Officials on Thursday held massive deliberations to decide whether the night-long prayers on the eve of auspicious occasion of Shab-e-Meraj (Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) journey towards skies), should be held or postponed.

An official at the Hazratbal shrine who is part of the administration said first round of hectic deliberations are held today in which shrine management body, people displaying the holy relic, people who recite Khatmat-ul-Mauzamats and police officials participated.
“There was a threadbare discussion that in the wake of Covid pandemic, Shab-e-Meraj should be observed along with the nigh-long prayers on March 11. Majority of the participants were of the belief that night-long prayers doesn’t suit given the prevailing pandemic which is still targeting people. However, all participants agreed that the holy relic should be displayed for all five times for the devotees,” the official said.
He said that since it was the first round of deliberations, final meeting and final call is still pending.
“In the days ahead, perhaps in a day or two, final meeting will take place where officials from the district administration, waqf board and shrine management will sit and decide whether night-long prayers should be held,” the official said.