Shab-e-Qadr observed with religious fervour

Srinagar, Mar 16: The revered night of Shab-e-Qadr was observed with religious fervour across Kashmir as thousands of devotees thronged Masjids and shrines to participate in night-long prayers, recitations, and supplications.

The Hazratbal shrine on the banks of Dal Lake witnessed the largest congregation, where devotees gathered throughout the night to offer special prayers, recite the Holy Quran, and engage in Durood Azkaar and Naat-Khwani.

After several days of incessant rainfall across Kashmir, the weather improved slightly on Monday with brief sunny spells during the day, allowing devotees from different parts of Kashmir to travel to major shrines.

Though cloudy conditions persisted later in the evening, thousands of worshippers turned up for the sacred night.

Shab-e-Qadr, observed on the 27th night of Ramadan, holds immense significance for Muslims as it marks the night when the first verses of the Holy Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Devotees believe that prayers offered during this night bring immense spiritual rewards.

“Despite the unstable weather over the past few days, we had made it a point to be here. We do it every year. Offering prayers on this night at Hazratbal gives immense spiritual satisfaction,” said Muhammad Abrar, a devotee who had travelled from Budgam with his family.

Masjids and shrines across Srinagar and other districts reverberated with Taraweeh prayers, recitations of the Holy Quran, and supplications as devotees remained engaged in worship till the early hours of Tuesday.

Religious scholars delivered special sermons highlighting the spiritual significance of the night and urging people to engage in charity and acts of kindness.

Scholars also spoke about the importance of Zakat and Zakat-ul-Fitr during the holy month of Ramadhan.

Authorities had made elaborate arrangements in coordination with various departments to facilitate the smooth conduct of the congregations.

Chairperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, Darakhshan Andrabi, had earlier chaired a meeting to review preparations for the occasion.

Officials said departments, including the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Police, Power Development Department (PDD), and transport agencies, ensured that necessary facilities were in place for the devotees.

Traffic Police officials said a special route plan and parking arrangements were implemented, particularly in the Hazratbal area, where a large rush of vehicles was witnessed amid the ongoing Eid shopping season.

“Our personnel remained deployed throughout the night to regulate traffic movement and ensure that devotees did not face inconvenience while visiting the shrine,” a Traffic Police official said.

Meanwhile, markets around major shrines and Masjids witnessed brisk activity. Vendors and traders had set up temporary stalls selling snacks, bakery items, garments, prayer caps, and other essentials, taking advantage of the large turnout of devotees.

“These nights always bring good business. People come for prayers and also make purchases ahead of Eid,” said Bashir Ahmad, a vendor near Hazratbal.

Officials said the coordinated efforts of various departments ensured that the large congregations passed off peacefully across Kashmir.

Congregational nightlong prayers were also held at all Masjids and shrines in Srinagar, including Masjid Jamiat-e-Ahle Hadith Gaw Kadal, Asar-e-Sharif Jenab Sahab Soura, Asar-e-Sharif Shehri Kalashpora, Ziarat-e-Makhdoom Sahab (RA), Khanqah-e-Maula, and other Masjids and shrines.

In south Kashmir, congregational nightlong prayers were held at Jamia Masjid Hanfia, Jamia Masjid Ahli Hadith, Bait-ul-Muqaram, and Rehat-Ded Masjid in Anantnag town.

Nightlong prayers were also offered in Ziarat-e-Sharief Khiram, Kund, Aishmuqam, and Bijbehara areas of the district.

In Kulgam, the biggest nightlong prayer gathering was held at Jamia Masjid Kulgam.

Large congregational prayer gatherings were also witnessed in Khankah Tral, Jamia Masjid Shopian, and Jamia Masjid Pulwama.