Night-long prayers at mosques and shrines marked the observance of Shab-e-Baraat across the Kashmir Valley, officials said on Wednesday.
Shab-e-Baraat (the night of salvation) is observed on the 15th night of the Islamic month of Shabaan and two weeks before the onset of the holy fasting month of Ramzan. The night holds deep religious significance for Muslims, who believe it to be a time for seeking forgiveness and blessings.
According to a tradition though not believed by all Muslims, God determines the fate of all people for the coming year during the night of Shab-e-Baraat only.
The main religious congregations were held at the Hazratbal shrine, located on the banks of Dal Lake, which houses the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad. Devotees were seen offering prayers through¬out the night at Hazratbal.
However, no night-long prayers were allowed at Srinagar’s historic Jamia Masjid, as authorities closed the mosque and placed Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who traditionally leads the prayers, under house detention.
According to the Anjuman Auqaf of the Jamia Masjid, which manages the mosque, it for the seventh consecutive year that no congregational night prayers were allowed at Srinagar’s grand mosque by the authorities.
In mosques and shrines across valley, the devotees along with special prayers and supplications prayed for the forgiveness of deceased family members. At several places locals were seen visiting graveyards to offer prayers for their departed loved ones.
