Hazratbal Shrine: Political Intrusions Disrupt Sacred Space

The Hazratbal shrine, located on the banks of Dal Lake in Kashmir, has become a focal point of political controversy over the decades. From the disappearance of the Prophet Mohammad’s holy relic in 1963 to the recent emblem row in 2025, the shrine’s sanctity has been compromised as it has been drawn into political power struggles and conflicts.

For many devotees, Hazratbal represents a deep connection to faith and spirituality, particularly through the revered Moi-e-Muqaddas, the holy relic of the Prophet. Yet, this sacred space has often been exploited by various political factions, separatists, and militants seeking to further their agendas.

Historical Context of Political Manipulation

The first significant incident occurred in December 1963, when the Prophet’s relic went missing, sparking widespread protests across Kashmir. These demonstrations culminated in the toppling of Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad’s government and the rise of G M Sadiq. Although the relic was recovered after 15 days, the episode revealed how political entities could capitalize on religious sentiments, raising questions about the disappearance’s true nature.

Another pivotal moment in Hazratbal’s history happened in October 1993. Armed militants took refuge in the shrine, leading to a tense standoff with security forces that lasted several weeks. This incident attracted international attention, as media outlets portrayed Hazratbal as a sacred site under siege. For separatists, the situation became a propaganda opportunity, while for the local populace, the sight of their holy place surrounded by security forces was a painful reminder of ongoing conflict.

In 1995, violence erupted again when militants occupied the Chrar-e-Sharif shrine, resulting in its destruction. This incident illustrated the extent to which terrorists could exploit Kashmir’s spiritual heritage to further their objectives, further entrenching the relationship between faith and politics in the region.

The Emblem Controversy of 2025

The most recent controversy surrounding Hazratbal stems from the installation of a marble plaque bearing the Ashoka emblem by the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board. Many devotees viewed this action as unnecessary, while politicians seized the moment to criticize the decision. National Conference leader and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah deemed it insensitive, and PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti called for blasphemy charges against Waqf Chairperson Darakshan Andrabi.

Andrabi defended the emblem as a representation of national honor. However, when some devotees vandalized the plaque, the incident escalated into a significant political issue, overshadowing the fact that the emblem is a national identity marker rather than a religious symbol.

This latest episode also highlights the ongoing scrutiny of the Waqf Board, which has long been perceived as a political tool rather than a legitimate governing body for religious sites. For years, appointments and contracts within the Waqf Board have favored party loyalists, undermining the board’s credibility and effectiveness in maintaining the sanctity of places like Hazratbal.

The current Waqf administration has attempted to address these issues by reclaiming encroached land and streamlining revenue collections. Although these steps are modest, they represent a shift away from the political patronage that has long plagued the organization.

The recurring controversies surrounding Hazratbal underscore a broader struggle between faith and politics in Kashmir. The shrine embodies the Sufi ethos of love, humility, and inclusiveness. Yet, each time political interests intervene, this ethos weakens, reducing the experiences of ordinary devotees to mere fuel for larger political battles.

The incidents of 1963, 1993, 1995, and 2025 reflect a consistent pattern: the sidelining of genuine faith as political entities exploit religious sentiments. In a region already marked by alienation, such politicization only serves to amplify extremist narratives.

Ultimately, Hazratbal does not belong to any political party, opposition leaders, or separatist factions. It belongs to the faithful, and its sanctity should remain intact. If Kashmir’s leaders—political, religious, and administrative—truly wish to safeguard the Valley’s Sufi tradition, they must ensure that Hazratbal remains a sanctuary for prayer and peace. Only then can it reclaim its rightful place as the heart of Kashmir’s spiritual life, offering healing in a land too often ravaged by conflict.