SRINAGAR: The holy night of Shab-e-Qadr was observed with deep religious fervour across Kashmir Valley, as thousands of worshippers gathered at mosques and shrines to offer special night-long prayers.
Large congregations were witnessed at the revered Hazratbal Shrine on the banks of Dal Lake, where men, women and children spent the night in prayers, seeking peace, prosperity and wellbeing. Similar scenes were reported from shrines and mosques in other districts, where devotees participated in recitations of the Holy Quran, Nawafil prayers and religious sermons.
Shab-e-Qadr, also known as the Night of Power, falls in the last ten days of Ramadan and is widely observed on the 27th night. Believers consider it a sacred occasion to seek mercy, forgiveness and blessings from Almighty Allah.
Throughout the night, mosques and shrines remained abuzz with spiritual gatherings, as worshippers engaged in prayers and supplications, praying for global peace and lasting harmony in Kashmir. Many devotees described the night as an opportunity to seek forgiveness and pray for the wellbeing of humanity.
Authorities had made elaborate arrangements at major religious places to ensure smooth conduct of prayers. Security, traffic management, sanitation, lighting and medical facilities were put in place for the convenience of devotees.
Religious scholars, addressing congregations, highlighted the significance of the occasion and urged people to uphold the values of compassion, unity and peace.
However, night-long Shab-e-Qadr prayers were not allowed at the historic Jamia Masjid Srinagar, which remained closed for the seventh consecutive year.
Meanwhile, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who delivers sermons at the mosque, was placed under house arrest at his Nageen residence. In a statement, he said the closure of the mosque on such a significant night reflects restrictions on religious practices, expressing concern over the continued curbs.
