Srinagar, Feb 14 : People across the Kashmir Valley observed Shab-e-Baraat with deep religious devotion on Thursday night. Many gathered at mosques and shrines to offer night-long prayers, seek forgiveness, and reflect on Islamic teachings. Mosques and shrines were beautifully decorated, and candles were lit in many homes. Special prayers and sermons focused on the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the importance of Shab-e-Baraat. Large crowds gathered at famous religious places like Hazratbal shrine, Charar-e-Sharif, Khankahi Maula, and the Dastgir Saheb shrines at Khanyar and Sarai Payeen. People prayed for peace, prosperity, and forgiveness.
“Shab-e-Baraat is a night to ask for forgiveness,” said Zainab, who prayed at Hazratbal. “We pray for peace for everyone.” Elderly people also shared the importance of this night. “We come to pray for our loved ones who have passed away and to ask for Allah’s mercy,” said Abdul Aziz from Srinagar.
People also visited ancestral graveyards, lighting candles to remember their departed loved ones and offering prayers for them. Authorities made special arrangements to ensure that people could observe the night peacefully. They managed traffic, provided electricity, and ensured clean drinking water.
The Srinagar Municipal Corporation kept the areas around shrines clean, especially around Hazratbal, which saw a large number of devotees. “We are thankful for the arrangements made by the authorities,” said Mohammad Aamir, a resident of Srinagar.
However, Srinagar’s historic Jamia Masjid remained closed for Shab-e-Baraat prayers for the sixth year in a row. According to the Anjuman Auqaf, authorities did not allow prayers at the mosque. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the religious leader, was under house arrest, which stopped him from leading prayers on this special night, causing disappointment among devotees.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the closure “very unfortunate” in a post on X, saying, “It is sad that the historic Jamia Masjid was closed on one of the holiest nights – #shabebaraat.” He added, “This shows a lack of trust in the people and fear that peace cannot be maintained without strict measures. The people of Srinagar deserved better.”
Shab-e-Baraat is observed on the night between the 14th and 15th of Sha’ban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar. It is believed to be a night of forgiveness, mercy, and prayer. PP
