Srinagar, March 13, KNT: Large numbers of devotees gathered at shrines and mosques across Kashmir on Friday to offer special congregational prayers on the occasion of Jumat-ul-Wida, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan.
Major religious sites across the Valley witnessed significant gatherings as worshippers assembled to participate in the prayers, seeking blessings and offering supplications during the final days of the fasting month.
Jumat-ul-Wida holds deep spiritual significance for Muslims and traditionally draws large congregations at mosques and shrines, as believers intensify prayers and acts of devotion ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Thousands of devotees were seen offering prayers at the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar, one of the most revered religious sites in Kashmir. The shrine, located on the banks of Dal Lake, witnessed a steady stream of worshippers since morning.
Similar scenes were reported from Jinab Sahib in Soura, Srinagar, where devotees gathered in large numbers to participate in the special Friday prayers.
In south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, the Ziyarat Sharief of Hazrat Mir Syed Hussain Simnani (RA) also witnessed large congregations as worshippers assembled to mark the occasion with prayers and supplications.
The historic Ziyarat Kailashpora shrine in Srinagar’s Kailashpora locality also saw devotees gathering to observe the last Friday prayers of Ramadan.
Congregations were also reported from Kabamarg in Anantnag district where residents and devotees assembled to offer the special prayers.
In Shopian district, a large number of worshippers gathered at Jamia Masjid Shopian to participate in the congregational prayers.
Officials said adequate arrangements were made at several places to facilitate the smooth conduct of prayers and manage the movement of devotees.
“Large congregations were witnessed at several shrines and mosques across Kashmir as people offered Jumat-ul-Wida prayers,” officials said.
Many worshippers said the day holds special importance as it comes during the concluding days of Ramadan.
“We prayed for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people,” said a devotee who participated in the prayers in Srinagar.
Religious scholars say Jumat-ul-Wida is one of the most spiritually significant congregational prayers of Ramadan, observed during the final phase of the holy month when believers increase their prayers and charitable acts.
Large gatherings at shrines and mosques across Kashmir during Ramadan, particularly on the last Friday, have long been a tradition reflecting the strong religious observance associated with the occasion. [KNT]
