Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Sep 6: The famous Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar on Saturday turned into the epicentre of spiritual devotion as thousands of people, from different parts of the valley, thronged the revered shrine to mark Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The shrine, nestled on the beautiful banks of Dal Lake, witnessed massive gatherings from late Friday night as devotees from across Kashmir converged to participate in ‘Shab-e-Khawani — night-long prayers’, Quranic recitation and supplications.
According to reports, the most moving and emotional scenes were witnessed after Fajr prayers this morning when the holy relic, Moi-e-Muqqadas — believed to be of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), was displayed before a sea of devotees.
The relic was shown five times throughout the day after each prayer, drawing overwhelming emotional responses.
As the relic was being displayed, the cries of “Allahu Akbar” reverberated across the shrine compound. Many devotees broke down in tears, raising their hands in prayers, while others quietly recited verses, overwhelmed by the charged atmosphere of devotion and spirituality.
“It is a blessed moment of our lives. Just one glimpse of the holy relic fills our hearts with peace and tears come naturally,” said Mohammad Shafi, a devotee from north Kashmir’s Kupwara, who had reached Hazratbal on Friday evening.
For many, the experience was deeply spiritual and personal. “We come here with our families every year. The atmosphere, the prayers, the tears is our way of expressing love for our beloved Prophet (SAW),” said Ruqaya Jan, a woman devotee from downtown Srinagar.
Meanwhile, the authorities had made elaborate arrangements for the congregation, including traffic regulation, uninterrupted electricity, water supply and medical facilities. Security personnel were also deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of the gathering.
Similar congregations were reported from other shrines and mosques across the Valley, including Asar-e-Sharif Kalashpora, Khanyar, Jinab Sahib Soura, Sonwar, Budgam, Bandipora and others where people participated in special prayers with equal fervour.
