Shab-e-Baraat observed with religious fervour across Kashmir
Srinagar, Feb 3: Braving intermittent rain and cold weather, thousands of devotees thronged masjids and shrines across Kashmir to observe Shab-e-Baraat, one of the most revered nights in Islamic calendar.
The Hazratbal shrine, which hosted the largest congregation, reverberated with Zikr-o-Azkar, Naat Khawani and night-long prayers, as devotees gathered in large numbers seeking mercy, forgiveness and divine blessings. Worshippers of all age groups were seen arriving at the shrine in the evening, undeterred by the weather.
Shab-e-Baraat is observed on the intervening night of the 14th and 15th of Shabaan, the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and is traditionally regarded as a night of mercy, forgiveness, and divine decree.
Officials said that elaborate arrangements were made to facilitate devotees. Special religious programmes, sermons, and collective prayers were organised at Hazratbal, where scholars highlighted the spiritual significance of the night and urged people to engage in repentance and self-reflection.
To ensure smooth conduct of prayers, the district administration, Police, Power Development Department (PDD), Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and other allied departments put coordinated arrangements in place.
An official of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation said that a special sanitation drive was launched around major religious places.
“Keeping in view the importance of Shab-e-Baraat, SMC deployed additional manpower and machinery. Our teams remained on their toes throughout the night to ensure cleanliness and proper sanitation around shrines and masjids,” the official said.
Meanwhile, markets around prominent religious sites witnessed moderate but steady activity, with traders attributing the footfall to devotees purchasing essentials despite the rain. Several mosques and shrines were illuminated, adding to the solemn atmosphere of the night.
Officials said necessary arrangements were ensured for devotees. Meanwhile, the Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, extended greetings to the Muslim Ummah on the occasion.
“Shab-e-Baraat is a night that calls Muslims towards repentance, heartfelt prayers, and self-reflection. It reminds us to strengthen our faith, uphold moral values, and seek forgiveness,” he said. Grand Mufti prayed for peace, unity and brotherhood, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir and across the world.
Similar congregational prayers were held at Charar-e-Sharief, Khanqah-e-Moula, Dargah Hazrat Sheikh Hamza Makhdoomi, Dastageer Sahib (RA), Naqshband Sahib (RA) and other shrines across the Valley.
