Author: ValleyObserver

In this holy month of Ramazan, Zikr-o-Azkar and Quran Khawani picks up for a soulful delight

Nasir Yousufi

SRINAGAR: While the holy month of Ramazan is being observed with utmost fervor throughout the globe, the faithful in the valley can be seen engaged in a variety of acts aimed at attaining spiritual merriment. In addition to rituals like Sehri and Iftaar, the believers participate in soulful functions of Quranic recitations.

In this holy month of Ramazan, Zikr-o-Azkar and Quran Khawani picks up for a soulful delight.

On an overcast afternoon, 9-year-old Zainab from central Kashmir’s Akhoon Mohlla in  Dal Lake leaves the house in a jiffy. Holding a large sized  Quran wrapped in a piece of cloth or Ghliaf close to her chest, the girl straightaway walks into Darsgah to join the scores of people engaged in a community  recitation of  the Holy book.

Every afternoon in Akhoon Mohalla locality in Dal, the atmosphere reverberates with the soul soothing recitations from the historic Imambara. Held under the banner of local Makhtab, the community recitation of the holy book is headed by local Qari.

The program is attended by hundreds of believers throughout the month.

Scenes portraying children and young seated in rows reciting Quran amidst Islamic banners and hoardings are a treat for souls.

At Zadibal Imambara, the month long community recitation of holy book held under the banner of Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association witnesses the participation of hundreds of people both men and women from all walks of life. In evening, the central Imambara wears a  festive look with devotees thronging the religious space in droves.  

Similar programme is held regularly at Nabdipora area where eminent Qari’s of the valley recite the holy book. The afternoon gathering of reciters is headed by eminent religious scholar of the valley, Moulana Ghulam Rasool Noori.

The Quran says that it was during Ramazan that its revelation took place: “The month of Ramazan is that in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.” 2:185. Quoting the verse, Moulana says being the month of the holy book, Ramazan comes with a package of  the creators benevolence.

“Every good deed multiplies seventy two times during these sacred days, has been said in multiple Hadiths. As such, recitation of the holy Book and other Darood-o-Azkaar gains significance,” says Moulana Noori, while laying stress on the importance of the recitation, comprehension and teachings of Quran.

 Another importance of  the event is that it imparts an essential elementary level acquaintance  with the Arabic grammar, phonetics and the tarteel of the holy Quran among the audience and students in particular, Moulana adds while deliberating upon the objectives of Bahaar-e-Quran.

Teaching someone is considered as an “ongoing charity” — such a person gets rewarded continuously even after his death. Teachers and learned scholars are held in high regard in Islamic societies, adds Moulana.

In a similar programme  held at central Imambara Budgam, Qari Mohammad Hussain along with Qari Muzamil mesmerise the listeners and participants with soulful voice while leading the recitation of holy verses. Organized by  Anjuman-e-Sharie Shiyan, hundreds of people participate in the month long programme.

“I love to participate in the programme, as I learn both art of recitation ’Qirat’ and Arabic here,” says Hashim Abbas, a standard 7th student from the vicinity.

Only at a distance of few kilometers from  the main town Budgam, another large  Quran recitation congregation takes place at Shahrul Fazalullah , Imambara Yousufabad, Bemina. Considered as the most spacious Imambara in the valley, the religious space wears a festive look right after the mid day prayers. Young, adults and children, all gather to witness the soul enthralling Quranic Mehfil headed by Aga Syed Muhammad Hadi Al-Musavi Al-Safvi, President Anjuman-e-Sharie.

“I am a regular participant in the programme for last 14 days, since the onset of the holy month,” says Haji Ali Mohammad Wani, a sexagenarian resident from the vicinity. “Though unfortunately I am not able to read the holy book myself, listening to the soul soothing voices of these Qari’s are a means of greater solace,” adds Wani.

For a young college going Qurat from the Bemina vicinity, these programmes are very useful to all, and in particular to student community. “I spare my two hours regularly for the purpose all these days, as it is very helpful to learn the Tajweed, Grammar of Quran,” Zehra opines.

Similar spiritual and soul soothing programmes are also being held at Jamia Masjid Chattergam,  Masjid Syed Muhammad Mosvi (RA) Khanqah-e-Sokhta Nawa Kadal, Imambara Hassanabad, Jamia Masjid Shalimar, Markaz-e-Jamia Pattan , Jamia Masjid Magam and other mosques and community centres throughout the length and breadth of the valley.

According  to Mohammad Hussain, a post graduate  teacher in Urdu literature from Zoorigund village in Central Kashmir’s Budgam, Quran is a book that encompasses the complete system of life.

Observers say there are many verses in the Quran that can be used as foundations for different branches of knowledge such as astronomy, economics, politics, law, ethics, philosophy, biology, environmental science, geography, zoology, sociology, history and medicine. This is in addition to the guidelines and commands on spirituality and worship. Any branch of knowledge, as long as it benefits mankind, is considered holy.

The Quran asks man to ponder and research the wonders of nature.

“Do they not observe the camels: How they were created? And the sky: How it was raised high? And the mountains: How they were fixed? And the earth: How it spread out?” 88: 17 to 20.

Mohammad Hussain says that the holy book is a complete guide for successful life of a man here and in the hereafter. “Programmes like Mehfil-e-Quran during Ramazan are heartening step to revisit the Islamic Philosophy and moral education. Such programmes should be promoted and encouraged for the larger benefit of the mankind.”

SRINAGAR, APRIL 15: The Deputy Commissioner Srinagar,  Mohammad Aijaz Asad today paid a visit to Gurudwara Chatti Padshahi in Rainawari area of the District to extended warm greetings to the Sikh fraternity on the occasion of Baisakhi marking of the new solar year and the harvest season. On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by senior functionaries of Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee.

While extending warm greetings on the occasion, the DC expressed hope that this day would contribute towards strengthening brotherhood, unity, harmony and would be a harbinger of peace, progress and prosperity in J&K in general and in District Srinagar in particular. The Gurudwara authorities expressed satisfaction over the arrangements and conveyed their gratitude to the Deputy Commissioner in this regard.

Deputy Commissioner marked his presence during Gurbani session inside the Gurudwara. He also addressed the gathering of devotees and highlighted how Vaisakhi as a major Sikh festival marks the birth of the Khalsa order by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of Sikhism, on 13 April 1699. He also mentioned that Panj Pyares exemplify Unity in  Diversity as they hailed from different parts of our country and represented a multicultural ethos embedded in the social fabric of our society.

During the visit, the DC also inspected various compartments of the Gurudwara including Langer and took stock of the facilities being extended to the devotees.

RAHI SHAMSHAD

SRINAGAR:  Glowing tributes were paid to Hazrat Imam Ali (AS) across Kashmir to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Imam Ali (AS), who was martyred on the 21st of Ramadan-ul- Mubarak in the Islamic calendar.

Several processions and Majalis were organised across Kashmir on Wednesday as part of the Youm-e-Ali on the martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Ali (AS).

The functions were organized by Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association, Jammu and Kashmir Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen, Anjuman-e-Shar-e-Shian, and other religious organizations.

A day-long Majlis was organised by the J&K Shia Association at Imam Bargah Zadiabal. Thousand of devotees thronged the historic Imam Bargah, where they recited the Holy Quran. It was followed by Marsiya by the prominent Zakirs of the Association.

President of Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association, Molvi Imran Raza Ansari presided over the Majlis.

On the occasion, Molvi Imran Raza Ansari in his sermon at Historic Imambargah Zadibal said that Imam Ali (AS) was struck on the head with a poison-coated sword during the morning prayers in the Great Masjid of Kufa on the 19th Ramadan in 40 AH (the 27th of January AD 661) and got his martyrdom two days later. The night preceding Imam Ali’s (AS) martyrdom is considered to be one of the threefold Qadr (Destiny) Nights when the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) more than 14 centuries ago.

Molvi Imran Ansari  also threw light on the life and teachings of Hazrat Ali (AS) and his contribution to Islam.
Later, a procession was taken out from Imam Bargah Zadibal, led by Molvi Imran Raza Ansari, and EX-MLA Zadibal, and General Secretary AJKSA Abid Hussain Ansari, which passed through Gasiyar Chowk and culminated at the shrine of Grand Mulla Fazal Ali Ansari (RA) Gulshan Zehra, Baba Mazar here.

A day-long Majlis was also organized by Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen at Imam Bargah Mirgund. Prominent Zakirs including Aga Syed Hassan, Muhammad Shafi, Khawaja Maqsool Ali, Haji Ghulam Hassan, Syed Hassan Mosvi of Garend and others recited Marsiya on the occasion.

Addressing the devotees, Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen chief patron, Moulana Masroor Abass Ansari highlighted the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali (AS).

He also threw light on the life and teachings of Hazrat Ali (AS) and his contribution to Islam.

The Anjuman-e-Shar-e-Shian held a daylong Majlis at Imam Bargah Budgam and Imam Bargah Rainawari Hassan Abad, which started with the recitation of Holy Quran. Thousands of devotees attended the Majlis and paid glowing tributes to Hazrat Ali (AS).

 On the occasion, Anjuman chief patron, Aga Syed Hassan Mustaffa Alsafvi Almosvi shed light on the life of Hazrat Ali (AS). Later a procession was taken out.