Srinagar, Apr 18: Congregational nightlong prayers, recitation of Holy Quran, special supplications reverberated through the shrines ,mosques and other religious places across Kashmir valley on the occasion of the divine night of Layla TulQadr, the night of decree.
Devotees in large numbers thronged major shrines, mosques and religious places to offer the nightlong prayers on the eve of Shab e Qadr, the blessed night when the first verses of the holy Quran were revealed to prophet Muhammad (SAW).
LaylatulQadr, was marked by religious devotion and fervour as people in thousands thronged to participate in special nightlong prayers at Hazratbal shrine and the grand Jamia Masjid at Nowhatta Srinagar.
Meanwhile, the grand mosque (Jamia Masjid) was thrown open for ShabKhwani (nightlong prayers) by the administration late on Monday night with people in large numbers flocking to offer congregational prayers at the historic mosque.
Devotees in large numbers started gathering at the mosque to offer Isha prayers and later participated in special nightlong prayers and supplications.
Nightlong prayers were offered at other major shrines of the city also which included, Ziarat-e-Makhdoom Sahib (RA) Khanqah-e-Mualla (RA) ZiaratDastgeer sahib (RA), Masjid Jamiat-e-Ahle Hadith, Gawkadal, Asar-e-Sharif, Janab Sahib Soura and Asar-e-SharifShehriKalashpora.
According to official reports, thousands of devotees offered nightlong prayers at these shrines on the eve of Layla TulQadr.
On the occasion of the holy night of Qadr, religious clerics and scholars delivered sermons and deliberated upon the religious significance of the Shab e Qadr and the revelation of the holy Quran.
Clerics at different religious gatherings enlightened the devotees on the teachings of Islam and urged people to inculcate the teachings and follow the righteous path set by the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) .
Religious scholars highlighted the teachings of Islam and various aspects of the life of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
According to officials special arrangements were put in place by the srinagar district administration and srinagar municipal corporation to ensure hassle free atmosphere for the devotees offering prayers at Dargah Hazratbal shrine , jamia Masjid and other shrines and Masjids , where people in thousands offered special prayers and supplications.
A control room was also established by the administration to address the grievances of devotees if any.
As per the reports, special prayers were held at the shrines and mosques across other districts of the valley where people recited holy Quran and offered supplications all night long on the divine occasion of Shab e Qadr.
As per the Islamic beliefs Laylatal-Qadr or Shab-e-Qadr is the night when the Holy Quran was first sent down from Heaven to the earth and the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the prophet Muhammad, (SAW)
Pertinent to mention, Laylatal-Qadr is an Arabic term that means “The Night of Power” or “The Night of Decree”. It is considered one of the most important and sacred nights in Islamic calendar during which Muslims across the globe spend the whole night attending the religious gathering and offering prayers all night till dawn.
LaylatulQadr is one of the nights of the last ten days of the holy month of Ramadan and is believed to be on the odd nights of the last 10 days .
Lt Governor greets people on Shab-e-Qadr
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has greeted the people on the auspicious occasion of Shab-e-Qadr.
In a message, the Lt Governor said: “On this sacred occasion of Shab-e-Qadr, I convey my greetings and best wishes to the people. The pious night provides an opportunity to self-introspect and pray to Almighty, seek forgiveness & dedicate ourselves in the selfless service of humanity.”
May the auspicious occasion usher in peace, happiness and prosperity for all, added the Lt Governor.
