No night-long prayers were held on in any masjid or shrine on Shab-e-Baraat in view of the coronavirus pandemic and health advisories urging people to stay inddoors. J&K Grand Mufti Nisar-ul-Islam had urged people not to observe congregation prayers on Shab-e-Baraat. The holy night is observed by Muslims during intervening night of 14 and 15 Sha’ban – the 8th month of Islamic calendar. Every year, the biggest congregational is traditionally held at revered Hazratbal shrine here where thousands of devotees assemble. However, no such congregation was held this year. Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Wakf Board had also announced suspending celebrations and congregational prayers on Shab-e-Baraat in view of threat of the coronavirus. Secretary Wakf Board, Showkat Beigh said no celebrations or night-long prayers were held at shrines and masjids affiliated with the Board. The Board has already suspended regular prayers in shrines and mosques affiliated to it. “It is our collective responsibility to control the virus by following preventive measures and health advisories issued by authorities from time to time,” Beigh said while thanking people for adhering to the Board directions. People offered prayers at their homes to seek mercy and forgiveness from Almighty. The Grand also asked the people to avoid religious gatherings and other ceremonies including weddings and condolence meetings. People said Shab-e-Baraat is always the opportune time to seek forgiveness from Almighty Allah. But this time around they offered prayers at home. At many places, local imams individually made special dua (supplications) after Magrib prayers for an end to the pandemic, in local masjids, using public announcement system. Earlier, most of the Islamic scholars had announced suspension of all congregational prayers in masjids and shrines and urged people to offer prayers at home in view of COVID19 threat. The decision was largely followed by people.
