MASROOR AHMAD
SRINAGAR: Muslims across Jammu and Kashmir observed Shab-e-Mehraj (night of ascension) on Wednesday night.
To mark the occasion, special religious gatherings and prayers were held at shrines and mosques across the Valley reverberated with Darood-o-Azkaar.
In various parts of Kashmir, late-night prayers were held at prominent mosques and shrines while even smaller places of worship hosted ceremonies to mark the occasion.
“This holy night symbolises the esteemed life of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and highlights his significance to our faith. This offers an unprecedented opportunity to reflect on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and follow them sincerely,” religious scholars said.
During the entire night, mosques and shrines reverberated with Darood-o-Azkaar and recitations of the holy Quran. People fervently prayed for the well-being of their loved ones and the enduring peace and prosperity of entire world especially the Kashmir Valley.
Each year the 26th night of the Rajab month of the Islamic calendar marks Shab-e-Me’raj, during which Prophet Muhammad (SAW) embarked on a transcendent journey to meet Allah.
To mark the occasion of Shab-e-Me’raj, the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board announced the prayer schedule at the Hazratbal shrine.
The Holy Relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) would be exhibited after each prayer on the first and second days, and notably on the Friday following Mehraj-ul-Alam.
The largest congregation at the Dargah Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar was held where thousands joined in night-long prayers.
The religious proceedings at Dargah commenced immediately after Maghrib prayers, featuring Naat and Darood Khawani.
Additionally, Islamic and socio-cultural organisations held traditional special prayers and Mehfil-e-Naat in mosques and other venues, fostering collective supplication for divine blessings. Similar reports have been received from other parts of the Valley.
Special arrangements were made by the district administration on the occasion of Shab-e-Me’raj, with the Power Development Department (PDD), Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), and the Department of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) mobilising their resources to ensure seamless celebrations.
In preparation for the event, Traffic Police Srinagar had implemented a detailed traffic plan, directing transporters and local commuters to adhere strictly to the advisory to facilitate smooth traffic movement.
“With a significant number of devotees converged at Dargah Hazratbal for the Me’raj-ul-Aalam celebrations on Wednesday night next day and the following Friday , Traffic Police orchestrated elaborate traffic arrangements to facilitate the flow of traffic from different districts of Kashmir, transporting devotees to the Hazratbal shrine,” the advisory of the Traffic Department said.
