Meraj-ul-Alam celebrations a low-key affair in Valley

Covid-19 outbreak

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, March 23

The Meraj-ul-Alam celebrations in Kashmir valley remained low-key on Monday even as the Covid-19 scare kept most of the people indoors.

While the J&K Muslim Wakf Board had earlier ordered suspension of congregational prayers at its mosques and shrines, night prayers to commemorate Meraj-ul-Alam remained confined to a few local mosques.

Eyewitnesses said rush of devotees was less than usual at the mosques, supplications were curtailed and full nightlong prayers too were given a miss.

“There was little rush at our local mosque last night. Unfortunately, I could not go to Dargah Hazratbal where I usually join others in the nightlong prayers on the occasion of Meraj-ul-Alam. Today also, we could not go. We hope and pray that the world gets rid of this disease soon,” said Sajid Ahmed, a local devotee.

While religious gatherings used to be held at several mosques and shrines across the Valley. The Hazratbal shrine on the banks of Dal Lake would witness the largest congregation to commemorate Meraj-ul-Alam.

People usually throng the Hazratbal shrine to catch a glimpse of the holy relic but the Wakf Board had already ordered the suspension of the same in view of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Meraj-ul-Alam is observed day after Shab-e-Meraj (Night of Ascent) on 27th Rajab month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad ascended to the highest level of heaven on this night.