Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Sep 12: With tears rolling down their cheeks and hands raised in devotion, thousands of devotees thronged the revered Dargah Hazratbal shrine on the banks of Dal Lake on Friday, marking the Friday following Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) with deep religious fervour.
The shrine reverberated with emotional prayers as the head priest displayed the Moi-e-Muqaddas—the hair strand believed to be of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
According to reports, the sacred moment drew cries of “Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah” from the sea of worshippers, who had gathered from across the Valley to catch a glimpse.
“I have been coming here since childhood. Every time I see the holy relic, my heart trembles with love and peace,” said a 70-year-old Ghulam Qadir, his eyes moist as he leaned on his walking stick amid the throng.
Shazia Bano, who had travelled with her children from south Kashmir’s Anantnag, shared that it is not just a tradition, but a moment when they renew their faith and love for the Prophet (SAW).
Moreover, the religious clerics, delivering sermons before the congregational prayers, urged people to follow the Prophet’s teachings of compassion, truthfulness and service to humanity. The faithful also prayed for personal well-being, their families and lasting peace in the region.
Quranic verses echoed from loudspeakers as men, women and children stood shoulder to shoulder, their eyes fixed on the dome of Hazratbal glistening under the hot sun.
Additionally, the security arrangements had been tightened around the shrine, with medics and volunteers assisting the elderly and managing the swelling crowds.
Abdul Rashid, a shopkeeper selling prayer caps and other items outside the Hazratbal shrine, said days like this bring life to their stalls. “People come with devotion and they also buy something sacred to take back home as blessings. It keeps our livelihood alive.” (KNO)
