Shab-e-Meraj, the auspicious occasion of Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) ascension to the heavens, was observed all across Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir with religious fervor on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday.
The largest gathering was observed at Asar-e-Sharief Hazratbal, housing the holy relic of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), on the bank of Dal Lake where devotees including men, women, and children participated in night-long prayers “Shab Khawani” during which special prayers were offered . Prayers for Kashmiris’ freedom from Indian bondgae were also offered on the occasion.
Soon after the first prayer of the day “Fajr” namaz was offered on Sunday at the Hazratbal shrine, a priest displayed the “Moie-e-Muqadas” or Holy relic of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) before the devotees on the occasion. The devotees would have a glimpse of the holy relic after every prayer for the two days at the shrine and on the following Friday.
Late-night prayer functions were also held at Jenab Sahab Soura, Srinagar, and other shrines and mosques of the valley on Saturday.—KMS
