Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Wakf Board Saturday announced suspension of celebrations and congregational prayers on Shab-e-Meraj, falling on March 22, in view of threat of the contagious coronavirus.
Shab-e-Meraj, observed on 27th Rajab of Islamic Calendar, isan occasion when thousands of devotees throng Masjids and Shrines acrossKashmir and offer night long prayers.
The biggest congregational on this occasion is traditionallywitnessed at revered shrine Dargah Hazratbal here.
Wakf Board Secretary Showkat Beigh said that in view of theoutbreak of COVID-19, and precautions and prevention against this contagiousdisease, it was decided to suspend all religious gatherings. “After consultation with Islamic scholarsabout prevailing situation, it was decided to suspend regular prayers inshrines, Masjids affiliated with the Wakaf Board. No Shab-e-Meraj celebrationswill be held,” he said.
He informed that displaying of the Holy Relic on theoccasion of Meraj-e-Alam celebrations has also been suspended.
Meanwhile Grand Mufti Nisar-ul-Islam Saturday asked peopleto avoid religious gatherings and other ceremonies including weddings andcondolence meetings.