Waqar Manzoor
Srinagar, Mar 27: The sacred night of Shab-e-Qadr (Lailatul Qadr), regarded as one of the holiest nights in Islam, was observed with deep religious fervour across Jammu and Kashmir as thousands of devotees thronged mosques and shrines to spend the night in prayers, recitation of the Holy Quran and supplications.
The revered shrine of Hazratbal Shrine witnessed one of the largest congregations of worshippers, with devotees arriving from different parts of the Valley to mark the blessed night. The faithful remained engaged in night-long prayers and remembrance of Allah till the early hours of the morning.
Shab-e-Qadr, also known as the “Night of Power,” falls during the last ten days of the holy month of Ramadan and holds immense spiritual significance for Muslims. It is believed to be the night when the first verses of the Holy Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Holy Quran describes the night as “better than a thousand months,” making worship and prayers on this night especially rewarding.
Besides Hazratbal, large gatherings of devotees were also witnessed at several prominent shrines and mosques across the Valley, including Makhdoom Sahib Shrine, Khanqah-e-Moula and Asar-e-Sharif Soura, where night-long prayers, Quran recitation and religious gatherings were held.
Religious scholars urged people to make the most of the blessed night through prayers, repentance and acts of charity. A cleric in Srinagar said that Shab-e-Qadr is a night of immense blessings and mercy, encouraging Muslims to seek forgiveness, strengthen their faith and extend help to the needy.
Devotees described the night as spiritually uplifting and an opportunity for reflection and supplication. Mohammad Ashraf, a devotee from Budgam, said he visits Hazratbal every year on Shab-e-Qadr to pray for peace and well-being, adding that the atmosphere at the shrine brings a profound sense of closeness to Allah.
Another worshipper, Shabir Ahmad from Baramulla, said the sacred night reminds people of the importance of humility and gratitude. He noted that devotees pray not only for themselves but also for peace and prosperity in Kashmir and the entire world.
Many worshippers spent the entire night engaged in prayers and recitation of the Holy Quran, while others devoted time to supplications and charitable acts. Fatima Begum, who attended prayers at Hazratbal with her family, said the blessed night brings hope and strength, as devotees seek forgiveness and pray for Allah’s mercy upon humanity.
Meanwhile, authorities had made elaborate arrangements to facilitate the large number of devotees attending the prayers. Traffic police regulated vehicular movement around Hazratbal and other major shrines, while additional public transport services were arranged to ferry worshippers.
Officials said arrangements related to lighting, water supply, sanitation and security were also put in place to ensure smooth observance of the sacred night.
However, authorities on Monday evening closed the gates of the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar, informing its management that the annual Shab-e-Qadr congregation would not be permitted. While large gatherings were witnessed at several shrines and mosques across the Valley, many worshippers expressed disappointment over the restrictions at the historic mosque, where special prayers are traditionally held on the occasion.
