Saturday night witnessed a spiritual atmosphere across occupied Jammu and Kashmir as Masjids and shrines echoed with the recitation of the Quran and overnight prayers.
According to Kashmir Media Service, devotees, in large numbers, congregated at various Masjids and shrines to participate in the nightlong Shab-e-Qadar (Laylatul Qadr or the Night of Destiny) prayers.
Shab-e-Qadar is observed on the 27th of Ramadan and is considered a night of blessings.
The Hazratbal shrine, located on the banks of Dal Lake, hosted the largest congregation, drawing thousands of devotees from across Kashmir.
Devotees spent the night in Quran recitation, Naat Khawani, and Azkaar. Special sermons were also delivered at Hazratbal and other religious places in which religious scholars highlighted the importance of the night and other deeds in Ramadhan.
At the Dargah Hazratbal shrine, families from various districts came together to offer prayers throughout the night, seeking divine forgiveness and blessings.
Congregational nightlong prayers were also held at all Masjids and shrines in Srinagar, including Masjid Jamiat-e-Ahlehadith Gaw Kadal, Asar-e-Sharif Janab Sahab Soura, Asar-e-Sharif Shehri Kalashpora, Ziarat-e-Makhdoom Sahab, Khanqah-e-Maula, and other Masjids and shrines.
It is to be mentioned that the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar was again closed for night long prayers on the eve of Shab-e-Qadr, leaving thousands of faithful disappointed on Saturday.
Mirwaiz Umar, the head priest of Kashmir, was placed under house arrest for the second day in a row while the gates of the central mosque, the site of a significant gathering on Shab-e-Qadr, were locked to worshippers.
The President of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, has denounced the authorities for their decision to close the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar on Shab-e Qadr, one of the holiest nights of Ramadan.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Mehbooba Mufti in a statement issued in Srinagar also denounced the authorities for placing Hurriyat leader and head of the mosque management body Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest.
Shab-e Qadr, which falls during the last ten days of the Muslim month of fasting, is considered one of the most sacred nights in the Islamic calendar.
“Land, resources, religion – what are you going to deprive Kashmiris?” she added. The PDP chief also posted a photo of guards outside the mosque gate and a video showing closed gates.
Authorities closed the gates of the Jamia Masjid on Shab-e-Qadr, a day after Jumat-ul-Wida prayers were not allowed at the historic mosque on Friday, the last day of Friday prayers of the ongoing holy month of Ramadan.—KMS
