Despite unrest, people in Kashmir celebrate Urs of Sufi Saint Mir Hamadani

Despite unrest in valley for the past three two months, people observed the annual urs (death anniversary) of a Sufi saint Hazrat Mir syed Ali Hamadani also known as Shah Hamdan at Khanqah Moulla in old Srinagar city to spread the message of love, peace and humanity.

Devotees from all walks of life, including men, women, children thronged the shrine to celebrate his 651th death anniversary by offering Friday congregational prayers along with verses of Holy Quran, followed by Duaiya Majlis.

"Because for past two months the situation in valley is deteriorating and we are facing lot of problems. Despite of these problems, people managed to reach Khanqah and celebrated the annual Urs with religious fervor," said a devotee Syed Shujat Chashoo.

On this occasion Muslims offer Friday prayers at a mosque adjacent to shrine.

Hazrat Mir Syed Ali Hamdani (RA) popularly known as Shah-e-Hamdan and Amir-e-Kabir came here along with seven hundred companions aimed to spread the Islam.

"This is because of grace of God that we are all here and offering prayers. Syed Ali bin Shahab-ud-Din Hamadani Abidi (1314-1384) also known as "Shah Hamdan" (King of Hamadan) 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," said another devotee Molvi Gulam Ahmad.

"He also had a major hand in shaping the culture of the Kashmir valley. Islamic scholars shed light on the life and achievements of Hazrat Mir Syed Ali Hamdani (RA). They expressed hope that the teachings of Shah-e-Hamdan (RA) shall remain alive in all times to come," he added.

The Urs were organized by Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Waqf Board.

Kashmir Valley has been the abode of Sufi saints since centuries.