Devotees gathered at Masjids and Shrines and offered night-long special prayers to seek forgiveness from Allah during Shab-e-Baraat – the night of fortune and forgiveness.
Masjids and shrines across J&K reverberated withrecitation of Quran as Muslim devotees thronged various places of worship tooffer nightlong prayers on Saturday. On the occasion, houses and religiousplaces, especially Masjids and shrines were decorated.
On the occasion special functions of Naat and Hamud werearranged by religious organizations and Masjid management committees indifferent Masjids places. The believers made special prayers for the unity,prosperity and security of entire Muslim Ummah.
The holy night is observed by Muslim Ummah duringintervening night of 14 and 15 Sha’ban – the 8th month of Islamic calendar.
People also visited graveyards for Fateh-Khani and prayedfor eternal peace to departed souls of their near and dear ones.
During the night-long special prayers, religious scholarsdelivered sermons, highlighting the teachings of Islam and various aspects oflife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The largest gathering of devotees was witnessed at HazratbalShrine. Thousand of devotees also thronged historic Jamia Masjid in DowntownSrinagar where Mirwaiz Umar Farooq delivered sermon on importance ofShab-e-Baraat.
Soon after the Isha prayers, as per the tradition Mirwaizshed light on philosophy and importance of the night of blessings ofShab-e-Baraat. He also led touba-e-ishtifaar prayers (special prayers forrepentance).
Night long prayers were also offered at Jenab Sahib Soura,Asar Sharief Shahri Kailashpora, Khankah -e-Moulla, Peer Dastageer Sahib,Makhdoom Sahib, Chrar-e-Sharief, Syed Mir Yaqoob Sahib Sonawar, Kabi Marg, AhamSharief Bandipora, Makhama Beerwah and other shrines across the valley.
The prayers were also offered at Ziarat-e-Sharief KhiramKabamarg; Kund, Aishmuqam and Bijbehara; in Jamia Masjid Kulgam, Khankah Tral,Jamia Masjid Shopian and Jamia Masjid Pulwama. Thousands of Muslims alsooffered night long prayers in all other districts of the state.
Earlier during the day Advisor to the Governor, KhurshidAhmed Ganai, extended greetings to people on Shab-e-Baraat and hoped that theauspicious occasion would bring peace and prosperity in the state.
In his message, Ganai, who is also in-charge of the Haj& Auqaf department, described the occasion as an opportunity to seekAllah’s mercy and prayed for peace and well-being of the entire humanity. Theadvisor directed officers of Auqaf department and J&K Wakaf Board to makeall necessary arrangements for convenience of devotees during the holy night ofprayers.
In view of observance of Shab-i-Baraat, the divisionalcommissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan directed deputy commissioners to ensureadequate arrangements to ensure that people don’t face any inconvenience. Hedirected the district administrations to ensure availability of water supply,electricity, essential commodities, healthcare, cleanliness, transportation,parking facility, deployment of fire tenders, healthcare facilities, magistracyand other arrangements. He stressed on concerned departments to work withdedication, synergy and close coordination on this day.
Chaiman PDF Hakeem Yaseen also felicitated people especiallyMuslim community on the occasion of holly Shab-i-Barat. In his felicitationmessage, Yaseen said that the auspicious occasion provides an opportunity to seek forgiveness andblessings of Allah. He prayed that the auspicious occasion may prove harbingerof peace and prosperity for the state.