Rabi-ul-Awwal Begins in Jammu and Kashmir on August 15 After Crescent Not Sighted
The crescent moon of Rabi-ul-Awwal was not sighted on Thursday, August 13, corresponding to 29 Safar 1448 AH. As a result, the first day of Rabi-ul-Awwal will be observed on Saturday, August 15, Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam said. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
In a statement, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam said Rabi-ul-Awwal is the month in which Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the Imam-ul-Anbiya, was born. He extended his greetings to Muslims, particularly the people of Jammu and Kashmir, on the arrival of the blessed month.
Rabi-ul-Awwal Holds Special Significance in Kashmir
Rabi-ul-Awwal has special religious importance for Muslims across the world. In Kashmir, the month is observed with religious devotion, with special gatherings, sermons and congregational prayers organised at mosques, shrines and religious centres.
Several roads and markets also take on a festive appearance as people put up banners and displays expressing their love and reverence for Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
“Rabi-ul-Awwal is a very righteous and blessed month for Muslims. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was born in this month and came as a blessing for the entire world. People here look forward to observing the month with devotion and love,” said Farooq Bhat, a resident of Hazratbal.
Large Gatherings Expected at Hazratbal
The largest gatherings during Rabi-ul-Awwal are expected at Dargah Hazratbal, where devotees from different parts of Kashmir visit the shrine, particularly during the first 12 days of the month.
Congregational prayers and religious programmes are held during this period, while the surrounding roads and markets experience increased activity due to the large number of visitors.
“We especially look forward to the first 12 days of Rabi-ul-Awwal. A large number of people visit Hazratbal during this period, and there is a different kind of hustle and bustle in the area. For vendors, too, these days are important as the footfall increases considerably,” said a vendor near the Hazratbal shrine.
Arrangements Being Made for Devotees
Meanwhile, officials said special arrangements were being put in place at Hazratbal and other major mosques and shrines expected to witness large gatherings during the month.
Officials from the police, transport, health, Public Health Engineering (PHE) and Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), among other departments, are expected to remain alert to ensure the smooth movement of devotees and provide essential civic and emergency services.
An official said departments were coordinating arrangements at locations where large gatherings are expected.
“The focus will be on traffic management, sanitation, drinking water, healthcare and maintaining law and order so that devotees can observe the month without inconvenience,” the official said.
With Rabi-ul-Awwal beginning on August 15, religious activities are expected to increase across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly at major mosques, shrines and religious centres in the Kashmir Valley.
