Thousands of devout Muslims throng Hazratbal shrine in Kashmir

Thousand of devout Muslims visited the revered Hazratbal shrine here to offer prayers on the occasion of first Friday after Shab-e-Mehraj, celebrated on August 11.

By Pervez Butt

Srinagar, Aug.17 : Thousand of devout Muslims visited the revered Hazratbal shrine here to offer prayers on the occasion of first Friday after Shab-e-Mehraj, celebrated on August 11.

On this occasion, the holy relic was shown to the public.

The devout Muslims had a glimpse of the Holy Relic after Friday prayers at Hazratbal shrine.

The glimpse of the Holy Relic, which was the main attraction of the occasion, left many devout with moist eyes, even as the air reverberated with the praise of the holy Prophet.

Shab-e-Mehraj means the night of Ascent. It is the blessed night when the Holy Prophet of Islam was spiritually transported to heaven and he reached a high stage of nearness to Allah.

On the first Friday that comes after Shab-e-Mehraj, thousands throng Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar, housing the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad.

Adequate arrangements for people and traffic were made on the occasion.

Though some government and non-government organizations had set up food stalls, a large number of people were on a non-obligatory fast.

Imams in other mosques and shrines in Srinagar shed light on the philosophy of Me'raj and offered special prayers for the welfare of all.

Large congregations were also held in Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopyan, Pulwama, Tral, Budgam, Kupwara, Handwara, Baramulla and other towns.

ANI