In Srinagar’s old city, the historic Jamia Masjid reverberated with nasheeds and duas after four years of enforced silence.
The authorities allowed Shab-e Qadar prayers at the grand mosque after the special congregational prayers faced bans for four consecutive years since the year 2019.
It was shortly after the Asr prayers that the timings for special prayers were announced by the mosque and the news spread.
However, despite the announcement, many had thought that the prayers would be disallowed. Pertinent to mention that the mosque has often being locked up on special occasions even after a proper prayer schedule is announced.
Last week, the congregational prayers of Jumat-ul Vida were banned at the mosque and many devotees were disheartened and angered to see the mosque sealed.
“Today I feel at ease. For last four years I have been going to different shrines or praying at home on the the night of Qadar, but I have felt most peaceful in this mosque, “ one of the devotees from the neighborhood of Nowhatta said.
The prayers were attended by thousands of Kashmiri muslims as per the local press.
Anjuman Auqaf, however, in a statement also expressed concerns over Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s house detention who could not deliver the Shab sermon at the Grand Mosque.
Rest in Pictures.
Zainab is an independent photojournalist in Kashmir.
