Shab-e-Meraj being observed with religious fervour

Lahore: Shab-e-Meraj, the night when the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was ascended to the highest levels of heavens, is being observed on Monday night across the country with traditional religious devotion and fervour.

A large number of believers will offer special prayers all night in specially decorated mosques and in their homes for seeking the blessings of Allah Almighty. They will also pray for welfare of the entire nation and the ummah.

Recitations of Naat, Qaseeda Burda Shareef, Durood Sharif, Salat Tasbeeh, Nawafil and special prayers are being arranged in the mosques. The Islamic scholars will also narrate the events and virtues of the Miraj Sharif. 

The believers will also pray for the security of Harmain Sharifain and the holy lands from the enemy threats. Different Islamic and Socio-cultural organisations will arrange special prayers and Mahafil-e-Naat in mosques and other places to collectively seek blessings of the Almighty.

Lailat-ul-Meraj, also known as Shab-e-Meraj, is a glorious night, marking the Isra and Miraj of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) when he was taken from Makkah to Al-Haram-Al-Sharif, inside Al-Aqsa Mosque, also known as Baitul Muqaddas and was then taken to highest stages of the Heaven.

The word Meraj (ascent) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is derived from Arabic word Urooj, which means ‘height,’ or ‘ascension.’ It is celebrated on the 27th day of the month of Rajab in the Islamic calendar. According to Hadith, it was during this holy journey (Meraj) that the Almighty gave His Prophet (SAW) the command for five daily prayers.

It is also believed that Shab-e-Meraj is also a Lailatul Qadr and Allah Almighty answers prayers of the faithful who spend the night in worship. There is one particular but undefined moment in this night when every prayer is answered.

Special sweet dishes like Halwa and Zarda is being prepared and distributed among the relatives and neighbours apart from the poor and the destitute.

In addition to that, food in large quantities is also distributed among the orphans and the destitute at special Langar in mosques, and by philanthropists.