Shab-e-Meraj observed with religious fervour
Srinagar, Jan 16: Amid bone-chilling cold, thousands of devotees thronged masjids and shrines across Kashmir on Friday to observe Shab-e-Meraj, with the holy night being marked on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday.
Shab-e-Meraj, which commemorates the miraculous night journey and ascension of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Shab-e-Meraj is observed on the 27th of Rajab according to the Islamic calendar and is marked by Muslims worldwide through prayers, reflection, and remembrance of their faith.
From early Friday, markets and religious precincts wore a festive look, illuminated with decorative lights and bustling with activity despite sub-zero temperatures. Devotees, including families with children and elderly persons, were seen making their way to major shrines, especially the revered Dargah Hazratbal on the banks of Dal Lake, which witnessed the largest congregation. Devotees said that as the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is displayed on the occasion, it draws thousands of faithful who stand patiently in long queues to witness the event. Braving the biting cold and cloudy weather, devotees participated in a night-long congregational prayer, the recitation of the Holy Quran, Durood Khwani, and special religious sermons that highlighted the significance of the night.
“This night holds immense importance in Islam. We come here every year to seek Allah’s blessings and to remember the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW),” said a devotee from Srinagar. Another devotee said the prayers this year carried a special appeal. “There has been a long dry spell. We are praying for rain and snow. Even if it causes inconvenience, we want the dry spell to end for the sake of water resources and agriculture,” he said.
The festive mood was also reflected in local markets near Hazratbal and other shrine areas. A vendor selling prayer caps and other goods said the occasion brings hope for small traders. “Despite the cold, there is good footfall. Such religious occasions are important for us as they support our livelihood,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a vendor.
Families visiting the shrine described the night as spiritually uplifting. “We brought our children so they understand the importance of Shab-e-Meraj and grow up connected to faith and prayer,” said a woman devotee from Ganderbal. Chairperson J&K Waqf Board, Darakhshan Andrabi, during her visit to Hazratbal, said all necessary arrangements had been made for devotees. “We have strengthened infrastructure, ensured proper crowd management, and made special arrangements for women, considering the cold weather. Sanitation, heating facilities, and other essential services are in place,” she said.
Meanwhile, the administration, along with police and civic agencies, made elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth observance of the occasion. Officials said special measures were taken by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Power Development Department, Health Services, and Transport Department. Additional sanitation drives were carried out, medical teams were kept on standby, and an uninterrupted power supply was ensured at major religious places.
Traffic Police Srinagar deployed extra personnel and equipment to manage the heavy rush of private and public vehicles. “Given the large influx of devotees, we have put additional men and machinery on the ground. Special parking arrangements and diversions have been put in place to ensure smooth traffic flow and minimum inconvenience,” said a senior traffic police officer.
Similar prayers were held at Asar-e-Sharif Janab Sahib Soura, Asar-e-Sharif Shehri Kalashpora, Khanqah-e-Mualla, Ziarat-e-Makhdoom Sahib, and other shrines. Special sermons were also delivered in local masjids, explaining the spiritual and historical significance of the holy night.
