Religious processions, special prayer meetings, Seerat Conferences are being held in the state to celebrate Eid-i-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), on Friday.
The biggest congregation will be held at Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar, where devotees in large numbers are expected to offer prayers and have a glimpse of the holy relic of the Prophet (SAW).
As per officials, zuhr (afternoon prayers) will be offered at 2 pm at the shrine on Friday.
Hundreds of devotees offered prayers at the shrine and mosques across the Valley throughout Thursday night.
In southern Kashmir, thousands of people traditionally offer prayers mainly at Jamia Masjid Reshi Sahab, Khiram Sirhama, Kaba Marg, Dooru and Seer Hamdan.
Milad processions would be held in northern areas as well.
Many mosques and shrines were decorated with lights. Some markets and streets leading to Dargah Hazratbal had been decorated from Thursday morning.
The state government has said that all arrangements have been put in place at Hazratbal and other shrines for the convenience of devotees.
“All departments including Public Health Engineering, Power Development Department and Health Department have made requisite arrangements and SRTC buses have been also kept available for devotees,” divisional commissioner Kashmir Baseer Khan told Kashmir Post.
Inspector general of police (IGP) Munir Ahmad Khan along with DIG Ghulam Hassan Bhat, SSP Srinagar, SP Hazratbal and other senior officers visited Hazratbal shrine on Thursday.
A police spokesperson said that on the directions of the IGP, a special police camp has been established at Hazratbal to help and facilitate the devotees.
Governor Greets People
Governor NN Vohra has greeted the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion of Eid-i-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) and hoped that this auspicious occasion would be the harbinger of harmony, peace, progress and prosperity in the state.
“Islam teaches us the values of brotherhood, simplicity, compassion and morality, all of which need to be vigorously inculcated in today’s trouble torn world,” he said.
Chief Minister
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti greeted the people and prayed that the auspicious occasion proves to be a harbinger of harmony, peace, progress and prosperity in the state.
“It’s an occasion to seek forgiveness from Almighty Allah and blessings for the entire mankind,” she said.
The Chief Minister said that in the present-day world, marred by conflicts and discord, there is a dire need to practice firmly and promote the teachings of the Prophet of Mercy (SAW) in which lies the solution to all problems of mankind.
Nirmal Singh
Deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh has greeted the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the auspicious occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) and expressed hope that this auspicious day would be the harbinger of harmony and usher peace, progress and prosperity in the state.
In his message of greetings Singh said that Islam teaches us the values of brotherhood, peace, simplicity, compassion, which is more relevant today.
National Conference
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and working president Omar Abdullah have felicitated people on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW).
Praying for the restoration of peace and stability in the state, Farooq and Omar said that Eid-ul-Milad is an occasion to dedicate ourselves to the teachings of our beloved Prophet (SAW) in letter and in spirit and work tirelessly towards helping those in need.
In his message, Farooq said that Islam is the religion of peace and the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is the perfect embodiment of love, equality and brotherhood. He said that the teachings of the Prophet (SAW) point us towards the path of peace, affection and kindness.
Omar said that Eid-ul-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) provides us an opportunity to pray and seek forgiveness and blessings from the Almighty for the entire mankind.
“Let the day be harbinger of peace and development for the state and the country,” Omar said.
Senior party functionaries, legislators, former ministers, former Members of Parliament and office bearers have also felicitated people on the occasion of Eid-ul-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW).
Congress
Senior congress leader and leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad has greeted the people and said that this day reminds us the mercifulness of the great Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAW).
Describing Eid Milad a true message of harmony and peace for the entire world irrespective of religion, caste or colour, state Congress president GA Mir prayed for wellbeing of the people.
“Let this auspicious occasion be the harbinger of complete peace and tranquility in the entire world,” Mir said.
Ministers Abdul Rahman Veeri, Abdul Gani Kohli, Zulfkar Ali, Farooq Ahmad Andrabi, inspector general of police Munir Khan have also greeted the people.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq
Extending greeting to the people on Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema chief and chairman Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was the turning point in human history as it revolutionised human thinking, faith, civilization and culture forever, transformed the lives of the people and altered the geography of the world.
In a statement issued here, Mirwaiz said that the message of the great and revered prophet (SAW), and his exemplary life is the guiding light for all humanity for all times to lead a peaceful and meaningful life and for the betterment of humanity.
In his message to the Muslims of the world in general and those living in Jammu Kashmir in particular, Mirwaiz said, our love and devotion for the last Messenger of Allah (SAW) can best be exhibited when we follow his teachings in letter and spirit and implement them in all spheres of our lives.
“Mirwaiz said the best way of paying tribute to the revered prophet and defeat the designs of imperial and zionist powers against Islam and the Muslims is to introspect into our thoughts and deeds and realise how much we have deviated from the righteous path shown by the Prophet (SAW) and take a pledge that we will rectify it and follow the teachings of holy Quran and sunnah of Prophet (SAW),” the statement said.
Mirwaiz prayed to Almighty Allah to help instill love of great Prophet (SAW) in the hearts of people and help the Muslims across Kashmir to follow the footprints of Prophet (SAW) in true letter and spirit.
DGP
Director general of police SP Vaid greeted the people of the state, especially members of the police family on Milad-un-Nabi (SAW). He hoped that this auspicious occasion would be a harbinger of peace, prosperity and progress and further strengthen social harmony in the state.
“May the message of the Holy Prophet inspire us to work towards universal brotherhood, kindness and the well-being of all,” he said.