Dr Farooq, Omar extend greetings on Urs Hazrat Sheikh Hamza Makhdoomi (RA)

Srinagar, Aug 18: National Conference (NC) president, Dr Farooq Abdullah, and Vice President & Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, on Monday extended heartfelt greetings to the people on the annual Urs of Sultan Ul Arifeen Hazrat Sheikh Hamza Makhdoomi (RA), revered across Kashmir as a towering spiritual figure and saint.In his message, Dr Abdullah emphasised the saint’s profound role in disseminating spiritual and religious teachings throughout Kashmir. “Kashmir has inherited a rich legacy of mysticism from great Awliya like Makhdoom Sahib (RA). He championed divine love, self-purification, and tawhid. His philosophy called for sincerity in worship, humility in conduct, and compassion for all beings,” he said. “Makhdoom Sahib (RA) believed that the key to spiritual enlightenment was a pure heart in pursuit of truth, irrespective of social, economic, or religious distinctions. His bold and inclusive teachings reshaped the spiritual fabric of our region,” the NC chief added.Omar Abdullah, in his message, said such commemorations renew the spiritual awareness of society. “The teachings of Hazrat Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (RA) are timeless. He played a vital role in shaping the spiritual and cultural identity of Kashmir. His piety and humility endeared him to people across religious lines, earning him the title ‘Mehboob-ul-Aalam.’ May Allah (SWT) grant us the strength to walk in the footsteps of such Awliya-e-Kamileen (RA),” he said.Senior NC leaders also extended their greetings on the occasion. Meanwhile, Dr Farooq attended the Fatiha Khawani of the wife of late Muhammad Aslam Khan at their residence in Shalimar, held following the observance of Cheharum.Later, he participated in the ‘Majlis-e-Isal-e-Sawab’ organised at the residence, where prominent religious scholar Molana Kamal-ud-Din Farooqi and other scholars delivered sermons. They reflected on various tenets of Islam, emphasising the significance of spiritual discipline, compassion, and righteous living.Several senior National Conference leaders from various party wings and legislative bodies also visited the bereaved family to offer their condolences.The party leadership extended their heartfelt sympathies to the grieving family, praying for eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the family in this moment of profound loss.