Friday following Meraj observed with fervour

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, May 22

Friday following Shab-e-Meraj was observed with traditional fervour across the Valley today.

Devotees thronged to catch a glimpse of the holy relic (hair strand of Prophet Muhammad) at the Hazratbal shrine where the main religious gathering was held.

The day was also observed at several other mosques and shrines where clerics threw light on the teachings of the Prophet during Friday sermons.

Friday following celebrations is unique to the Muslims of the Valley. The day is observed on the first Friday after the Shab-e-Meraj, which is observed on the 27th night of the Rajab month of the Islamic calendar.

Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad ascended to the highest levels of heavens during the night of Meraj.

Another unique feature of the Shab-e-Meraj and following Friday gatherings in Kashmir is the public exhibition of the holy relic each time after five daily prayers at the Hazratbal shrine.

Shab Khwani (night-long prayers) was also held at the shrine last night.

The area around the shrine, on the banks of Dal Lake, wore a festive look. Several roadside vendors had set up their stalls on the occasion. Some governmental departments had also set up stalls for the convenience of devotees at Hazratbal.

The Traffic Police had earlier issued a route plan for the hassle free movement of the devotees. Meanwhile, Department of Students’ Welfare, University of Kashmir, organised a social service camp for the devotees visiting the Hazratbal.

Vice Chancellor Khurshid Iqbal Andrabi and Registrar Zaffar Ahmad Reshi, along with other officials of the university visited the social service camp and served juice to the devotees and interacted with them.