No prayers at Jamia Masjid, protests in Shia areas
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Mar 13: Jumat-ul-Vida, last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, was observed today across Kashmir with religious devotion and large congregational prayers.
Masjids and shrines across the region reverberated with Friday sermons as people gathered to mark the occasion. The largest congregation took place at the Hazratbal Shrine on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar, where thousands of devotees participated in prayers and listened to sermons on Islamic teachings. The day was observed annually as a farewell to the holy month of Ramadan.
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Devotees spent the day engaged in prayers, charity and other religious activities. Markets around Hazratbal and other religious sites witnessed a surge in shoppers preparing for Eid. Vendors set up temporary stalls selling bakery items, garments and other essentials. “We came to offer Friday prayers and seek Allah’s blessings. Every year there is a huge rush, and we also buy Eid-related essentials,” a devotee from Ganderbal said.
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Riyaz-ul-Haq Noorabadi, Imam-u-Khateeb at the shrine, said the day carried a strong spiritual message for the faithful. “We have highlighted the importance of monotheism and the blessings of this Friday. We have prayed that Allah grants peace, security and well-being to the Islamic community and to the whole world,” he said.
He urged people to follow the teachings of Islam and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). “If we understand the religion and the teachings of the Prophet, we will have a better life and success. We must remain united and pray for peace and security for Muslims across the world,” he added.
Other major congregations were also held at Asar-e-Sharif Jenab Sahab, Khanqah-e-Moula and Ziarat-e-Makhdoom Sahab in Srinagar, as well as at several mosques in south Kashmir, including Jamia Masjid Hanfia and Jamia Masjid Ahle Hadith. However, prayers were not permitted at the historic Jamia Masjid.
Authorities said arrangements were put in place to ensure the smooth observance of the occasion. District administrations coordinated with the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation, police and the Power Development Department.
Traffic police also deployed personnel to regulate movement around major shrines and mosques to manage the large gatherings.
In the meantime, protests broke out in some Shia-dominated areas of Kashmir, including Magam and Budgam, against the US-Israel strikes on Iran.
Apprehending the protests on the last Friday of Ramadan, restrictions were imposed this morning in Srinagar and other parts of the valley, especially the Shia-dominated areas.
An official said that the restrictions on the assembly of people were imposed in the morning as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order in view of the likelihood of protests.
The protesters shouted slogans against the US and Israel aggression in Iran, and in support of Palestine.
Juma-tul-Vida (last Friday of Ramzan) is also being observed as Youm-ul-Quds to express solidarity with Palestine and there are apprehensions of anti-Israel protests after the congregational prayers.
The authorities also shut the historic Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta locality of the city here.
“On the last Friday of holy Ramadan, when tens of thousands gather from towns and villages for prayers and supplication at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar, its gates have once again been locked from all sides,” Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said in a post on X.
He said it was the seventh consecutive year, “the rulers have denied permission to Muslims to pray here”.
“As Israel has forcibly shut the gates of Masjid al-Aqsa during Ramzan, similar painful reality is witnessed here. Our hearts bleed. Shame on those who lock the houses of Allah against the faithful,” the Mirwaiz added.
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