Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 29: The 652nd Urs of Hazat Mir Syed Ali Hamdani was today observed at Khanqah-e-Moula in old city with religious fervour and zeal by thousands of Muslims.
The annual Urs of Shah-e-Hamdan, who is founder of Islam in Kashmir, is observed every year on 6th Zil-Hijjah of Islamic calendar. Thousands of devotes including men, women, children and old thronged the shrine to participate in the congregational prayers. The devotees also recited Quranic verses followed by ‘Duaiya Majlis’. Night long prayers also observed at the shrine in connection with the Urs.
On the occasion, scholars threw light on the life and achievements of Shah-e-Hamdan and his contribution in making Kashmiris self sufficient. The Urs of Shah Hamdhan (RA) was also observed with religious fervor at Khankah Faizpanah Tral, Jinab Sahab Soura, Aasar Sharif Kalashpora, Kabamarg and Khiram Sirhama in Anantnag, Dooru Seer Hamdan, Aham Sharif Bandipora, Budgam, Kupwara and Bandipora.
Syed Ali bin Shahab-ud-Din Hamadani Abidi (1314-1384) also known as “Shah Hamdan” (King of Hamadhan) and as “Amir-i-Kabir” (the Great Commander) was a Persian Sufi and a prominent Muslim scholar. He was very influential in spreading Islam in Kashmir and has had a major hand in shaping the culture of the Kashmir valley. He also introduced the skills of famed handicraft amongst the people for which Kashmir is famous all over the world.
The devotees during the Urs prayed for long-lasting peace in Kashmir and sought peace, blessings and mercy from Almighty.
Meanwhile, the district administration and the Muslim Waqaf Board had made arrangements for the devotees’ convenience.