Insha Shirazi
Srinagar, Feb 8: In the heart of Kashmir, amidst the tranquil setting of Srinagar, lies the revered Hazratbal shrine of Hazratbal. Every year, on the eve of Meraj-e-Alam, a significant event in Islamic tradition, the shrine witnesses a remarkable sight of elderly men and women from various walks of life making their way to this sacred place to pay homage and seek blessings.
Their visit to the shrine is not just a religious obligation but a testament to their unwavering faith, devotion, and resilience.
Few elderly women and men who have never missed their visit to the revered shrine of Hazratbal. One such devotee is Saleema , a resident of Baramulla district of north Kashmir in downtown Srinagar, who stated that the shrine is a place of solace where Almighty washes of everyone’s worry whosoever visits with clean intentions and heart.
Clad in her traditional attire, Saleema, 70, joins the rows of women devotees with her heart brimming with reverence and gratitude. As the holy relic was displayed, Saleema offered her prayers, seeking solace and guidance in her daily struggles. For her, the visit is a source of strength and renewal, reaffirming her faith in the divine.
Another devotee, Feroza, 65, from Pampore, shares a similar sentiment. Despite her busy schedule at home with gardening, Feroza makes it a point to visit the Hazratbal shrine every year on the eve of Mehraj-e- Alam (SAW). For her, the pilgrimage is a spiritual retreat, a time to disconnect from the chaos of the world and connect with the divine. “Whenever I visit the shrine my prayers get answered, especially at the time when the holy relic is displayed,” she said.
The visit to Hazratbal shrine holds a special significance for Gulshan (name changed) a homemaker from Nishat. In her mid-70’s, for years, Gulshan has been visiting the shrine with her family, passing down the tradition from one generation to the next.
As she sees the holy relic, Gulshan’s heart overflows with reverence and devotion. She prays not only for her own well-being but also for the happiness and prosperity of her loved ones. To Gulshan, the pilgrimage is a symbol of familial bonds and spiritual unity, a tradition that binds her family together in faith and love.
Not just the female devotees, elderly men shared similar feelings. Abdul Ahad Khan, a resident of Kulgam, said that in the past 30 years, he has never missed Mehraj-e-Alam (SAW) prayers at the Hazratbal
Each year, he joins the devotees at Hazratbal Shrine, finding solace and strength. As he sees the sacred relic, he cries at the child. “This is the time when Almighty Allah listens to our prayers. It’s the time when our sins get washed away and prayers get answered. I don’t have avenues to reach Madinah, so this is the place where I express my love for my beloved prophet (SAW),” he said. Another devotee, Gul Raza expressed similar feelings. “This is my 25th visit to the shrine on the eve of Mehraj-e-Alam (SAW). I don’t miss this opportunity. This night our Prophet (SAW) descended on the journey of skies and brought enormous gifts for his Ummah. I am proud to be the Umati of this great prophet (SAW),” he said.
