Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Srinagar, Feb 13: In a move that has drawn sharp criticism, authorities on Tuesday evening abruptly closed the gates of the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar, barring congregational prayers for Shab-e-Baraat and directing worshippers to vacate the premises.
The Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid, the managing body of the grand mosque, expressed strong dismay over the decision, stating that such abrupt restrictions deeply hurt the religious sentiments of the people. The organization confirmed that following Asr prayers, law enforcement officials informed them that the observance of Shab-e-Baraat would not be allowed at the mosque.
Simultaneously, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the Kashmir’s top religious cleric was once again placed under house arrest at his Nigeen residence, preventing him from leading prayers or addressing devotees on this significant occasion.
In a statement, Anjuman Auqaf condemned the repeated imposition of restrictions at Jama Masjid, particularly on important religious occasions, stating that such measures amount to an infringement on fundamental religious freedoms.
“It is deeply unfortunate that whenever a significant religious occasion arrives, the grand mosque is forcibly closed, and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is prevented from fulfilling his religious duties. These restrictions not only cause distress to worshippers but also violate their fundamental religious rights,” the statement read.
Shab-e-Baraat, also known as Nisfu Sha’ban, is a revered occasion observed on the 15th night of Sha’ban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar. It holds immense religious significance for many Muslim communities across South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
Devotees engage in night-long prayers, supplications, and acts of charity, seeking divine mercy and forgiveness for themselves and their departed loved ones. In Kashmir, the tradition includes visiting graveyards to offer prayers for the deceased.
The imposition of restrictions at Jama Masjid Srinagar, a historical and spiritual landmark, has triggered widespread disappointment. Religious organizations and civil society groups are calling for an end to such curbs on religious practices.
