Srinagar, Jan 27: Fatima Begum, a resident of Chadoora in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district, is a regular at the revered Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar, especially during special occasions like Mehraj-e-Alam. As she prepares for her journey to the shrine, her words reflect the deep-rooted tradition that Hazratbal represents for thousands of devotees like her. For them, it is more than just a place of worship; it is a sanctuary where devotion transcends physical, emotional, and spiritual boundaries.
“Since I cannot afford to travel to Makkah or Madina, I come here,” says Fatima, in her 70s. “I don’t remember a time when I haven’t visited for an important occasion. This year, my son will accompany me for the pre-dawn prayers.”
Shab-e-Mehraj, which commemorates the miraculous night journey and ascension of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), is one such occasion that unites generations of worshippers at the sacred shrine. On this night, the Prophet (SAW) is believed to have journeyed to the heavens.
Muhammad Sidiq Bhat, 65, from Pampore, has attended every Shab-e-Mehraj prayer at Hazratbal for the past 30 years. “This shrine is a place of solace, where my prayers are answered,” he says. “Even during curfews and shutdowns, I have never failed to visit and pray here. It’s a connection that nothing can break.”
For many like Bhat, Hazratbal Shrine is a thread that ties the past with the present, a place where prayers are woven into the fabric of daily life, regardless of circumstances.
Ghulam Mohiudin, another devoted visitor from Pulwama, traces his connection to the shrine back to his father, who would bring him along every year for Shab-e-Mehraj prayers. “My father brought me here, and I have continued the tradition with my own family,” he reflects. For Mohiudin and many others, Hazratbal Shrine is not just a place of worship but a family tradition—an anchor for faith passed down through generations.
As the evening unfolds, the atmosphere at Hazratbal becomes charged with an undeniable energy. The recitation of sacred verses, the sound of prayers echoing through the air, and the gathering of hundreds of people all create a powerful sense of unity. Despite the challenges of daily life, the shrine remains a constant, a place where faith is nourished and spiritual bonds are strengthened. The deep rooted connection of the people of Kashmir with the Hazratbal shrine is because of the fact the shrine houses the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
For Fatima, Sidiq, Ghulam and countless others, the Hazratbal Shrine is a beacon of unwavering faith—a place where they return time and again, finding peace, purpose, and the strength to navigate life’s journey.
As the night of Shab-e-Mehraj unfolds, the shrine’s gates remain open, welcoming worshippers from all walks of life, each seeking solace, guidance and a connection to something far greater than themselves. For these devotees, Hazratbal is not just a shrine—it is a lifeline, a sacred space where the divine and the human meet in eternal devotion.
After the night long prayers, the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) will be displayed for devotees after pre- dawn prayers tomorrow (Tuesday).
