Thoudands of devotees seek spiritual solace at Srinagar’s Hazratbal, Jama Masjid on Eid-e-Meelad eve

29 September 2023

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Srinagar, Sep 29: Thousands of people Friday gathered at the Kashmir’s revered shrine of Hazratbal to have the glimpse of holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (saw) on the occasion of Eid-e-Meelad-un-Nabi (saw) amid moist eyes.

Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid also saw thousands of devotees for Friday prayers seeking spiritual solace.

Eid-e-Meelad un Nabi (saw) marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (saw). Early in the morning, people from far off places started gathering at the holy shrine.

The atmosphere was charged with reverence as pilgrims from diverse backgrounds converged at the shrine, reaffirming the spirit of religious harmony. Men, women, along with children, raised their hands in the air and sought forgiveness from Almighty Allah, filling the air with hope and faith. Srinagar’s Hazratbal shrine witnessed a massive gathering from all walks of life. People came from far districts of Jammu and Kashmir, with some of them even carrying lunch boxes with them.

The gathering at Hazratbal Shrine became a symbol of faith and unity in the region, as people from different faiths came together to witness the sacred relic.

“Devotees, many of whom had travelled long distances, and mostly many of them were from Banihal, Doda, Kishtwar and other parts of Jammu shared their experiences of spirituality and togetherness, with tears in their eyes, and emotions running very high.

“After seeing the holy relic, we fell contended. We feel satisfied and are sure that Allah will answer our all prayers,” said Ali Muhammad, resident of Banihal while talking to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

In the sacred moments when devotees gathered to witness the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (saw) on this auspicious occasion of Eid-e-Meelad-un-Nabi (saw), emotions soared to unparalleled heights. “It was as if the very air around us became infused with the collective heartbeat of faith. Tears flowed freely, not as a sign of weakness, but as a testament to the overwhelming love and veneration we hold for the Prophet. In those tears, we found solace, unity, and a connection to something greater than ourselves. The sight of the relic was a profound reminder of the enduring legacy of the Prophet, and it touched our souls in a way that words can scarcely capture,” said Mushtaq Ahmed, a resident of Budgam.

A woman devotee, Raja Begum had come all the way from northern district of Kupwara, said: “it was as though centuries melted away, and we stood in the presence of the Prophet (SAW) himself. The tears that flowed from many eyes were not mere drops; it were offerings of love, gratitude, and an unshakeable connection with our beloved Prophet who will save us from the hellfire.”

She said that this sacred occasion was a vivid reminder that faith transcends boundaries, cultures, and time, and that the love for the Prophet remains a powerful force that unites us all.

“The emotions that coursed through the crowd as we gathered to behold the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (Saw) on Eid E Milad un Nabi (Saw) were a testament to the enduring significance of this moment. It was as if history and spirituality converged in a single, poignant instant,” said Shabir Ahmedr Shah, a Srinagar resident.

Similarly, the authorities had made elaborate security arrangements to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. A robust presence of security forces was visible, with strict security checks in place. Adding to this, traffic diversions were made at many places, and SP Traffic Srinagar city Muzaffar Shah was himself seen present outside the Hazratbal shrine, to ensure proper arrangements of traffic flow.

Earlier, on Thursday evening thousands of people thronged the Hazratbal shrine on the beautiful banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar to attend the nightlong prayers. Men, women, and children devotees attended the nightlong prayers and sought peace, mercy, and blessings from Allah. Devotees also recited salaam to Prophet Muhammad (Saw) in the early morning and asked for mercy from Almighty Allah.

‘Prophet Muhammad (SAW) best source of guidance’: On the occasion of Eid e Milad un Nabi (SAW) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq while addressing the friday congregation at Jama Masjid Srinagar after a gap of four years, felicitated the people of J&K. Mirwaiz said the Seerah of Prophet Muhammad is a best source of guidance and inspiration for Muslims and serves as a model for individuals and communities seeking to lead righteous, fulfilling and peaceful lives.

“It offers timeless lessons for people of all times and ages to follow. Mirwaiz said that the prophet is the Perfect example for Muslims especially the youth who are the future of humanity to emulate. His exemplary character – his honesty, kindness, humility, and integrity are among others are some basic values which if inculcated in us guarantees a fruitful life and a rewarding afterlife,” Mirwaiz said, adding that as a leader, from his role as a father and husband to his leadership of the early Muslim community in Medina his leadership style, emphasized consultation (Shura), fairness, and justice which is a model for leaders in all fields to emulate and succeed. Mirwaiz emphasised that the challenges and trials faced by Prophet Muhammad during his mission were immense, yet his ability to remain patient and persevere through adversity is the best source of inspiration to follow for those facing difficulties and challenges in their individual life, and collectively as a society. “The concept of social and economic justice that the prophet championed by advocating for the rights of the marginalized and disempowered such as women, orphans and slaves laid the foundation for the creation of an egalitarian structure for society,” he said “His (Prophet’s) kindness and mercy even to those who opposed him and forgiveness of those who fought against him in battles is unparalleled.”

Mirwaiz said that the prophet’s diplomatic skills and ability to negotiate peace agreements, as seen in the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, are important lessons in today’s time for conflict resolution and cooperation between nations.” “Prophet , through his interaction with different faiths, demonstrated religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and respect for diversity. His Constitution of Medina guaranteeing freedom of religion and protection for all religious communities is the model for nations to follow. In today’s diverse and interconnected world, these principles are more relevant than ever. The prophets value of Humility, advocacy of unity, service to community, his family ethics, are all facets of his character that if we imbibe in our personal and social life and at the work place will make us prosper and flourish,” he said. Mirwaiz said that the prophet’s dedication to prayer, worship, and connection with God sets the example for individuals seeking a deeper spiritual and fulfilling life.

Massive Meelad rallies held across Kashmir: Scores of Meelad rallies were taken out in Kashmir to mark the birth anniversary of holy Prophet (saw). Karwan-e-Islami International took out massive rally from Masjid-e-Abu Turaab Qamarwari to Jamiatul Qadriya Trehgam. Similarly, Soutul Awliya also took out a massive rally. Idara-e-Tehqeeqat-e-Islami also took out a rally in Southern district of Anantnag. At Befina area of Pampore, a huge rally was also taken to mark Eid-e-Meeladun Nabi (Saw). All the rallies culminated peacefully.

Spiritual aura at Hazratbal mosque shrine

An ocean of devotees, coming from far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir Friday thronged the revered shrine of Hazratbal to have the glimpse of the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (saw) at Hazratbal shrine.

As the holy relic was displayed to the people, emotional scenes were witnessed with people crying and seeking mercy from Almighty Allah. A significant number of devotees had come all the way from Jammu’s Banihal and other parts.

“This shrine is the highest seat of spirituality in the entire J&K. We feel solace here and undoubtedly, our prayers get answer. It is our love for our beloved prophet (saw) that brought us here,” said Imtiyaz Ahmed, who along with 11 other family members had come to Hazratbal shrine all the way from Banihal, Jammu.

The faces of devotees were aglow with faith. Zahid Khan, a pilgrim from Kupwara district, while speaking to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that he travelled for miles, and the journey was tough with traffic delays at many places, but his heart was filled with determination. When I finally saw the holy relic, I felt a connection that words cannot describe. It’s a moment I’ll cherish for the rest of my life,” he beamed.

Gulazar Ahmed, another devotee from Banihal, Jammu said: “I travelled, almost 100 kilometres to Srinagar’s Hazratbal, to see the holy relic of the Prophet (saw). As I first saw the relic, my heart melted, and tears started flowing from my eyes, and I felt all my problems and tensions just vanished. I thought like time has stopped, and amid spiritual cries, the atmosphere was rocking.”

One could see the unshakable faith in the elderly Mukhtar Ahmed of Kupwara district. “As we stood amidst the multitude, our souls alight with fervent devotion, the unveiling of the holy relic became a beacon of spiritual ecstasy. I came here with my family last night, and I travelled from Kupwara to witness the holy relic. After this, I will go to Makdoom Sahab shrine and then back home,” said Mukhar, 62.

Like men, women too were emotionally charged. “When I saw the holy relic of the Prophet (SAW), it was a moment when the distance of my journey dissolved, and it became part of a timeless narrative, where faith knew no bounds, and the heart found its eternal home in the presence of the sacred. All my fatigue just vanished as I saw the holy relic, and I feel that my journey has finally been successful,” said Zoona Begum from Baramulla. —(KNO)