Shab-e-Mehraj observed across J&K; special nighttime prayers held

Srinagar, March 11: Shab-e-Mehraj – or Lailat al Miraj – was observed across Jammu & Kashmir, with lakhs of people thronging mosques for congregational special prayers in the night.

The Israʾ and Miʿraj are the two parts of a Night Journey that, according to Islam, Prophet Muhammad (peace be on Him) took from earth to Heaven during a single night around the year 621. In the accounts of the Israʾ, Prophet Muhammad (peace be on Him) is said to have travelled on the back of a winged baby-horse-like white animal, called Buraq, to “the farthest mosque”.

Muslims across the globe hold special prayers on this night. In Dargah Hazratbal devotees from across Kashmir offered prayers with a traditional spirit.

Meanwhile, National Conference (NC) Party President and Member of Parliament from Srinagar Dr Farooq Abdullah and Vice President Omar Abdullah on Thursday greeted people on the annual observance of Shab-e- Meraj.

Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Thursday extended his greetings to people of Jammu and Kashmir on the eve of Shab-i-Miraj.

In his message of felicitations, the Lt Governor hoped that the auspicious occasion would spread the message of peace and promote the spirit of brotherhood, harmony, and amity among people of all faiths.He prayed for peace, progress, and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.

Dr Farooq Abdullah, in his message, said the night of Meraj marks the ascension of holy messenger of Allah Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) towards heavens, “the holy Prophet (PBUH) was gifted with five daily prayers equal to the reward of fifty daily prayers by Allah on the auspicious night. The Meraj is the great gift of Allah to Muslims; it is the most blessed journey of human history. Through this exalted journey, holy messenger of Islam (PBUH) taught humanity the merits of knowledge and how crucial it is to unveil the truths of nature. The journey of prophet of Islam held many lessons for us, the chief among them is importance of knowledge, therefore Muslims should strive towards excellence in knowledge, and quest of enlightenment. I extend my warm greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion, may the blessed night foster unity and consciousness among Muslims. May Almighty pardon our excesses and accept our prayers, and supplications. May the blessed night act as the harbinger of peace, prosperity, tranquility and communal harmony in J&K,” he said.

The Party Vice President also greeted people on Shab-e-Miraj wishing them welfare and good health. In his message on the occasion of Shab-e-Miraj, Omar Abdullah said that the holy night provides us an opportunity to pray and seek forgiveness and blessings from Almighty. He prayed for peace and prosperity of J&K and its people and the Country as well.

Party’s General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar, Additional General Secretary Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani, Women’s wing President Shameema Firdous, Party’s Members of Parliament Muhammad Akbar Lone, Hasnain Masoodi, Senior leaders Muhammad Shafi Uri, Abdul Rahim Rather, Mian Altaf, Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan, Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar, YNC President Salman Ali Sagar, Additional Spokesperson Sarah Hayat Shah and parent body, YNC, Women’s Wing functionaries have also extended greeting to people on Shab-e-Meraj