Srinagar, May 25 (KNO): Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid on Monday announced that Eid-ul-Azha prayers will be offered at the historic Eidgah Srinagar at 9:30 am on Wednesday, May 27.
The announcement was made after a meeting of the Auqaf managing body chaired by Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Umar Farooq at the Jama Masjid Srinagar head office to review Eid arrangements.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said a meeting of the managing body of Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid was held at the head office of Jama Masjid Srinagar under the chairmanship of its president, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, to review and finalise arrangements for Eid-ul-Azha, which falls on Wednesday, May 27.
He said the meeting discussed arrangements for the smooth conduct of Eid prayers and related religious gatherings. It was decided that, InshaAllah, Eid prayers according to the prescribed Sunnah shall be offered at the historic Eidgah Srinagar at 9:30 am.
“Prior to the prayers, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir will deliver a special sermon from 8:30 am on the philosophy and significance of Eid-ul-Azha and Qurbani, highlighting the spirit of sacrifice, obedience, compassion and devotion embodied in this sacred occasion.”
The spokesperson said that during the meeting, Mirwaiz instructed the Auqaf authorities to coordinate with the Waqf Board regarding necessary arrangements at Eidgah Srinagar and remain in touch with the civil administration to ensure smooth and hassle-free conduct of the congregational prayers.
He said Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir also visited Eidgah Srinagar and personally reviewed the arrangements and condition of the ground. He observed that, in case of favourable weather, the Eid prayers can be conducted smoothly at the Eidgah.
“The Auqaf expressed hope that the authorities will not create any hurdles in the offering of Eid prayers at Eidgah Srinagar. It said the Eidgah ground is presently in good condition and the work on the new mimbar has also been completed, leaving no justification for any restrictions or obstacles in holding the prayers there,” the spokesperson said.
He added that the Auqaf further stated that in case of inclement weather, Eid prayers shall be offered at the historic Jamia Masjid Srinagar. However, it said the administration has repeatedly followed a practice of keeping people waiting till the last moment and then disallowing Eid prayers either at Eidgah or at Jamia Masjid, which deeply hurts the religious sentiments of the people and amounts to blatant interference in their religious rights and freedoms.
“The Auqaf expressed hope that the administration will not follow such a course this Eid and will allow the faithful to offer Eid prayers at Eidgah without any confusion or last-minute uncertainty.”—(KNO)