Thousands throng Hazratbal on Friday following Meraj

Thousands of devotees thronged Dargah Hazratbal shrine today to participate in congregational prayers and catch a glimpse of the holy relic on Friday following Shab-e-Meraj.

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The devotees gathered at the Dargah Hazratbal, situated on the banks of Dal Lake, to offer prayers and view the holy relic, believed to be a strand of hair from the last Prophet (SAW) of Islam. Emotional scenes unfolded at the shrine as devotees prayed and recited verses from the Holy Quran.
Many were visibly moved, shedding tears of joy and gratitude for the rare opportunity to witness the relic, which was displayed after every prayer amidst a daylong session of Darood Azkaar and Naat Khwani.
Similar gatherings took place at other significant shrines and mosques across the Valley, including Asar Sharif Shahr-e-Kalash Pora, Asar Sharif Jenab Sahab Soura, Lal Bazar, Yaqoob Sahab Sonwar, and Makhama Beerwah in the central Budgam district. Prayers were also held at local mosques, where preachers delivered lectures on significance of Meraj.
Meraj-e-Alam remains one of the most significant events in the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the night when Prophet Muhammad (SAW) embarked on a journey from Mekka to Jerusalem and ascended to heaven, meeting with previous Prophets and receiving commandments from Allah.
The Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, in coordination with the Traffic Police and other Departments, ensured elaborate arrangements for the smooth gathering of devotees at Dargah Hazratbal. “For the first time, Wakf provided food and tea arrangements at the shrines, in addition to heating and proper matting facilities. We have also made approximately 200 washrooms available,” an official from the Wakf board said