Srinagar, Feb 25: Shab-e-Baraat was observed with religious zeal and fervor across Kashmir valley as night-long prayers were offered at major shrines and mosques during Sunday night.
On this occasion, religious places, especially mosques, were decorated, while some people also lit candles in their homes. People offered night-long special prayers in mosques and shrines where religious scholars delivered sermons highlighting the teachings of Islam and various aspects of the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Mosques in city suburbs and rural areas saw huge participation of devotees, who were engrossed in thoughtful prayers, seeking atonement for their sins as well as praying for peace and prosperity for mankind. Hundreds of devotees including men, women, and elderly people were seen thronging the shrine in the evening.
The road leading to Hazratbal shrine was jam-packed. However, for the smooth functioning of the Shab-e-Barat, the authorities had made all arrangements.
In Kashmir, major congregations were offered at Hazratbal shrine, Charar-e-Sharif, Khankahi Maula, Dastgir Saheb’s shrines at Khanyar and Sarai Payeen, and other major shrines and mosques.
Graveyards were illuminated with lights during the blessed night of Shab-e-Barat. People visit ancestral graveyards for the salvation of the souls of the departed. It is also believed that all sins will be forgiven by praying to the Almighty throughout the Shab-e-Barat night.
The authorities had put all arrangements in place, including electricity supply, drinking water facilities, traffic management, and the SMC had also deployed dozens of men for cleaning the shrine and its surroundings.
It is to be mentioned here that the holy night is observed by Muslims across the world during the intervening nights of the 14th and 15th of Sha’ban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar.
Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Board Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi also visited Dargah Hazratbal & Ziyarat Dastgir Sahib (RA) and took stock of the arrangements at these shrines for Shab-e-Barat.
Dr Andrabi was accompanied by Waqf Board officials and representatives of different departments of the administration. She said for the smooth functioning of the special occasion, all arrangements have been put in place.
