As Eid-ul-Fitr, the joyous occasion marking the end of Ramadan, fills the air with celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir, a sense of solemnity envelops the heart of Srinagar. For the fifth consecutive year, the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar remains eerily quiet, devoid of the customary mass prayer that marks this auspicious day.
The absence of Eid prayers at Jamia Masjid this year, coupled with the denial of Shab-e-Qadar and Jummat-ul-Vida prayers, highlights an ongoing discord between the mosque’s committee and the administration. The Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid in Srinagar, responsible for managing the mosque, asserts that administrative directives have hindered their efforts to conduct prayers at the scheduled time.
“Once again, the administration has prevented us from holding prayers at the scheduled time of 9:30 am,” lamented a member of the mosque’s management committee. “Despite our appeals and petitions, they declined to permit prayers at the agreed-upon time, resulting in the postponement of the historic mosque’s prayers. Police personnel closed the gates of the mosque after the morning prayers, and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq remains under house arrest.”
Earlier announcements by the Anjuman had promised Eid prayers at 9:30 am, with the esteemed Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, scheduled to deliver the sermon at 8:30 am. However, administrative obstacles persisted, leaving the mosque silent on this significant occasion.
Although Jamia Masjid did not witness congregational prayers, other local mosques and masjids across Jammu and Kashmir celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr without hindrance. Amidst sermons, teachings, and fervent prayers, believers fervently prayed for the peace, security, and prosperity of the Kashmir Valley.
The largest Eid prayer gathering in the Kashmir Valley convened at Dargah Hazratbal Srinagar. Eid-ul-Fitr, a momentous Islamic festival observed worldwide, traditionally unites Muslims for special prayers, exchanges of gifts, and festive feasts. It serves as a time for forgiveness, charity, and strengthening community bonds.
