On 2nd Friday of Ramzan, thousands offer congregational prayers across Kashmir

By: Rehan Qayoom Mir

Srinagar: On the second Friday of Ramzan, thousands of devotees offered congregation prayers at various mosques and shrines across Kashmir.

Despite rain and chill since morning, Jamia Masjid in old city and the revered Hazratbal shrine witnessed huge congerations.

“We prayed for the well-being of the people of Kashmir and asked Almighty Allah to make the Kashmir Valley peaceful and harmonious,” said Jibran, who offered prayers at Jamia Masjid.

Abdul Latif, another devotee from Kupwara, said he has been coming to Hazratbal for the last many years during Ramadan and even on regular days. “There is a different peace one feels here, especially on Fridays. The environment here connects us directly with our faith and strengthens our bond with Allah,” he said.

The rain did not dampen the spirit of the devotees. Many were seen standing in the courtyards of Jamia Masjid and Hazratbal shrine to shield themselves from the rain.

Meanwhile, Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid expressed deep disappointment over its president, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Moulvi Umar Farooq being placed under house arrest once again. “Mirwaiz should be released forthwith,” a spokesman of the Anjuman said in a statement. —(KNO)