Srinagar Thousands of devotees from all over Kashmir converged at the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar besides other shrines and mosques for special prayers on the occasion of Mi’raj on Wednesday night and on Thursday.
From Wednesday evening, devotees started converging on Hazratbal shrine to be part of the night-long prayers to mark the occasion. Similar congregations were also held at the shrine of Jenab Sahib Soura, and other shrines and Khanqahs across the Valley.
At Hazratbal, the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was also displayed for public sighting after every ‘Namaz’ (prayers). As per reports, similar gatherings were held in the Jammu region as well.
Pertinently, ‘Israa’ is an Arabic word referring to Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) miraculous night journey from Makkah to Jerusalem – specifically, to the site of al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem – as referred to in Surah Al-Israa in the Quran.
It is believed to have been followed by the Mi’raj – Prophet’s (SAW) ascension to heaven. According to some of the Hadith scholars this journey is believed to have taken place just over a year before Prophet Muhammad (SAW) migrated from Makkah to Madina, on the 27th of Rajab.
Mi’raj is when the Prophet (SAW) was first given the five prescribed daily prayers. He also led the other Prophets in prayer and met some of them. Many extraordinary sights were witnessed by the Prophet (SAW) on this journey.
Muslims celebrate this night by offering optional prayers during this night, and in many places by illuminating homes and other places with electric lights and candles.
