Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jan 28: Thousands of devotees thronged Dargah, Hazratbal shrine on Tuesday to mark Meraj-ul-Alam, commemorating the ascension of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to the heavens.
The holy occasion, observed with night-long prayers and spiritual fervor, drew men, women, children, and the elderly in large numbers, seeking blessings and spiritual solace.
The Hazratbal Shrine, situated on the banks of Dal Lake, became the focal point of devotion as thousands of worshippers flocked to witness the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
As the relic was displayed to the crowd, cries of devotion echoed, with men and women overwhelmed by emotion as they sought blessings.
Ghulam Nabi, a 68-year-old resident of Ganderbal, who made the journey despite the winter chill said, “I have never missed night-long prayers on the occasion of Shab-e-Meraj at Hazratbal in my life. For me, it’s not just a tradition but a deep spiritual connection.”
The night-long prayers also resonated with the faithful’s supplications for peace, prosperity, and blessings for Kashmir. “I feel blessed to be part of this gathering,” shared Shabir Ahmad from Anantnag, who attended the prayers with his family.
Pertinently, Shab-e-Meraj holds deep significance for Muslims around the world. It is believed to be the Prophet Muhammad’s miraculous journey from Makkah to Jerusalem and his ascension to heaven. “This is remembered as a moment of divine guidance when the Prophet (SAW) interacted with other prophets and received instructions from Allah.”
Meanwhile, the annual observance of Meraj-ul-Alam at the Hazratbal Shrine not only brought thousands of devotees together but also gave a boost to local businesses and transport services in the area.
The worshippers gathered to mark the sacred occasion and witness the display of the Holy Relic.
Likewise, the shopkeepers around the shrine reported an increase in sales, while transport operators witnessed a surge in demand.
Mohammad Shafi, a shopkeeper around the shrine, expressed his joy at the increase in business and said, “whenever such occasions are observed, it brings a sense of blessing for us shopkeepers as well. This year, the turnout of devotees has been extraordinary, and our sales have doubled.”
Similarly, Abdul Rashid, a vendor outside the shrine offering various items, including hardware, Islamic books, and accessories, said spiritual gatherings like these sustain their livelihood.
“People come here not just to pray but to take home something that connects them to this sacred place. The demand for religious items increases during Meraj-ul-Alam,” he said.
Moreover, the transport sector also experienced a noteworthy rise in activity, with buses, e-rickshaws, and private vehicles ferrying devotees from different parts of the valley to the shrine.
Ghulam Hassan, an e-rickshaw driver operating on the Hazratbal route said events like these are a blessing for them. “I have made multiple trips today, and there are still people waiting for rides back home.”
Despite the winter chill, the festive atmosphere around Hazratbal Shrine turned the occasion into a vibrant gathering, benefiting both the devotees and the local economy.
Many shopkeepers expressed gratitude for the spiritual and economic activity brought by the observance of Meraj-ul-Alam.
