Shab-e-Bara’at observed with religious fervour, no night-long prayers at major places

SRINAGAR — Shab-e-Bara’at, the revered night of fortune, was observed with religious fervour and zeal across Jammu and Kashmir on Monday night while night-long prayers at major shrines including Hazratbal Dargah were suspended in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many Muslims across the state decorated their houses with lights in the evening. People — particularly Shia Muslims — were seen lighting candles at graveyards.

While the major shrines and mosques remained closed for special night prayers, the local ones reverberated with prayers mostly till 12:00 am.

Authorities had earlier directed for suspension of large gatherings at all major mosques and shrines including at Dargah Hazratbal and Jamia Masjid Nowhatta in Srinagar even as local mosques in the city also saw a thin presence.

However, mosques in city suburbs and rural areas saw sizeable participation of the devotees, who were seen engrossed in thoughtful prayers, seeking atonement of their sins besides praying for peace and prosperity of mankind.

Muslim clerics threw light on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and also highlighted the significance of the night.

During the special prayers, the Muslims sought Allah’s blessings and forgiveness.

Notably, the holy night is being observed during the intervening night of 14 and 15 Sha’ban — the eighth month of the Islamic calendar.

With inputs from KNO and GNS