“We have no clue how he survived but we are very lucky as both of them were sitting just near the tree where the blast occurred,” said Sameer’s brother-in-law, Kamruddin.

Mohammad Hafis Shah, 50-year-old ice-cream vendor from Ajmer, has been attending iftar at the shrine for years now. “It always felt so good when the roza ended at the dargah but today was so different. Everyone was so shocked, women screaming and children crying. The holy month has suddenly turned sorrowful for all of us,” says Shah, who was also injured. The blast side was cordoned off while the dargah was kept open for the public and the prayers were held as scheduled.

Recent terror strikes at places of worship

Sankat Mochan Temple

Varanasi March 7, 2006

Twin blasts in city left 28 dead, injured over 100. Blasts took place on Tuesday, when the temple is usually packed with devotees.

Noorani Masjid

Malegaon Sept 8, 2006

Blasts on Friday coincided with the Shab-e-Barat. First bomb went off outside Masjid. Blasts at Mushaira Chowk and graveyard also. The toll was 38 killed, over 200 injured.

Jama Masjid

Delhi April 14, 2006

Low intensity blasts at India's most famous mosque left 14 injured. First blast took place as the faithful prepared for Friday prayers.

Mecca Masjid

Hyderabad May 18, 2007

14 persons killed, more than 50 injured in blasts and subsequent police firing in adjoining areas. Blasts took place during Friday prayers.