The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — The Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU) Jammu & Kashmir and Muslim Personal Law Board convened an extraordinary meeting to discuss the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill 2024.

The gathering, chaired by Grand Mufti Nasir Islam Faruqi, brought together prominent scholars who unanimously rejected the bill, calling for its immediate withdrawal.

The council expressed strong opposition to the government's attempts to legalize the bill, emphasizing that Waqf properties are owned by Allah Almighty and are an integral part of Islamic beliefs. They argued that any governmental interference undermines the fundamental concept of Waqf, making such efforts unacceptable to Muslims.

The MMU has already submitted a detailed letter to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), outlining their concerns and labeling the bill as anti-Muslim. They have offered to present their position directly to the JPC, if necessary.

The meeting also condemned the repeated house arrest of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, calling for his immediate release. The council appealed to Imams and religious scholars to support their resolution during Friday prayers, promoting unity amidst ongoing challenges in Kashmir.

SRINAGAR — In a partial modification in the Haj Guidelines for Haj 2025, the Hajj Committee of India (HCoI) has extended the age limit of a companion from an age bracket of 60 to 65 years.

In a circular issued by the HCoI, as per the news agency KNO, states that in the partial modification in para 2 of the Haj guidelines, a person in the age bracket of 60 to 65 years, is allowed to apply for Haj 2025 as a companion, subject to such companion being a spouse, sibling or child of the pilgrim aged 65 or above.

The circular, however, states that all other companions must be in the age group of 18 to 60 years, on the date specified by HCoI.

Notably, according to the Hajj 2025 policy before the amendment, the policy stated that the age of the "Mehram" and companions accompanying pilgrims aged 65 years or above must be 18 to 60 years as on the date specified by HCoI.

However, in the case of "Mehram" for lady pilgrims and companions of pilgrims aged 65 years or above, including Ladies Without Mahram (LWM) pilgrims aged 65 years or above, the policy states that repeaters will be allowed on payment of additional charges as applicable from time to time.

The policy also outlines that companions accompanying LWM pilgrims aged 65 or above must be female and between the age of 45 to 60 years.

The policy maintains the distribution of Haj seats, with 70 per cent allocated to the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) and 30 per cent to Haj Group Organisers (HGOs).

SRINAGAR — The Amarnath Yatra for pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir was temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure on the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, officials said. This decision halted any new batches from travelling from Jammu to Kashmir for the day.

So far this year, over 490,000 pilgrims have visited the Amarnath cave shrine, situated at an elevation of 3,880 meters. The suspension was part of heightened security measures in the city in light of the anniversary.

On August 5, 2019, Home Minister Amit Shah announced the abrogation of Article 370, ending the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. This led to the creation of two Union Territories, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and the withdrawal of the State’s special status.

The Yatra, which began on June 29, is set to run for 52 days and conclude on August 19.

SRINAGAR — The Muttahida Majlise-e-Ulama (MMU) Jammu and Kashmir expressed its firm resolve to disallow any attempts to spread sectarian discord in Kashmir and harm to the region's traditional sectarian harmony.

The Majlis earnestly appealed to scholars, masjid imams and those active on social media, belonging to various schools of thought and sects that while each is free to follow its own practices, they should absolutely refrain from targeting the beliefs of other sects in their lectures, sermons, addresses or discussions on social media or any other platform, thereby causing conflict.

In a special meeting presided over by the MMU patron Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq and attended by Maulana Rahmatullah Mir al-Qasimi, Agha Syed Hassan al-Moosvi al-Safawi, Grand Mufti of Kashmir Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Farooqi, Maulana Masroor Abbas Ansari, Dr Abdul Latif al-Kindi, Maulana Ghulam Rasool Hami, Agha Syed Mohammad Hadi al-Moosvi, and Maulana Shaukat Hussain Keng and M.S. Rehman Shams, the Majlis issued this statement.

The meeting emphasised that the issues and challenges faced by the Muslim community at various levels can only be overcome by uniting under the banner of Tawheed (monotheism).

The statement condemned recent efforts by certain groups to incite sectarian discord, calling these actions regretful and reprehensible.

The ulemas present stressed that the religious personalities of Islam should be respected by all and since all Muslims share the common religion and its goals, it is detrimental to the entire Ummah when minor differences are made into contentious matters by some to advance narrow sectarian objectives at the expense of the broader interests of the Muslim community in Kashmir.

The Majlis made it clear that it will not tolerate provocations, sectarian discord or the denigration of each other’s beliefs. As a responsible and robust forum of the Muslims of J&K, the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama will confront these elements with full force and hold them accountable in the public domain.

The statement also said that the MMU called upon all members of the Kashmiri Muslim community, civil society, and media to play their part as responsible citizens in maintaining communal cohesion in such times.

On this occasion, a decision was also taken to broaden the forum and further strengthen it by including more religious organisations and leading scholars from all over Jammu and Kashmir in the Majlis in the cause of inter-Muslim unity.

SRINAGAR — The Jammu and Kashmir Government has decided not to permit the 10th Muharram procession in Srinagar, scheduled from Abi Guzar to Ali Park Zadibal.

Sources quoted by the news agency KNS said that officials cited concerns over potential disturbances to peace and the risk of triggering law and order issues as reasons for the decision.

They said that the move aims to prevent any incidents that could disrupt public safety and security in the valley.

When contacted, the Jammu and Kashmir Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian’s representative on Interfaith Dialogue Chapter Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, who was leading negotiations with the administration, confirmed the ban and said their organisation was called today by the Divisional Administration and was told about the decision.

He said that Jammu and Kashmir Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian condemn the unnecessary ban and proves that instability still prevails and nothing has changed on the ground except optics.

JAMMU — Amid a surcharged religious atmosphere, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of 4603 Amarnath Yatra pilgrims from the Amarnath Yatra base camp in Jammu this morning.

Before flagging off the first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, LG Manoj Sinha also offered special prayers at the temple.

As per the news agency KNO, the 52-day-long pilgrimage to the cave shrine at a height of about 13,000 feet in southern Kashmir Himalayas will commence from the twin tracks—the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the 14-km shorter but steep Baltal route in Ganderbal on June 29.

After flagging off the first batch, in a media address, LG Manoj Sinha said, “First batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims have departed from Jammu. In the last 3-4 years, a lot of arrangements have been made for the Yatra and this time also J&K administration has done all the necessary arrangements, security has been heightened.”

He sought support from locals in making the Yatra a grand success, adding that "elaborate security arrangements have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage."

He also posted on social media about the ceremony. The post from Office of LG J&K reads, “Flagged off first batch of devotees for the pilgrimage to the holy cave of Shri Amarnath Ji. My best wishes to all the pilgrims for a safe, blessed, and spiritually enriching journey. May the blessings of Baba Amarnath Ji bring peace, happiness & prosperity to everyone’s life.”

Ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, thousands of pilgrims have reached Jammu. The first batch will travel in high security in a convoy and reach Pahalgam and Baltal base camp where they will start their Amarnath Yatra.

The pilgrims were seen chanting “Bham Bham Bholey” and dancing in excrement to be part of the first batch of Amarnath Yatra. Among the 4603 pilgrims, 3631 were male, 711 females, 252 Sadhus and nine children. They were travelling in a cavalcade of 231 vehicles.

Meanwhile, the BJP leader Devender Singh Rana, who also accompanied LG at the ceremony said, “We hope that with the grace of Bhole Shankar, this year also the Yatra will bring happiness and would be a good experience for everyone…like every year. People will get Jammu and Kashmir resident’s love, affection and care. The people from all over the nation will receive the blessings of Lord Shiva. Whole India and Jammu and Kashmir will fasten its way of the path of development. Like every year, this year also, all the arrangements have been made.”

CCTVs have also been installed on national highways to strengthen security and address traffic-related issues.

The 52-day-long pilgrimage to the cave shrine at a height of about 13,000 feet in the southern Kashmir Himalayas begins on June 29 and will continue till August 19. So far 3.5 lakh pilgrims have registered for the Yatra while a large number is expected due to the increased quota of on-the-spot registration.

SRINAGAR — Mela Kheer Bhawani was celebrated amid religious fervour and gaiety across the valley on Friday and a large number of devotees were seen thronging to respective temples in central, southern and northern Kashmir.

As per the news agency CNS, a huge gathering of devotees made their presence at Mata Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal; Mata Kheer Bhawani temple in Tikker Kupwara and Mata Kheer Bhawani temple in Devsar, Kulgam to offer their prayers on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami.

The aura of the event was filled with positive vibes after a mammoth number of Kashmiri Pandits visited sacred temples in Kashmir.

“We feel happy after being present here and to offer our prayers on this revered occasion. Arrangements by the administration have been top-notch and the conduct of Kashmiri people along the way to here (Mata Kheer Bhawani temple Tullamulla) has been friendly,” said a group of Kashmiri Pandits.

After a fragile situation arose in Jammu’s parts, the devotees reached shrines amid tight security measures, with further arrangements made by the respective district administrations for the convenience of devotees.

Meanwhile, local political leaders also felicitated the people on the occasion of Mela Kheer Bhawani and prayed for peace, prosperity and happiness for all.

SRINAGAR — Several Kashmiri Hajj pilgrims who embarked on the holy journey of Hajj from Srinagar on May 16, 2024, expressed strong resentment over poor arrangements at Mecca. The aggrieved pilgrims alleged that the group made all-out efforts in every possible way and moved from pillar to post to get their due complaints resolved but all in vain.

Speaking to the local news agency KNS, Syed Shafaq (PP No. S9423449) and Shafiq Hussain (PP No. S4842333) said, "We pilgrims of batch dated 16-05-2024 consisting 322 pilgrims were initially prepared in the Haj training conducted at Srinagar Haj House to be taken to Madina Munawara first from Srinagar, however, on the departure, we were surprisingly given boarding cards showing arrival at Jedda and were then taken to Makkah."

The pilgrims said after spending a week in Makkah, they requested to be taken to Madina Munawara but the Maktab (concerned agency responsible for managing and facilitating the group on behalf of the Saudi Government) denied the same on the pretext that the group does not belong to their Maktab having ID No. 276 and actually belong to Maktab No. 173.

The group was informed that this had happened due to an error that was taking place at State Haj Committee Srinagar, responsible for the assignment of Maktabs.

They said that after conducting a series of meetings with officials of Indian Haj Office Makkah, the matter was resolved after several days of strenuous efforts and the batch of pilgrims was handed over to new Maktab No. 173 who took the entire group of pilgrims to Madina Munawara on the evening of May 28, 2024, barring 19 pilgrims whose names didn’t figure in the list of Maktab No. 173 for unknown reasons.

The 19 pilgrims (11 in building No. 91 and 8 in building No. 134) were not taken to Madina Munawara for none of their fault, who are currently passing through a traumatic situation by being left here at Makkah high and dry, they said.

They added that even the Khudams concerned failed to do anything in this regard, who also left for Madina with the group and abandoned them as helpless and mute spectators. "We made all-out efforts in every possible way and went from pillar to post to get along with the group to Madina but all in vain. No one came to our help," they added.

Further, big promises made by Hajj Committee members at Srinagar that very good arrangements shall be in place for all pilgrims this year proved to be a lie, as per the pilgrims. "However, the reality on the ground was contrary i.e., five persons bundled in an in-capacious room with small washrooms in Mecca. The accommodation is with poor Wi-Fi connectivity and sans basic facilities like washing machines etc," they continued.

Expressing disappointment over poor and inadequate arrangements, the pilgrims said this is a pathetic situation they are presently put in. “It indicates gross mismanagement right from leaving from Srinagar where at the eleventh hour, we were informed to be going to Jedda instead of Mecca and faced a lot of inconvenience and mental agony in one way or the other till date.”

Speaking over the phone, they said that at this time (11 am Saudi time), they are at the Indian Hajj Office in Mecca to find out some resolution to their woes but no firm and positive response has been given by Indian officials, who also raise their hands in the matter with the pretext that this is the problem at the Maktab-276 end and they are unable to help us in this matter.

"We are currently disturbed and distressed. 19 pilgrims feel to have been left at the mercy of Allah," they added.

Executive Officer Haj House Bemina, Dr Shujaat Qureshi, said that a minor issue had arisen with one of the Maktabs, affecting 18 pilgrims. He assured that he was personally handling the matter and would resolve it within the next 24 hours.

NEW DELHI — Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and various other states including Tamil Nadu and Kerala joined millions worldwide on Wednesday in celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the conclusion of the month-long Ramadan fasting period.

In a show of faith and unity, worshippers gathered at mosques and open prayer grounds to offer 'Namaz', or Eid prayers. In Jammu and Kashmir, morning prayers marked the start of Eid celebrations, with communities coming together to observe the holy festival.

In Coimbatore, hundreds congregated for mass prayer ceremonies, while similar scenes unfolded in Kerala's Ernakulam district and Thiruvananthapuram, where large numbers participated in prayers.

The festive spirit extended beyond prayer as markets bustled with activity, with people flocking to buy traditional sweets and delicacies for the occasion. Shopkeepers reported high demand for treats such as gulab jamun, rasgulla, and seviyan, along with a variety of savoury snacks.

Despite the shared joy, regional differences in the sighting of the crescent moon led to varying observations of Eid-ul-Fitr. While Jammu and Kashmir, along with Ladakh, confirmed celebrations for Wednesday after moon sighting on April 9, other regions like Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Delhi opted to celebrate on April 11 due to the absence of moon sighting.

Eid-ul-Fitr holds profound significance in the Islamic calendar, signifying the end of Ramadan fasting and the beginning of Shawwal. The observance of the moon-sighting tradition underscores the cultural and spiritual significance of the festival, which also marks the start of a new Islamic year.

With rituals and grace, Muslims across India and beyond embrace Eid-ul-Fitr as a time of joy, reflection, and community solidarity.

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.

BANDIPORA — Amidst the holy month of Ramadan, approximately 1000 devout Muslims are participating in Itikaf at the renowned seminary, Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah, Bandipora, dedicating themselves to spiritual reflection and worship.

Itikaf is a spiritual practice observed by Muslims during the last 10 days of Ramadan. Participants withdraw from worldly activities and distractions, focusing on worship, recitation of the Quran, and acts of remembrance and supplication to seek closeness to Allah.

The management at the seminary informed the news agency KNO that around 1000 individuals, including both youth and elderly from various parts of the valley, are observing Itikaf this Ramadan. Approximately 250 food plates (Traamis) are being served daily, covering both Sehri (pre-dawn meals) and Iftaar (breaking of fast).

In addition to those performing Itikaf, a large number of locals join for prayers and a grand Iftaar on a daily basis.

It is worth mentioning that during the last Ramadan, over 600 men observed Itikaf at this Islamic seminary. Over the years, the seminary has become a popular destination for people from both the valley and outsiders.

SRINAGAR — Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Nasir-ul Islam Farooqi on Monday announced the Sadq-e-Fitr (Zakaat-ul-Fitr) as Rs 70 per person this holy month of Ramadan.

The Grand Mufti highlighted the significance of the charity under the (Sadq-e-Fitr), saying after reaching a consensus with the scholars of different schools of thought, the amount has been fixed as Rs 70 per person.

He said the special kind of charity has also to be paid on behalf of the infants.

It is in place to mention here that Sadq-e-Fitr is a religious charity paid by Muslims across the world by or before Eid-ul-Fitr prayers.

SRINAGAR — The Ramadan moon has been sighted in Jammu and Kashmir this evening, Grand Mufti, Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Nasir ul Islam Farooqi, announced.

“Ramzan crescent of 1445 AH was sighted in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir and the holy month commences this evening with the first day of the month of fasting to be marked tomorrow,” Mufti Nasir ul Islam said, as per the news agency GNS.

He conveyed that the announcement is being made after consultations with other respected members.

Greeting the people, the Grand Mufti prayed that the Almighty Allah ease the hardships and shower his blessings and bring peace and prosperity during this holy month to everyone.

SRINAGAR — Leaders across political spectrums extended warm greetings on the occasion of Maha Shivratri, celebrated as 'Herath' by Kashmiri Pandits, emphasizing the festival's significance in fostering harmony and unity among communities.

Awami National Conference (ANC) President Khalida Shah and Senior Vice President Mr Muzzafar Shah conveyed their heartfelt greetings to Kashmiri Pandits, recognizing Maha Shivratri's religious and cultural importance.

Former Chief Minister and People's Democratic Party (PDP) President, Mehbooba Mufti, greeted people on the auspicious occasion, recognizing the festival's values of devotion, brotherhood, and harmony. She echoed sentiments of unity and prayed for peace and prosperity.

In a statement, ANC also stated, "Maha Shivratri, which our Pandit brethren celebrate as Herath, is one of the auspicious festivals. It has both religious and cultural significance, keeping our composite culture alive." They wished for a prosperous celebration, hoping the festival would bring happiness and prosperity to all.

Similarly, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, extended greetings, highlighting the festival's representation of devotion, brotherhood, and harmony. He emphasized its role in teaching unity among diverse communities, praying for peace and prosperity.

Director General of Police, J&K, R.R Swain, acknowledged Maha Shivratri's profound significance, symbolizing strength and resilience. He paid tribute to police personnel and martyrs, urging citizens to join hands in fostering a secure environment, emphasizing values of unity and justice.

SRINAGAR — Maha Shivratri, locally known as 'Herath,' is being celebrated with religious zeal and enthusiasm throughout Jammu and Kashmir on Friday.

Kashmiri Pandits are observing the occasion by offering prayers at temples and paying homage. The largest congregation is anticipated at the Shankaracharya Temple, which overlooks the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar.

Special prayers are also scheduled at Ganpatyar and Hanuman Temple in Amira Kadal, Srinagar.

"The festival holds great significance for the Pandits, who commemorate the wedding of Lord Shiva with Parvati by preparing traditional Kashmiri dishes, particularly fish," remarked a Kashmiri Pandit.

"Maha Shivratri, known locally as Herath, is celebrated across J&K and holds a special place in the hearts of Kashmiri Pandits," he added.

Maha Shivaratri, or Herath, is traditionally marked by a night dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva.

During this festival, Pandits distribute walnuts as a symbol of reverence to the Hindu deities, while temples are adorned with vibrant colours and flowers in the days leading up to the celebration.

Meanwhile, R.R Swain, Director General of Police, J&K, extended warm greetings to citizens, police personnel, security forces, and the families of martyrs on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri.

In his message, the DGP emphasized the profound significance of Maha Shivratri, symbolizing strength, determination, and resilience. He urged citizens to unite with the police force in creating a secure environment for all, emphasizing the values of unity, integrity, and commitment to justice that Maha Shivratri embodies.

The celebration of 'Herath' underscores the cultural richness and religious diversity of Jammu and Kashmir.

SRINAGAR — Dr Abdul Latif Alkindi Al-Madni has been elected as President of the Jamiat Ahle Hadith Jammu and Kashmir for the next three years.

As per the news agency CNS, a person privy to the developments said that the election was conducted through a secret ballot in which a total of 425 Majlis Shura members from Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh were eligible to cast their votes.

"After the completion of the voting exercise, more votes were counted in favour of Dr Abdul Latif Alkindi, who emerged victorious and has been elected as Jamiat Ahle Hadith's next president," he said.

The other two candidates who were in the fray were Professor Ghulam Muhammad Bhat Al-Madni and Abdul Latif Bhat Al-Madni.

The election - which was held under the supervision of Mufti Muhammad Yaqoob Baba, Abdul Rehman Bhat, and Shaukat Ahmed Wani - took place on Sunday at Salfia Muslim Institute, Parraypora Srinagar.

Dr Abdul Latif Alkindi is a Saudi-trained preacher and has a PhD in Aqeeda from the Islamic University of Madinah. He originally hails from Banihal and is currently residing in Iqbal Abad Batamaloo, Srinagar.

Alkindi will steer the Jamiat Ahle Hadith for the next three years. After being elected as the President, people expressed their joy at his elevation to the given position.

SRINAGAR — In a move aimed at ensuring clarity and consensus on the sighting of the upcoming Holy Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr crescent in Jammu and Kashmir, a prominent scholarly committee has been established under the leadership of Grand Mufti Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Farooqi.

The committee, spearheaded by Mufti Farooqi and comprising notable religious figures including Mirwaiz Kashmir Moulvi Umar Farooq, will evaluate the credibility of witnesses reporting crescent sightings across the region, as confirmed by a communiqué obtained by The Kashmir Pulse.

The decision to form this committee comes in the wake of last year's reported discrepancies in crescent sightings during Ramadan, aiming to mitigate confusion among the populace. Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Farooqi clarified that the committee was exclusively constituted by the Muslim Personal Law Board, dismissing rumours of involvement from other quarters.

The committee's members, spread across various districts of Jammu and Kashmir, will remain in constant communication to swiftly report any crescent sightings to Mufti Farooqi or designated committee members. Once witnesses come forward, the scholars will meticulously assess their reliability before making an official announcement.

A long list of committee members from different regions, including Srinagar, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Baramulla, Kupwara, Budgam, Kulgam, Anantnag, Jammu, Pulwama, Shopian, Samba, Kathua, Ramban, Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, and Leh/Ladakh, underscores the broad representation and concerted effort to ensure a thorough evaluation process.

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 — Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid Srinagar organized Istisqa prayers immediately after the Friday prayers to seek respite from the dry spell, in which a large number of people participated and compassionately prayed to Allah for His mercy and blessings.

Prayers were offered in various mosques, dargahs, shrines, and imambaras of Kashmir for relief from drought and bad weather conditions. In these gatherings, the imams of the mosques and the scholars urged the people to seek forgiveness in the court of their Lord.

According to the statement, the prevailing weather conditions in Kashmir and the severe drought in this season have affected the agriculture and horticulture sectors as well as causing severe hardship and suffering to the people. Due to this dry weather condition, the winter tourist season of Kashmir is also getting badly affected.

Not only the water reservoirs of Kashmir have dried up, but people are facing several problems in the form of various diseases. "There is a need for the people of Kashmir to pray to Almighty Allah and seek His mercy and blessings," Anjuman Auqaf said.

SRINAGAR — Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) Jammu and Kashmir, headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, sternly warned elements trying to harm communal amity and unity in Jammu and Kashmir by stoking sectarian tensions here.

MMU has emphasized that the urgent need of the hour is to focus on the fundamental teachings and principles of Islam during their sermons and discourses for the sake of greater unity among Muslims.

"MMU makes a fervent appeal to the scholars, preachers, khateebs and imams of different schools of thought that while they follow their own school of thought and creed in practice, in public gatherings, on pulpits and mihrabs of mosques, meetings and in gatherings, they should desist from criticising others following a different maslak, and instead focus on universal and fundamental teachings of Islam," it said in a statement.

The statement added, "They should also highlight and educate the masses about the serious social and moral issues faced by Kashmiri society and play their role in the all-round reform of society. The malicious intentions of anti-Islam and anti-unity elements can only be defeated through unity among the religious preachers and their followers."

"Those who still continue with such a mindset to promote sectarianism will be exposed in public and held accountable," the Majlis-e-Ulema warned.

Meanwhile, MMU appealed to all imams of masjids, scholars, heads of religious institutions and the general public to organise ‘Namaz-e-Istisqa’ on Friday and pray to Almighty Allah at individual and collective levels for rain and respite from the harsh weather. In this regard, Namaz-e-Istisqa will also be held at Jamia Masjid Srinagar after Friday prayers.

Majlis-e-Ulema includes the Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid Srinagar, Darul Uloom Raheemiyah Bandipora, Mufti Azam’s Muslim Personal Law Board, Anjuman-e-Shari'a Shia, Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadith, Jamaat-e-Islami, Karvaan-e-Islami, Ittehad-e-Muslimeen, Anjuman Himayat-ul-Islam, Anjuman Tabligh-ul Islam, Jamiat Hamdaniya, Anjuman Ulema Ahnaf, Darul Uloom Qasmia, Darul Uloom Bilalia, Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam, Anjuman Mazhar-ul-Haq, Jamiat Imam-ul-Ulema, Anjuman Imam-o-Mashaikh Kashmir, Dar-ul-Uloom Naqshbandiyya, Dar-ul-Uloom Rashidia, Ahl-e-Bayt Foundation, Kanz-ul-Uloom, Karavaan-e-Khatam-e-Nabuwat and the leaders of other contemporary religious, milli, social and educational associations.