Thousands of devotees from across Kashmir thronged the revered Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar on Monday evening to observe Shab-e-Mehraj, an occasion commemorating the miraculous night journey and ascension of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The faithful gathered in large numbers to participate in the night-long prayers at the shrine, seeking blessings and spiritual solace.
According to the details obtained by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), for many, the Hazratbal shrine serves as a cornerstone of their faith and a place to reconnect with the divine.
Among the faithful was Ghulam Rasool, 62-year-old, from the Ganderbal district.
He said the shrine holds a special place in his heart. “Whenever I come here, I feel a deep spiritual connection. This year, my son joined me for the pre-dawn prayers,” he said.
Another devotee, Mohammad Shaban, a resident of Srinagar, said despite the ups and downs in life, he makes it a point to come here. “This place gives me peace and answers to my prayers,” he said, adding that nothing could ever break his connection to the shrine.
Moreover, the shrine echoed with the recitation of Quranic verses and prayers as worshippers, cutting across age groups, expressed their devotion.
The holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) will be displayed after pre-dawn prayers on Tuesday, allowing devotees to offer their respects.
Notably, it is believed that Shab-e-Mehraj, which marks the night when the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) ascended to the heavens, holds immense significance for the Muslim community.
The Hazratbal Shrine, known for housing the holy relic of the Prophet (SAW), becomes the focal point of prayers and gatherings on this auspicious occasion.
Despite cold weather conditions, the devotion of the worshippers remained unwavering as they continued to arrive at the shrine throughout the evening.
Meanwhile, the officials from the Waqf Board said all arrangements have been made for devotees, with washrooms and other facilities set up. “We have made elaborate arrangements for tonight and are expecting a good rush of people. As the weather is good, the crowd is expected to increase tomorrow. The display of the holy relic tonight and tomorrow is also expected to attract a large crowd,” said an official—(KNO)
