Meraj-ul-Alam observed with fervour

Srinagar, April 25

Meraj-ul-Alam was observed with religious fervour across the Kashmir valley today. While ‘shab khwani’ (night-long prayers) were held in several mosques and shrines, the main religious functions were held at the Hazratbal shrine on the banks of the Dal Lake.

Devotees thronged Hazratbal throughout the day for prayers, supplications and to catch a glimpse of the holy relic (hair strand) of Prophet Muhammad. “A large number of people remained engrossed in ‘shab khwani’ from last night till ‘fajr’ (pre-dawn) prayers. More people joined to offer ‘fajr’ prayers to catch a glimpse of the holy relic,” said a caretaker at the Hazratbal shrine. Pertinently, Meraj-ul-Alam is observed a day after Shab-e-Meraj (night of ascent) on the 27th Rajab month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad ascended to the highest levels of heavens on this night. Friday following Meraj-ul-Alam will be observed at Hazratbal on April 28. — TNS