Shab-e-Qadr prayers not allowed at Jama Masjid in Srinagar: Mirwaiz

Chief Cleric of Jammu and Kashmir Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Thursday (March 27, 2025) said the administration denied the permission to organise special prayers at Srinagar’s Jama Masjid on the occasion of Shab-e-Qadr, where Muslim devotees hold prayers throughout the night.

Mr. Farooq, in a statement, said the authorities conveyed to the caretakers of Jama Masjid that special prayers will not be allowed. “Conveyed to Auqaf by authorities, that on the highly revered night of Laylat-ul-Qadr when Muslims around the world supplicate and seek Allah’s forgiveness throughout the holy and blessed night, central Jama Masjid, Srinagar, will be closed to the people and no ‘shab’ or prayers will be allowed there,” Mr. Farooq said.

He termed the move of the administration as “extremely regrettable” and “condemnable”. “Insensitivity shown by those in power will deprive tens of thousands of Muslims who for generations visit Jama Masjid on this night, of spiritual solace and worship, causing them and me great grief and dismay,” Mr. Farooq added.

Traditionally, clerics from Mr. Farooq’s clan would deliver sermons and recite soulful ‘naat’ on the occasion. Elderly and women would also attend the nightlong prayers.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti also condemned the move. “Utterly insensitive and blatant disregard on behalf of L-G administration towards the religious sensitivities of Kashmiri Muslims who will find the Jama Masjid locked tonight on the auspicious occasion of Laylat-ul-Qadr – a night of forgiveness. Even after an elected government with a full majority nothing has changed in Kashmir,” Ms. Mufti said.