-Aalam (SAW) across the world. It was the night when Prophet Muhammad (SAW) descended on the journey of skies in the middle of the night.

Emotional scenes were witnessed at the shrine when the holy relic was displayed for the devotees after Zuhr prayers. People, children and women were seen praying with moist eyes. “This is the time when our prayers get answered,” Shameema, a woman devotee, who had come from northern district of Kupwara told the news agency KNO.

Like her, there were scores of women seeking the blessings of Almighty Allah while the holy relic was on display. “Having a glimpse of the holy relic gives us relief from the pain. This soothes our eyes, and hearts and purifies our hearts,” said Ali Muhammad Darzi, a resident of Srinagar.

Children including young boys and girls were also seen in tears while having a glimpse of the holy relic.

Meanwhile, the medical camps had been set up at the shrine and the administration had made excellent arrangements for the devotees. For the protection of the devotees, policemen were deployed in length.

As per the shrine administration, the holy relic will be displayed for the devotees after every prayer tomorrow as it is Friday. “We expect a large gathering at the shrine tomorrow (Friday),” a caretaker of the shrine said.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, on Tuesday emphasized the need for the revival of 'shrine tourism' in Kashmir during his visit to the revered Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar.

Sinha was talking to reporters on the sidelines of his visit to Dargah Hazratbal shrine to review the preparations and facilities in place for the upcoming festival of Eid-ul-Adha.

Quoting a saying (Hadith) of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Lieutenant Governor Sinha said that the Prophet (SAW) has stated that unless the heart is purified, the body remains impure. "If the heart is clean, the entire body is clean."

Drawing parallels to the Amarnath Yatra, which sees people from across India visiting the Amarnath cave, Lieutenant Governor Sinha said that just as people come to witness the Amarnath Yatra, they can also visit revered shrines like Hazratbal, Charar-e-Sharief, and many others in the Valley.

"Reviving shrine tourism can attract people from different parts of the country. I am open to receiving feedback from the people, the Waqf Board, and anyone else interested in this matter. You can reach out to me, or I can visit you as well," he added.

Sinha said that Eid-ul-Adha represents a festival of peace and harmony. At the Hazratbal shrine, he offered prayers for the peace and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir.

His call for the revival of shrine tourism in Kashmir indicates a renewed focus on promoting cultural and religious heritage, with the aim of attracting visitors and fostering unity and harmony among people from diverse backgrounds.

SRINAGAR — Despite rains and a drop in temperature, thousands of devotees on Tuesday thronged shrines and Masjids across Kashmir Valley for special prayers on Mehraj-ul-Alam, the night when Prophet Mohammad (SAW) made the journey across the skies.

The biggest congregation was held at Dargah Hazratbal here where thousands of devotees including men, women and children converged to have a glimpse of the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) after five-time prayers. Authorities allowed the night-long prayers last year due to a decline in COVID-19 cases.

The local administration had made special arrangements and traffic was manned to ensure smooth movement.

Similar congregational prayers were held in many other shrines in the valley including Jinab Sahib Soura, Aasar-i-Sharief Shahri Kailshpora, Aasar-i-Sharief Lal Bazar, Khanqah-e-Mualla, Ziyarat Syed Saib Sonwar and Ziyarat Makdoom Sahib.

National Conference President and Member of Parliament from Srinagar Dr Farooq Abdullah also offered Asar congregational prayers at Asar-e-Sharief Dargah Hazratbal, following which he also witnessed the sighting of the sacred Moi-i-Muqadas of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). On the occasion, Dr Farooq prayed for lasting peace, and prosperity in J&K, Ladakh.

Earlier, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and his Advisors, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar and Farooq Khan extended their warm greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the auspicious occasions Shab-e-Miraj.

In their felicitation message, they hoped that this auspicious occasion will promote love and affection among humankind and also foster communal harmony, for which J&K is known. They also prayed for the peace, progress and prosperity of the entire Jammu and Kashmir.