KO File Photo By Abid Bhat
Biggest Congregation Expected At Hazratbal Shrine
Srinagar- After three years of disturbances due to abrogation of special status and the outbreak of Coronavirus pandemic, Eid-ul-Azha, the festival of sacrifice, will be observed with religious fervour across Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday.
This year the biggest congregational Eid prayers are expected at Hazratbal shrne here followed by other shrines and mosques across the Valley. However, there would be no Eid prayers at Eidgah in the Old City.
Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid said that in reply to the letter sent to Wakf board by it as per yearly tradition to make civic arrangements for Eid ul Adha prayers at Eidgah Srinagar , the Wakf board has in conveyed its inability to facilitate prayers, citing “rainy weather forecast, saying Muslims should offer prayers at their local Masjids instead.”
“Later in the day Anjuman members were called by government authorities and told that as Wakf had declined prayer facilitation at Eidgah, if Aquaf wants to conduct the prayers at Jamia Masjid Srinagar instead, it can be only allowed at the central Jama Masjid if held before 6.30 Am and not after that,” Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid said in a statement.
“As per precedent, Anjum Auqaf had last week announced that Eid prayers will be held at EIdgah at 9 .00 a.m. and in case of inclement weather at Jama Masjid Srinagar at that time, already shifting the timing one hour earlier, due to hot weather,” it said, adding, “If Eid prayers can be held at other masjids and shrines under the Wakf board at 10:00 and 11 .00 a.m., strange conditions are only being applied for central Jama Masjid, and frivolous excuses being made for not making arrangements at Eidgah.”
Anjuman said that this attitude of the authorities towards Muslims is highly “regrettable” when Eid prayers are being “thwarted” at both Eidgah and Jama Masjid.
Meanwhile, Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, has extended warm greetings to people of Jammu and Kashmir on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Azha.
In his message of felicitation, Advisor Bhatnagar said that this holy festival teaches us the principles of sacrifice, humility and offering. He expressed hope that the festival will further nourish the bonds of communal harmony, mutual brotherhood and tranquillity across the Jammu and Kashmir.
National Conference President, Member of Parliament from Srinagar Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Vice President Omar Abdullah extended warm greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion.
In his message Dr. Farooq said, “As the Muslim Ummah unite to observe Eid Al Azha, I take this opportunity to extend my warm greetings to everyone on the blessed and auspicious occasion. The auspicious day commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) to sacrifice his son, Hazrat Ismail (AS) in the way of the Almighty. The all merciful Almighty however spared Hazrat Ismail (AS) by staying in Hazrat Ibrahim’s hand and placing a ram in his place. Hence the day is reminiscent of the greatest sacrifice in the history of mankind. On this day, it is imperative for all of us to prioritize the poor and deserving by doing everything possible to bring smiles on their faces. The core philosophy of the day evokes deep concern for the needy and offers us a window of opportunity to alleviate the plight of the poor and destitute and imbue ourselves with the spirit of compassion, generosity, empathy and care. May the day provide relief to the beleaguered people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh and rid them of all the tribulations and problems they are facing.”
While extending warm felicitations to the people, Omar Abdullah said, “At the very beginning, I wish Eid Mubarak to all. The auspicious day of the Eid Al Azha stresses on the need for equality of mankind, god consciousness, generosity, alms giving and peaceful coexistence of the entire human kind. The divinely inspired sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) and the obedience of his son Hazrat Ismail (PBUH) have immortalized the day till eternity. I hope and pray that the day strengthens the cord of brotherhood between the different communities in J&K and Ladakh. I also hope that the day acts as a harbinger of healthier times, and much needed peace and stability to the entire region.”
PDP president and former chief minister of J&K Mehbooba Mufti also greeted people on Eid. “Wishing everyone a joyous Eid Ul Adha. May this special occasion bring love & happiness to your lives. Ameen,” she said in a tweet.
Director General of Police Dilbag Singh, Additional Director General of Police, Vijay Kumar, who holds charge of the Kashmir range, SSP Srinagar Rakesh Balwal greeted people on the auspicious festival.
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