Hafta-e-Shahadat begins today across valley

Srinagar: The weeklong programs to commemorate the 27thmartyrdom anniversary of the beloved and renowned religious political and social leader of J&K Shaheed-e-Millat Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammad Farooq, martyrs of Hawal Massacre and the 15th Martyrdom anniversary of Khawja Abdul Gani Lone, commenced today with the recitation of Quran (Quran Khawani) held for all the martyrs, at the headquarters of Awami Action Committee in Rajouri Kadal and at APHC headquarters and at all district headquarters of both organizations across the Kashmir region.
Hafta-e-Shahadat (martyr’s week) is being observed across the valley from May 16 to May 22, to commemorate the martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed-e-Milat Moulana Muhammad Farooq (RA), martyrs of Hawal and Shaheed-e-Hurriyat Khajwa Abdul Gani Lone.
Clerics and imams from various masjids, Islamic scholars, prominent citizens, and locals from various areas in downtown Srinagar participated in the function. Fateh khwani was also offered for the martyrs of Kashmir in general and for Moulana Muhammad Farooq (RA), martyrs of Hawal Massacre, and Khawaja Abdul Gani Lone, in particular.
Another program was organised by the Anjuman-e-Auqaf at Jamia Masjid Srinagar titled “Husn-e-Qirat”. The program was presided over by APHC chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. Children from scores of educational institutions and Darul-Ulooms from across the Kashmir Valley participated in the Quran recitation competition that was held on the occasion. First prize in the competition was bagged by a student from Darul-Uloom Naqshbandiya, Srinagar, Qari Irshad Ahmed Mir while second position was bagged by a student from Darul-Uloom Ashmuqam (Islamabad) Qari Mustafa Ahmed Shah. Qari Aijaz Ahmed Bhat of Darul-Uloom Islamabad secured third position in the Husn-e-Qirat competition. Fourth position was simultaneously bagged by two students, Qari Ali Muhammad of Darul-Uloom Bilalia, and Qari Muhammad Umar Wani of Islamia Oriental College Rajouri Kadal, Srinagar. On the occasion, APHC chairman distributed trophies and cash prizes among the winners.
In the panel of judges were Qari Iqbal Ahmed of Markazul-Muarif, Bhatindi Jammu, Prominent Qaris—Qari Saleem Ahmed and Qari Reyaz-ul-Haq Qasmi. The program was moderated by Moulana M S Rehman Shams. Speaking on the occasion Imam and Khateeb of Jamia Masjid Srinagar, Moulana Syed Ahmed Naqshbandi paid rich tributes to Shaheed-e-Milat, martyrs of Hawal, Shaheed-e-Hurriyat and all the martyrs of Kashmir. He also led special fateh prayers for martyrs of Kashmir. (KNS)