Mubashir Alam Wani
Srinagar, Jun 13: The Urs of Hazrat Mir Syed Ali Hamdani (RA), popularly known as Shah-e-Hamdan (RA), was observed with immense religious fervor on Thursday.
The most significant congregation took place at Khanqah-e-Moula in downtown Srinagar, where thousands of devotees from different parts of the valley converged to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Devotees from several parts of the valley said that they had come to the shrine with high hopes and expectations, while many spent their night in recitation of Quran and supplications throughout the night.
“I have come from Chadoora Budgam. The contribution of this saint is immense in spreading Islam in Kashmir. I am grateful to the almighty that I am here on this occasion and I will continue to come here,” said a devotee.
Throughout the day, the shrine saw a steady influx of devotees, including men, women, children, and the elderly, who came to pay their respects and seek blessings. The largest gathering was during the Zuhr, followed by Asar prayers, where thousands united in offering congregational prayers.
The event was marked by the recitation of Naat and verses from the Holy Quran, with Islamic scholars highlighting the contributions of Mir Syed Ali Hamdani (RA) in spreading Islam and shaping the cultural and economic fabric of Kashmir.
Special ‘Duaiya Majlis’ sessions and night-long prayers were also held, reflecting the deep spiritual connection and reverence the people of Kashmir hold for Shah-e-Hamdan (RA). The annual Urs is observed every year on the 6th Zil-Hijjah of the Islamic calendar.
On the occasion, the vendors outside the Khanqah-e-Moula had set up stalls selling a range of items, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Officials from the Waqf Board said that adequate arrangements were in place to accommodate the devotees, erecting tents to provide shade for devotees offering prayers amid the hot weather conditions.
Syed Ali Bin Shahab-ud-Din Hamadani Abidi (RA), also known as Shah Hamdan (King of Hamadan), was a Persian Sufi and a prominent Islamic scholar.
His influence in spreading Islam in Kashmir was profound, and he played a significant role in the region’s cultural and economic development.
He is particularly credited with introducing the renowned Iranian handicraft skills to the people of Kashmir, which continue to be an integral part of the region’s identity.
