The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid Srinagar has strongly condemned the continuous disallowing Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq from delivering sermons and leading Friday prayers at the historic central Jamia Masjid by the state administration, without any reasonable justification.

The Auqaf in a statement issued to the news agency KNO said Mirwaiz was placed under house arrest on the holy day of Mehraj-ul-Alam as well as today, the second Friday of Mehraj-ul-Alam.

The administration is deliberately and without assigning any reason preventing Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir from performing his official and religious duties, it said, adding that such actions are hurting the religious sentiments and emotions of the Muslims here.

These arbitrary actions by the authorities are a disregard for the religious rights and sentiments of Muslims. By denying permission to practice one’s religion, which is a basic human and fundamental right, the authorities are making a mockery of their lofty claims and statements.

The Auqaf has expressed hope that the administration would immediately shun the undemocratic policy of disallowing Mirwaiz Umar Farooq from performing his duties on Fridays and free him from the shackles of unlawful house arrest so that he fulfils his official and religious responsibilities.

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 — 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.