SRINAGAR, Feb 8: The religious community in the Kashmir valley marked Mehraj-Ul-Alam, the fortunate occasion of Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) ascension to the skies, with great zeal on Thursday. Thousands of devotees, including men, women, and children, participated in the nightlong “Shab Khawani” prayers at Asar-e-Sharief Hazratbal, which is home to the holy relic of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Special prayers were offered on the intervening nights of Wednesday and Thursday. This was the site of the largest gathering.The Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) holy relic, known as the “Moie-e-Muqadas,” was on display for the devotees at the Hazratbal shrine shortly after the first prayer of the day, or “Fajr” namaz. For the next two days at the shrine and on Friday, the followers would be able to catch a glimpse of the sacred relic following each prayer. On Wednesday, prayer events were held at various mosques and shrines in the valley, including Jenab Sahab Soura Srinagar, late into the night.Authorities have also put Srinagar Smart City Buses into action, which will carry pilgrims to the sacred shrine of Hazratbal from locations throughout Kashmir, including Srinagar. In the meantime, the administrators at the Hazratbal Shrine had prepared extensive accommodations for the worshippers. On this day, a number of social activists and political figures wished the populace a greetings.
