Mirwaiz visits Eidgah as Anjuman Auqaf schedules Eid prayers at 9:30 am

Srinagar, May 25: A meeting of the managing body of Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid was held today at the head office of Jama Masjid Srinagar under the chairmanship of President, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, to review and finalize arrangements in connection with Eid-ul-Azha, which is falling on Wednesday, May 27.

The meeting discussed in detail the arrangements for the smooth conduct of Eid prayers and related religious gatherings. It was decided that, InshaAllah, the Eid prayers according to the prescribed Sunnah shall be offered at the historic Eidgah Srinagar at 9:30 a.m.

Prior to the prayers, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir will deliver a special sermon from 8:30 a.m. on the philosophy and significance of Eid-ul-Azha and Qurbani, highlighting the spirit of sacrifice, obedience, compassion and devotion embodied in this sacred occasion.

During the meeting, Mirwaiz instructed the Auqaf authorities to coordinate with the Waqf Board regarding necessary arrangements at Eidgah Srinagar and also remain in touch with the civil administration to ensure smooth and hassle-free conduct of the congregational prayers.

Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir also visited Eidgah Srinagar and personally reviewed the arrangements and condition of the ground. He observed that, if the weather is favourable, Eid prayers can be smoothly conducted at the Eidgah.

The Auqaf expressed hope that the authorities will not create any hurdles in offering Eid prayers at Eidgah Srinagar. It said that the Eidgah ground is presently in good condition and the work on the new mimbar has also been completed, leaving no justification for any restrictions or obstacles in holding the prayers there.

The Auqaf further stated that in case of inclement weather, the Eid prayers shall be offered at the historic Jamia Masjid Srinagar. However, it said that unfortunately the administration has repeatedly followed a practice of keeping people waiting till the last moment and then disallowing Eid prayers either at Eidgah or at Jamia Masjid, which deeply hurts the religious sentiments of the people and amounts to blatant interference in their religious rights and freedoms.

The Auqaf expressed hope that the administration will not follow such a course this Eid and will allow the faithful to offer Eid prayers at Eidgah without any confusion or last-minute uncertainty.