No prayers allowed at Jamia Masjid
Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Apr 14: Thousands of people offered prayers at Hazratbal shrine here on the occasion of Jummat-ul-Vida while the prayers were not allowed at the historic Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area of Srinagar.
All the shrines and Masjids across Kashmir witnessed a huge rush of devotees on the eve of Jummat-ul-Vida.
The biggest congregation was held at Hazratbal shrines on the bank of Dal lake where thousands of Muslims prayed and later emotional scenes were witnessed after the display of the holy relic of Prophet (SAW).
However, the historic Jamia Masjid where usually huge rush of people is being witnessed on special occasions, remained closed for the prayers. All the four gates of the Jamia Masjid were locked.
Large congregations were also witnessed in others Masjids and shrines including Masjid Jamiat-e-Ahlehadith, Gawkadal; Asar-e-Sharif, Janab Sahib Soura, Asar-e-Sharif Shehri Kalashpora, Ziarat-e-Makhdoom Sahib, Khanqah-e-Mualla and different Imambaras.
The biggest congregational prayers were also witnessed at several other shrines in different districts, including Chrar-e-Sharief in Budgam, Khiram Sirhama and Hazratbal Kabamarg in Anantnag district, Shrines of Hazrat Sultan-ul-Arifeen and Sheikh Hamzah Makhdoom Sahib (RA) located in Ahm-e-Sharief and Gundpora-Rampora, respectively, in Bandipora district and other Masjids as well.
During the special prayers, the religious clerics threw light on the teachings of Islam.
Special arrangements were put in place including sanitation, lightening, traffic management, transport and relevant things for the devotees.
“We had also established a control room at Dargah Hazratbal where thousands of devotees are expected to gather for Friday congregational prayers and to have a glimpse of the holy relic,” officials said.
The authorities had also pressed buses into service to ferry devotees to and from Hazratbal.
The Traffic Police had also issued a route plan for both private and public transport on this day to ensure the smooth passage of devotees.