Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar, Kashmir
Known as the holiest shrine in Kashmir, Hazratbal is where a hair strand Prophet Mohammed is preserved. The hair is also called ‘the relic’ or the Moi-e-Muqaddas. The word Hazrat means holy/respected and Bal stands for place, thus the words when put together mean a ‘holy place’ or a ‘respected place’. Tourists in general find Hazratbal Shrine as an important site to see in Srinagar, whereas Muslim devotees from across the country make sure to visit this blessed shrine once in their lifetime.
The holy hair of the Prophet is displayed to public on certain occasions like e the birthday of Prophet Muhammad and his four main companions, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique, Hazrat Umar ibn Khattab, Hazrat Usman ibn Affan and Hazrat Ali. Such occasions are attended by many devotees and tourists from all around the country.
History Hazratbal Shrine
The relic of Hazratbal shrine was brought to India by Syed Abdullah, who was believed to be the descendant of Mohammad. After his death, his son Syed Hamid inherited the relic, however, he was unable to take care of it and sold it to a wealthy Kashmiri businessman, Khwaja Nur-ud-din Eshai during the reign of Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb.
When Aurangzeb heard about the relic, he not only ordered to seize it but also imprison Khwaja Nur-ud-din Eshai. In 1700, the relic was again sent to Kashmir with the deceased body of Khwaja Nur-ud-din Eshai who died in imprisonment. His daughter, Inayat Begum became the official custodian of the relic and she established the shrine which is now taken by the male descedants, the Banday Family.