Thousands offer prayers at Hazratbal, Jamia shut
Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, Mar 28: Jumat-ul-Vida, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, was observed across Kashmir today with religious devotion and large congregational prayers. However, authorities disallowed prayers in Jamia Masjid Srinagar.
Masjids and shrines across the region reverberate with Friday sermons as people gather to mark the occasion. The largest congregation takes place at the Hazratbal Shrine on the banks of Dal Lake, where thousands participate in Friday prayers and listen to sermons on Islamic teachings. The day is observed annually as a farewell to the holy month of Ramadan. Click here to watch video
Devotees spend the day engaged in religious activities, charity, and prayers. Markets around Hazratbal and other religious sites witness a surge in shoppers preparing for Eid. Vendors set up stalls selling bakery items, garments, and other essentials. “We came to offer Friday prayers and seek Allah’s blessings. Every year, there is a huge rush, and we also buy Eid-related essentials,” a devotee said.
Other major congregations were held at Asar-e-Sharif Jenab Sahab Soura, Khanqah-e-Moula, and Ziarat-e-Makhdoom Sahab in Srinagar, as well as mosques in south Kashmir, including Jamia Masjid Hanfia and Jamia Masjid Ahli Hadith in Anantnag. However, prayers are not permitted at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar.
To facilitate smooth observance, Authorities have taken measures to ensure smooth proceedings, with district administrations coordinating efforts with the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), J&K Road Transport Corporation (J&K RTC), Police, and the Power Development Department (PDD). The Traffic Police has deployed personnel and machinery to regulate movement near shrines and mosques.
On Saturday night, mosques and shrines across Kashmir will reverberate with Quran recitations and special prayers as thousands of devotees observe Shab-e-Qadr, also known as Laylatul Qadr. Considered the most sacred night of Ramadhan, it is believed to be when the first verses of the Quran were revealed, holding immense spiritual significance.
Shab-e-Qadr, observed during the last ten nights of Ramadhan, is regarded as more spiritually rewarding than a thousand months of worship, making it a night of deep devotion for Muslims worldwide.
Meanwhile, the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar remained closed, preventing devotees from offering congregational prayers. The closure drew condemnation from religious and political leaders, who termed it an infringement on religious freedom.
Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid has strongly condemned and expressed deep regret over the unjustified restrictions imposed by the state administration for the sixth consecutive year on holding the most significant religious gatherings of Muslims-Shab-e-Qadr and Jumu’atul-Wida-at the Jama Masjid Srinagar.
The Anjuman stated that it is extremely unfortunate that the largest place of worship for the Muslims of Kashmir, the Central Jamia Masjid Srinagar, was closed down last night itself, and the Mirwaiz of Kashmir, Molvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, was once again placed under house detention at his residence in Nigeen since yesterday.
The statement said that people from all sections of society, without any distinction, are not only protesting this unjust action of the authorities but are also considering this undemocratic approach as an infringement upon religious freedom, deeming it unacceptable.
Meanwhile, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who has been under house detention at his residence since yesterday, posted on X: “After shab-e-Qadr, Jama Masjid Srinagar continues to remain closed to people and I under house detention, even today on Juma-Tul-Vida, when lakhs of people eagerly await the whole year to offer congregational prayers on this blessed Friday for great reward and blessing from Allah. Want to ask the authorities why is this most important centre of Kashmir’s religious identity and affinity repeatedly targeted and peoples fundamental right to religious practice curbed, when tall claims of normalcy are trumpeted every day? Those ruling in peoples name cannot absolve themselves from standing up to address this gross injustice towards Muslims of the valley and the repeated closure of #JamaMasjid.”
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