Jumat-ul-Vida, Shab-e-Qadr observed peacefully in Kashmir

Srinagar: Barring historical Jamia Masjid, the congregational Jumat-ul-Vida, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan prayers were held in all mosques and Shrines all across the Kashmir valley went off peacefully. The night-long prayers of Shab-e-Qadr or Lailat-ul-Qadr were also observed by the Muslim devotees during which special prayers were held across the Kashmir Valley. The authorities, however, did not allow the congregational Shab-e-Qadr and Jumat-ul-Vida prayers at the iconic Jamia Masjid in downtown Srinagar as a precautionary measure. A step widely condemned by J&K political parties as “highly unfortunate”. Thousands of people including men women and children thronged Hazratbal Shrine, housing the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), where the largest congregational prayers were held on the occasion of the Jumat-ul-Vida. The Friday sermon was delivered by the Moulana Kamal-u-Deen Farooqi who also led the congregational prayers from the “Glass Bagh” or Cherry Bagh “Member” or pulpit. Earlier people all across the Kashmir valley thronged mosques and shrines including Asar-e-Sharief Hazratbal, Khan-e-Kah-eMoula, Charar-e-Sharief, Dastageer Sahib in Khanyar, Sultan-ul-Arifeen, Naqashband Sahib in downtown and Syed Sahib at Sonwar Bagh to offer the night-long prayers ahead of Eid. The biggest congregational prayers were also held at the holy shrine of Hazratbal on the banks of Dal Lake where thousands of men, women and children assembled to offer the Nimaz-e-Isha followed by Nimaz-e-Taraweeh. Special prayers were held for the peace and prosperity of the Kashmir Valley and betterment of people across the country, as the authorities made elaborate arrangements to see the night passes off without incidents. The Shab-e-Qadar is one of the holiest and the blessed nights which fall during the last 10 odd nights in the holy month of Ramzan and mostly falls on the 27th night of the month. Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha and all political leaders and religious preachers wished people on the occasion. “Greetings to the people on Shab-e-Qadr and Jumat-ul-Vida. The festivity of this auspicious occasion provides an opportunity to seek almighty’s blessings and forgiveness, be humble, charitable, and to work for the greater good of humankind. I pray that the auspicious occasions bring peace and prosperity in the UT and happiness in the lives of all,” Sinha tweeted.