Srinagar, Feb 20 (KNO): The air at Jamia Masjid Srinagar was fresh, charged with devotion and reverence, as thousands of worshippers poured into the centuries-old mosque on the first Friday of Ramadan, transforming its courtyard into a sea of faith.
Amid soft whispers of prayer, the glow of mobile screens flickered as many followed Quranic recitations digitally, blending tradition with modernity.
Kashmir’s chief religious cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, led the prayers, his voice rising and falling with intensity, calling for reflection, compassion and unity during these sacred days.
“Ramadan is not just a ritual, but it is the purification of the soul, a call to kindness, and a time to reconnect with Allah. Let every prayer, whether read from paper or screen, awaken the heart,” Mirwaiz, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said.
Among the crowd, emotions ran high. Tears rolled down from cheeks, hands pressed in prayer and a whisper of hope blended with the solemn rhythm of the azaan.
“I felt a wave of peace wash over me as I recited the Quran from my phone, yet felt surrounded by the collective heartbeat of thousands of believers,” said Arsalan Rather, a young worshipper.
Families, elders and children moved through the mosque’s expansive courtyard, some holding rosaries, others quietly absorbed in prayer.
“Being here at Jamia Masjid today, surrounded by so many people praying, I felt a deep sense of peace and connection to Allah,” said Sahil, another devotee.
Security personnel and volunteers worked tirelessly to maintain order, but the overwhelming sense of devotion was palpable.
For many, this first Friday was not just the start of Ramadan, but a reminder that spirituality, in all its forms, can flourish even in a modern world—(KNO)
