Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jan 27: Thousands of devotees from across Kashmir thronged the revered Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar on Monday evening to observe Shab-e-Meraj, an occasion commemorating the miraculous night journey and ascension of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The faithful gathered in large numbers to participate in the night-long prayers at the shrine, seeking blessings and spiritual solace.
According to the reports, for many, the Hazratbal shrine serves as a cornerstone of their faith and a place to reconnect with the divine.
Among the faithful was Ghulam Rasool, 62-year-old, from the Ganderbal district.
He said the shrine holds a special place in his heart. “Whenever I come here, I feel a deep spiritual connection. This year, my son joined me for the pre-dawn prayers,” he said.
Another devotee, Mohammad Shaban, a resident of Srinagar, said despite the ups and downs in life, he makes it a point to come here. “This place gives me peace and answers to my prayers,” he said, adding that nothing could ever break his connection to the shrine.
Moreover, the shrine echoed with the recitation of Quranic verses and prayers as worshippers, cutting across age groups, expressed their devotion.
The holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) will be displayed after pre-dawn prayers on Tuesday, allowing devotees to offer their respects.
Notably, it is believed that Shab-e-Meraj, which marks the night when the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) ascended to the heavens, holds immense significance for the Muslim community.
The Hazratbal Shrine, known for housing the holy relic of the Prophet (SAW), becomes the focal point of prayers and gatherings on this auspicious occasion.
Despite cold weather conditions, the devotion of the worshippers remained unwavering as they continued to arrive at the shrine throughout the evening.
The officials from the Waqf Board said all arrangements have been made for devotees, with washrooms and other facilities set up. “We have made elaborate arrangements for tonight and are expecting a good rush of people. As the weather is good, the crowd is expected to increase tomorrow. The display of the holy relic tonight and tomorrow is also expected to attract a large crowd,” said an official.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has extended his greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Shab-i-Miraj.
In a message, the Lieutenant Governor has said: “On the auspicious occasion of Shab-i-Miraj, I convey my greetings and best wishes to all. May almighty accept all our prayers on this pious night and continue to guide us on the path of compassion, love and harmony. I pray for good health, happiness and prosperity for all.”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday extended his heartiest greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the auspicious occasion of Shab-i-Miraj, marking the miraculous night journey and ascension of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to the heavens.
In his message of felicitation, the Chief Minister highlighted the profound significance of this sacred event, stating that it reaffirms the truthfulness, greatness and devotion of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to Almighty Allah.
“Shab-i-Miraj is a testament to the unparalleled honesty, integrity and spiritual eminence of the beloved Prophet (SAW),” he said.
On this auspicious occasion, the Chief Minister prayed for peace, prosperity and communal harmony across Jammu and Kashmir.
He urged people to follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to build a society rooted in compassion, tolerance and unity.
Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, has extended heartfelt greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion of Shab-i-Meraj.
While elaborating the philosophy behind the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the event symbolises a connect between God and his creation. He said that we should follow path of righteousness, compassion and mutual tolerance, which are cornerstones of every faith.
The Deputy Chief Minister prayed for well being of the mankind and hoped that the occasion would usher peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.
Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo has extended her heartfelt greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the auspicious occasion of Shab-e-Mehraj.
In her message, the Minister highlighted that this holy night is a sacred occasion which provides an opportunity to pray and seek forgiveness and blessings of the Almighty Allah.
She also prayed that this auspicious occasion would further strengthen the bonds of amity, harmony and brotherhood and be a harbinger of peace, progress and prosperity across Jammu and Kashmir.
