Rehan Qayoom
Srinagar, Apr 5: Over one lakh devotees thronged the revered Dargah Hazratbal here on the significant occasion of Jumat-ul-Vida – the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, with thousands of Muslims flocking the mosques and shrines across the valley for prayers.
However, the authorities did not allow prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid Srinagar which drew wide condemnation from all sections of society, especially the chief cleric of Kashmir Mirwaiz Dr Moulvi Umar Farooq.
As per the details available, prominent political figures including former chief ministers – Dr Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehabooba Mufti joined the congregational prayers at Dargah Hazratbal.
The spiritual fervour extended beyond the revered shrine, as more than one lakh worshippers also gathered at Chraar-i-Shareef, with thousands praying at various other major shrines across Kashmir like Khanqah-e-Moula, Dastgeer Sahib, Makhdoom Sahib, Naqshband Sahib, Syed Kabir Sahib Sonwar, Jinab Sahib Soura, and other major mosques and shrines.
The overwhelming turnout at the major places of worship showed the devotion of the people.
“This is an emotional moment for me. The month of blessings is coming to an end,” said Mohammed Ashiq, a resident of Srinagar.
Jumat-ul-Vida was observed as Youm-e-Quds in various parts of the valley, including Srinagar and Budgam where some rallies were organised rallies in solidarity with the people of Palestine.
Meanwhile, at Dargah Hazratbal, the People’s Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti lamented the closure of Jamia Masjid and placing Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest on this significant day.
The National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah called for unity and harmony.
In response to the restrictions imposed by the administration on Jumat-ul-Vida prayers at the Jamia Masjid Srinagar, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq issued a video message on social media and condemned the repeated lockdowns on Jamia Masjid and his frequent house arrests on Fridays. He criticised the “arbitrary” nature of these decisions, saying this causes uncertainty and anxiety to him each week.
“It is extremely sad and unfortunate that the authorities snatched this opportunity from us and forcibly locked the gates of Jamia Masjid, not allowing this great religious congregation to take place, causing great distress, anguish and pain to you and me. We the people of Jammu and Kashmir protest this authoritarianism and direct violation of our religious rights,” he said.
He expressed heartfelt greetings to the Muslim Ummah on the auspicious day and lamented the inability to extend these wishes in person at the Jamia Masjid.
Mirwaiz said such action by the authorities has caused disappointment and anguish among thousands of worshippers who were not allowed to participate in this blessed congregation.
The religious leader invoked the Quranic principle of patience and urged prayers for the suffering people of Palestine. He called for the release of the Kashmiri incarcerated youth and political leaders.
Jumat-ul-Vida holds significant importance for Muslims, marked by special prayers and supplications as Ramadan draws to a close. Offering prayers at Jama Masjid on this last Friday of Ramadan carries immense spiritual rewards.
