J&K celebrates Eid-ul-Azha with prayers for global peace

Jammu Tawi, May 27 : Amid tight security arrangements, Eid-ul-Azha was celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, with large congregations of Muslims offering prayers at mosques and eidgahs.

Eid-ul-Azha, which commemorates the devotion and sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, was observed with religious spirit across the Union Territory.

The largest congregation was witnessed at the Eidgah on Residency Road in Jammu, followed by significant gatherings at Mecca Masjid Bathindi and Jamia Masjid Talab Khatikan. Devotees in large numbers participated in special prayers held early in the morning.

Following the Eid prayers, worshippers performed the traditional ritual sacrifice of animals, including sheep, goats, and cattle, symbolising faith, devotion, and submission to the will of God.

Religious leaders extended Eid greetings to the people and prayed for peace, well-being, and prosperity across Jammu and Kashmir and the world.

Security forces maintained strict vigilance across sensitive locations to ensure peaceful celebrations.

Sunni Islamic scholar and Shahi Imam of Jamia Masjid Khadike Talab, Mufti Inayatullah Qasmi, extended Eid greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, praying for peace, prosperity, and well-being across the region and the world.

In his message, Qasmi said Eid was being celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir with devotion and unity.

“We extend Eid Mubarak greetings to everyone. At this time, Eid celebrations are taking place across Jammu and Kashmir. Prayers are being offered everywhere, and we pray that Allah bless all of us with happiness, relief, peace, good health, and well-being,” he told reporters here.

Eid-ul-Azha, commemorating Prophet Abraham’s devotion and sacrifice, was celebrated across Kashmir on Wednesday with devotees gathering in large numbers at eidgahs, mosques, and shrines in large numbers to offer prayers, officials said here.

The largest congregation was at the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar, where more than 60,000 people offered Eid prayers, they said. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti were among those who offered the prayers at Hazratbal.

Smaller gatherings were reported from mosques and shrines across the valley, except the historic Jamia Masjid in the old city.

Authorities did not permit the Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid to hold prayers either at the Eidgah grounds or the historic grand mosque in Nowhatta.

Thousands of sheep, goats, and other animals were sacrificed across the valley in keeping with the tradition associated with Eid-ul-Azha, they said.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha greeted the Muslim community on the occasion.

In a message on X, the Lt Governor said, “Heartiest greetings to the people on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. The sacred occasion serves as a reminder for humanity to embrace the eternal values of love, compassion, and forgiveness. May this Eid usher in joy, peace, and prosperity in everyone’s life. Eid Mubarak!”

Omar Abdullah also conveyed Eid greetings, saying the festival symbolises sacrifice, compassion, and faith, and prayed for peace, prosperity, happiness, and well-being for all.

“The chief minister expressed hope that Eid-ul-Adha would strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, harmony, and mutual respect among the people,” a post on his X account said.

A police officer said Eid prayers passed off peacefully, and there was no report of any untoward incident.

Leaders of various political parties in Jammu and Kashmir also extended Eid greetings to the people.

Eid prayers disallowed at Jama Masjid

Srinagar, May 27 : Authorities on Wednesday refused to allow Eid prayers at the Eidgah and the historic Jama Masjid in the old city here for the eighth consecutive year, besides placing Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest.

“For the eighth consecutive year, Muslims of Kashmir have been denied the right to offer Eid prayers at the historic Eidgah/Jama Masjid, and I have been placed under house arrest,” the Mirwaiz took to X.

He said Muslims of Kashmir are greeted by barricades and restrictions on Eid.

“On the revered and celebratory occasion of Eid, Muslims of Kashmir are greeted with barricades, restrictions, locked gates and intimidation,” he said.

“This is not governance; it is a systematic assault on our religious identity, dignity and fundamental rights which deeply hurts us,” he added.

The Mirwaiz said it is very unfortunate that children in Kashmir are growing up without witnessing the spiritually uplifting Eid prayers at the Eidgah.

“An entire generation is being deprived of knowing their traditions and making memories that have shaped our collective life for centuries,” he said.

He added that “faith cannot be imprisoned or suppressed through force”.

“But let those in power know that no power on earth can erase the deep spiritual bond people of Kashmir share with Eidgah, Jama Masjid and their religious institutions,” He asserted.