Kashmir's Grand Mosque Shut on Jumat-ul-Vida Again, Mirwaiz Placed Under House Arrest

For the seventh consecutive year, the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar was closed to Muslims seeking to offer Jumat-ul-Vida prayers, the final Friday prayers during the holy month of Ramadan. Hurriyat Conference chairman and cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq strongly condemned the move, comparing it to the closure of Masjid al-Aqsa by Israeli authorities during Ramadan, and expressed deep anguish over the repeated restrictions.

Authorities had locked all entrances to the mosque, effectively preventing tens of thousands of worshippers from gathering at the Valley’s central congregational mosque. Mirwaiz, who traditionally delivers weekly Friday sermons at Jamia Masjid, was placed under house arrest at his residence in Nageen, further limiting his ability to address the faithful. The Waqf management, responsible for the mosque’s internal affairs, criticised the government for denying devotees their fundamental right to pray in the historic mosque.

Highlighting the emotional impact of the restrictions, Mirwaiz said that the gates of the mosque were locked at a time when people from towns and villages converge for prayers and supplication. “For the seventh consecutive year, the government has denied Muslims the right to offer prayers at Jamia Masjid on this auspicious day,” he said. “Just as Israel has forcibly shut the gates of Masjid al-Aqsa during Ramadan, a similar painful reality is being witnessed here. Our hearts bleed.”

Also Read: Air Canada Suspends Toronto–Dubai Operations Till May, Adds Capacity To Delhi For Travellers

The recurring closure has also sparked concern among local religious leaders and worshippers, who view it as an infringement on religious freedom. Awqaf authorities expressed disappointment that despite repeated appeals, restrictions on access to the mosque during major religious occasions have continued unabated. They warned that such measures could further alienate the faithful and intensify resentment in the community.

Attention now turns to Shab-e-Qadr, the night-long prayers observed during the intervening night of 26/27 Ramadan. Last year, authorities did not permit prayers in the grand mosque, and it remains uncertain whether worshippers will be allowed to gather this year. The situation has left many devotees anxious, as Jamia Masjid holds profound spiritual significance, not only as a place of worship but also as a central hub for community gatherings and religious observances.

Also Read: Union Home Minister Amit Shah Targets Punjab AAP Government Ahead Of Moga Rally