Muslims across India offer prayers on last Friday of Ramadan

Lucknow/Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh), Sep 3 (ANI): Muslims across India gathered in huge numbers at various mosques to offer the 'Alvida Namaz' on the occasion of the last 'Jumma' of the fasting month of Ramadan on Friday.

In a unique display of amity, thousands of devotees congregated at Lucknow's historic Imambara mosque.

Swept by a wave of divine exuberance, the believers prayed with utmost devotion for faithful bliss.

Syed Kalbe Jawad, the Imam (head priest) of the mosque, led the rituals of Namaz (Islamic prayers).

"The last Jumma of Ramadan is kind of a free of cost Haj (Islamic pilgrimage) ritual. If you participate in these prayers, it is like travelling to Mecca for the Haj pilgrimage," said Imam Syed Kalbe Jawad of Imambara.

Similar congregational prayers were held in Uttar Pradesh's Allahabad city.

Scores of Muslims dressed in their traditional attire gathered on the streets to perform their Namaaz.

They prayed for eternal blessings from the Almighty.

"Today is the last Jumma (Friday) of the month of Ramadan. Hundreds of believers have gathered here to offer their prayers on this holy occasion. All of us prays for peace, harmony and unity in India," said Syed Ahtesham, a resident of Allahabad.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Hijri lunar calendar, commemorates the revelation of Quran, Islam's holy scripture, and has traditionally been a time of religious fervour, settling old disputes and behaving charitably towards neighbours.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Considered auspicious for prayers, Muslims observe the month-long fasting named 'Roza'.

They believe this secures them a place in heaven and also brings them face to face with Allah, the Almighty, on the day of 'Qayamat'.

The end of Ramadan heralds the festival of Eid-ul-fitr. (ANI)