Every time I used to pay obeisance to the holy place. We lost one of our ancient heritage architecture to this stormy fire, which after minutes, became so uncontrollable and fierce to contain. This fire can only devastate the ancient edifice but not the inner faith/ belief, which we all have in such holy places. The 200 year old historical shrine was built in a deep veneration, for the 11th century saint, Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA) in Kashmir; it cuts across all the religious barriers. Its graceful white and green exterior used to hide a glorious papier-mâché interior - Arabic script and floral motifs, supported by papier-mâché palms. I’m going to miss that beautiful shrine, that satisfaction, tranquillity, place where atonement transpired. I think whenever people were sad or in need of any help, this place solaced them and provided them with the unimaginative happening (miracle). The devotees witnessed the placidness while visiting the spiritual place and that composure will undeniably be missed; the touch of ancient heritage is in itself a soothing consolation to our mind. We can now re-make it with gold or whatever but what we lost is irreparable. Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA) is considered to be the head/ King of all saints, their embracers are ubiquitously spread all around the world, and the love which people have with them and their valuables can never be undermined.
May the mercy of Almighty Allah be showered down on us all!
-Yasir Reshi
