Congregational prayers, rallies held in Kashmir on Ramzan’s last Friday; Jamia Masjid closed

Amid tight security measures, special congregational prayers and rallies were held in Kashmir to mark the last Friday (March 13, 2026) of the Islamic holy month of Ramzan. However, authorities banned prayers at the Jamia Masjid in Srinagar.

The largest congregation gathered at the Hazratbal shrine, where worshipers from different parts of the Valley attended the noon prayers. National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah, who survived an assassination attempt unscathed recently, also joined the worshipers at the Hazratbal shrine and offered prayers with the congregation.

Mr. Abdullah said, “May God end the war and defeat the forces trying to destroy Islam. We pray for peace, stability and comfort for people facing difficulties.”

Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid, the guardian body of the historic mosque, condemned the authorities’ move to close the mosque on the occasion of Cumatul Vida, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramzan.

“The doors of the historical mosque were locked from all sides and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was put under house arrest. He was prevented from giving sermon and leading prayers on this holy day,” Auqaf spokesman said.

The Mirwaiz said that for the seventh consecutive year, administrators were denying Muslims the right to pray at the Jama Masjid on this auspicious day. Mirwaiz said, “Just like Israel forcibly closing the gates of the Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan, a similar painful reality is happening here. It is extremely shameful that the houses of Allah are locked against believers.”

Meanwhile, Shia Muslims held street rallies on the theme ‘Youm-e-Quds’ in solidarity with Palestinians, especially in Budgam, Pulwama, Bandipora and Baramulla districts. The largest pro-Iran and pro-Palestinian rally was held at Markazi Imambara Budgam. On this occasion, Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian-J&K accused the US and Israel of “aggressive and colonialist policies”. Participants also declared their allegiance to Iran’s newly appointed religious leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei.

Agha Seyyed Hasan Al Mousavi Al Safavi, Shiite cleric and chairman of Anjuman-i Sharia Shiyan, said, “Jumu’ah al-Wida is not only a religious event, but also a day that symbolizes the unity of the Muslim Ummah, collective awakening and renewal of determination to support the oppressed. Today, the Islamic Republic of Iran stands with extraordinary courage, endurance and unshakable determination against the joint aggression of the United States and Israel.”

Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba said Khamenei’s election as Iran’s third religious leader “reflects the continuity of the Islamic revolution.” “With God’s permission, Iran will emerge victorious in the struggle between truth and falsehood, and the evil intentions of the arrogant powers will eventually come to nothing,” he said.