SRINAGAR: On the first Friday of Ramadan, the historic Jamia Masjid and Dargah Hazratbal shrine witnessed a massive rush of devotees as people from different parts thronged the religious places to participate in the mandatory congregational prayers.
Emotional scenes were witnessed during the prayers as the devotees sought mercy from the Almighty during the sacred month of Ramadan.
The biggest congregational prayers were witnessed at the two religious places where special arrangements were made by the authorities to ensure better facilities for the devotees. Special prayers were conducted at both the places.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who delivered sermons for the first time in the month of Ramadan after the scrapping of Article 370 on August 05, 2019, highlighted the teachings of Islam and also the significance of the sacred month of Ramadan.
Mirwaiz appealed to all sects and organisations – religious, social, or political – to rise above personal and sectarian interests and ensure unity and brotherhood among the people of Jammu and Kashmir to preserve and protect its collective identity. He said that the best way to ensure collectivism is by following basic human, moral, and religious principles and values. Otherwise, infighting and one-upmanship will lead to our demise.
Addressing the youth, Mirwaiz said that they are the future of this place and through the pursuit of education and awareness that will bring out their inner capabilities and consciousness, they can help shape a just and prosperous community.
Appealing to the authorities, Mirwaiz said that they should listen to the voice of the people’s collective conscience and unconditionally release prisoners who are in jails in Jammu and Kashmir and all over India, as a gesture of goodwill in the holy month of Ramadan.
Mirwaiz said that it is incumbent upon authorities to address the issues of people including the lack of electricity, which has increased hardships for people especially in the holy month of Ramadan, particularly for the poor who don’t have alternative means.
Mirwaiz said that authorities should address this issue at the earliest, as they have the means to do so. He said the condition of roads is pathetic, making commuting a nightmare.
Meanwhile, the devotees sought forgiveness from the Almighty.
Moreover, the markets in and around the twin religious places wore festive looks today as the devotees, after participating in the prayers, were seen buying essentials, clothes, and other items.
At Jamia Masjid as well as at Dargah Hazratbal, the markets remained abuzz with shoppers throughout the day.
Pertinently, Waqf Board and Anjuman-e-Auqaf Jamia Masjid had made elaborate arrangements for the holy month of Ramadan to ensure that the devotees visiting the places will not face any hardships—(KNO)
