SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq is scheduled to deliver a sermon at the historic Naqshband Sahib shrine in Srinagar on Monday, marking the observance of Khawaja Digar. The annual event, held at the revered shrine of Hazrat Khawaja Naqshband Sahib (RA) in Khawaja Bazar, Nowhatta, will see the Mirwaiz lead prayers and deliver a sermon in accordance with centuries-old traditions associated with the Mirwaizeen of Kashmir.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the sermon is slated for 3rd Rabi’ al-Awwal, which corresponds to August 17. The proceedings are expected to commence at 4 pm, followed by congregational Asr prayers at 5:30 pm at the Astaan-e-Aaliya. The Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar, responsible for managing the shrine, has extended an invitation to devotees, urging them to participate in large numbers for the spiritual gathering.
The tradition of Khawaja Digar, also known as the congregational gathering of Hazrat Khawaja Naqshband Sahib, is a significant religious observance in Kashmir. It commemorates the anniversary of the saint’s passing and is marked by special prayers and sermons delivered by the chief cleric. The Mirwaiz of Kashmir holds a historical and spiritual role, traditionally delivering sermons and leading prayers in important religious sites across the valley. This year’s observance continues that lineage, with Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq taking the pulpit at one of Srinagar’s most sacred shrines.
The Naqshband Sahib shrine is a major pilgrimage site, drawing devotees from across the Kashmir Valley and beyond. Its historical significance is deeply intertwined with the Sufi traditions that have flourished in the region. The shrine’s location in the heart of Srinagar’s old city, Nowhatta, adds to its cultural and religious prominence. The Anjuman Auqaf plays a crucial role in maintaining the shrine’s sanctity and organizing its religious activities, ensuring that traditions are upheld for future generations.
The call for widespread participation highlights the community’s engagement with its religious heritage. Such gatherings are not only moments of spiritual reflection but also serve as important social events that reinforce community bonds. The Mirwaiz’s sermon is anticipated to cover themes relevant to Islamic teachings and contemporary spiritual guidance, drawing from the rich repository of Sufi wisdom. The event is expected to proceed peacefully, adhering to the protocols and traditions that have governed such observances for centuries, reinforcing the spiritual fabric of Kashmir.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
