SRINAGAR (KIMS) — Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Thursday condemned the prohibition of night-long Shab-e-Qadr prayers at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar, calling it “regrettable and condemnable.”
“The authorities have conveyed to the Auqaf that the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar will remain closed for people on the revered night of Shab-e-Qadr,” he said in a post on X.
The move comes at a time when Muslims around the world engage in night-long supplications and seek Allah’s forgiveness on this holy and blessed night.
“It is extremely regrettable and condemnable that the insensitivity of those in power will deprive tens of thousands of Muslims, who for generations have visited Jama Masjid on this night, of spiritual solace and worship, causing them and me great grief and dismay,” he said.
The authorities also prohibited Shab-e-Qadr prayers at Jama Masjid Srinagar last year.
Shab-e-Qadr, also known as Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power), is one of the holiest nights in Islam. It falls in the last ten nights of Ramadan, with many believing it to be on the 27th night.
It is the night when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by Angel Jibreel.
Muslims observe Shab-e-Qadr by engaging in prayers (Namaz), recitation of the Quran, supplications (Dua), and seeking forgiveness throughout the night. — (KIMS)