Shab-e-Meraj celebrated with religious fervour

Relic being displayed for devotees at Dargah Hazratbal shrine on the occasion of Shab-e-Meraj in Srinagar on Tuesday. -Excelsior/Shakeel
Relic being displayed for devotees at Dargah Hazratbal shrine on the occasion of Shab-e-Meraj in Srinagar on Tuesday. -Excelsior/Shakeel

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 28: Thousands of devotees gathered at shrines and mosques across Kashmir since last night to offer special prayers on the occasion of Me’raj-e-Aalam.

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The largest congregation took place at the Dargah Hazratbal shrine on the banks of Dal lake, where worshippers assembled to offer prayers and view the holy relic believed to contain a strand of hair from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Emotional scenes unfolded as devotees prayed and recited verses from the Holy Quran, many shedding tears of joy and gratitude while witnessing the sacred relic. The relic was displayed after each prayer during a daylong session of supplications.

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Nightlong prayers drew thousands of men, women, and children to the Hazratbal shrine, with special prayers offered on the intervening nights of Monday and Tuesday. Devotees were deeply moved each time the relic was unveiled. “Today, I pray for the peace and prosperity of the entire world. May this day mark the end of all suffering for people worldwide,” said one devotee.
Authorities deployed special buses to transport devotees to the Hazratbal shrine from various parts of Kashmir, including Srinagar. Elaborate arrangements were made to ensure the convenience and safety of worshippers.
Similar gatherings were held at other prominent shrines and mosques, including Asar Sharif Shahr-e-Kalashpora, Asar Sharif Jenab Sahab Soura, Lal Bazar, Yaqoob Sahab Sonwar, and Makhama Beerwah in Budgam district. Devotees also participated in prayers at local mosques, where sermons were delivered on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Me’raj-e-Aalam, one of the most significant events in the Islamic calendar, commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascension to heaven, where he met earlier prophets and received commandments from Allah. Muslims worldwide observe this holy night with great reverence.