Mass Gatherings at Major Mosques and Shrines, Jamia Masjid in Srinagar Remains Closed for Shab-e-Baraat Prayers for Sixth Year in a Row; CM Calls Decision “Regrettable”
Srinagar, Feb 14 : Shab-e-Baraat was observed with great religious devotion across the Kashmir Valley on Thursday night, with people gathering at mosques and shrines to engage in night-long prayers, reflecting on Islamic teachings and seeking forgiveness.
Mosques and shrines were beautifully decorated, and many homes were illuminated with candles. Special prayers and sermons emphasized the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and highlighted the significance of this sacred night. Large gatherings were witnessed at prominent religious sites, including Hazratbal shrine, Charar-e-Sharif, Khankahi Maula, and the Dastgir Saheb shrines at Khanyar and Sarai Payeen. People prayed for peace, prosperity, and forgiveness for humanity.
“Shab-e-Baraat is a night of forgiveness,” said Zainab, a devotee at Hazratbal. “It is a blessed occasion to seek peace for all.” Elderly devotees shared similar sentiments. “We visit the shrines to pray for our deceased loved ones and seek Allah’s mercy,” said Abdul Aziz from Srinagar.
The night also saw people visiting ancestral graveyards, lighting candles as a mark of respect for departed souls, and praying for their peace.
Authorities made special arrangements to facilitate the observance, including traffic management, uninterrupted electricity supply, and clean drinking water. The Srinagar Municipal Corporation ensured cleanliness, particularly around the Hazratbal shrine, which attracted a large number of devotees.
“We appreciate the authorities for ensuring a peaceful observance of Shab-e-Baraat,” said Mohammad Aamir, a local resident.
However, Srinagar’s historic Jamia Masjid remained closed for Shab-e-Baraat prayers for the sixth consecutive year. According to the Anjuman Auqaf, this was due to restrictions imposed by the authorities. The continued house arrest of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the religious leader, prevented him from leading prayers on this significant night, causing disappointment among devotees.
Expressing his discontent, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wrote on X, “It is deeply regrettable that the historic Jamia Masjid, Srinagar, was sealed on one of the holiest nights – #shabebaraat.” He added, “This decision reflects a lack of trust in the people and doubts about maintaining peace without strict measures. The people of Srinagar deserved better.”
Shab-e-Baraat, observed on the intervening nights of the 14th and 15th of Sha’ban (the eighth month of the Islamic calendar), is considered a night of forgiveness, mercy, and prayer. _PP
