SHAKEELA ANDRABI
SRINAGAR: Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), was celebrated with religious fervour across the Kashmir Valley on Friday. Thousands of devotees converged to the Hazratbal shrine to perform the nightlong prayers during the intervening night of Thursday and Friday and later offered special prayers. Muslims across the world observe this day to rekindle their faith, seeking inspiration from the exemplary character, wisdom, and compassion of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).It is a time for increased devotion, unity, and spreading goodwill.
Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) reinforces the message of peace, love, and empathy, promoting harmony within the Muslim community and fostering a better understanding of Islam’s core values among people of different beliefs. On this day, religious leaders hold congregations and deliver sermons on the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).The day is one of reflection, growing as people, following the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)’s example, forgiving those who have wronged us, and being kind to others.
Thousands of people thronged the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar to attend the nightlong prayers as Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) was celebrated across the country with religious fervour. Thousands of devotees attended nightlong prayers in all other major shrines and mosques of Kashmir.
The largest congregation was held at Hazratbal shrine, here on the banks of Dal Lake, which also houses the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).The devotees had a glimpse of the holy relic after every prayer. Thousands of men, women, and children devotees attended the nightlong prayers and sought peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah. It is the time when emotional scenes are witnessed with devotees crying and seeking mercy from Allah and regretting their sins. All arrangements were put in place for the convenience of the devotees at Hazratbal. Various departments including the Public Health Engineering (PHE), Health, and Power Development Department (PDD) ensured service for the devotees. ‘Hazratbal Special’ buses of Road Transport Corporation (RTC) were plying from all district headquarters and Lal Chowk to Hazratbal for devotees.
Stringent security arrangements were put in place in and around the Hazratbal shrine. Police were keeping a close eye on the traffic and parking management. Large congregations on Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) were also held at Asar-e-Sharief Shehri Kalashpora and Janaab Sahab Soura, Aasaar -e Sharief Lal Bazaar, Pinjoora Shopian, Kaba Marg Tral ,Khiram Sirhama Anantnag and Aeham Sharief Bandipora . In south Kashmir, thousands of devotees thronged the Khiram Hazratbal shrine at Anantnag, which also houses the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).Several small and large rallies were taken out in the Pulwama, Anantnag, and Shopian districts of south Kashmir.
Besides congregations and rallies, several conferences and seminars held at multiple places by different religious organisations and other groups in J&K. The authorities also issued a traffic advisory, asking people to follow the route plan to ensure the devotees do not face hardships. The officials from SMC said that they carried special sanitation drives around the religious palaces across Srinagar, including Hazratbal.”We had put men and machinery on the ground to carry out special cleanliness drives across religious places. We have ensured that the devotees won’t face any inconveniences,” an SMC official said.
LG Manoj Sinha has extended his greetings and good wishes to the people on the eve of Milad un Nabi (SAW) .In a message the Lt.Governor said ,”On the auspicious occasion of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad,I convey my greetings to all.The holy Prophet showed us the path of an egalitarian society based on compassion ,peace ,love ,harmony and brother-hood.May the joyous occasion of Milad un Nabi bring peace ,prosperity and happiness to all and inspire us to follow the path of righteous living and work for the welfare of all”.