LAHORE : Shab-e-Meraj, the night when the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was ascended to the highest levels of heavens, was observed Wednesday night across the country with traditional religious devotion and fervour.
A large number of believers offered special prayers all night in specially decorated mosques and in their homes for seeking the blessings of Allah Almighty. They prayed for welfare of the entire nation and the ummah.
Special prayers were said for ridding the country and other parts of Muslim world of growing terrorism and bloodshed. The believers also prayed for the security of Harmain Sharifain and the holy lands from the enemy threats.
Different Islamic and Socio-cultural organisations arranged 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.
During the Mahafils, various Islamic scholars threw light on the importance of Shab-e-Meraj and its blessings. Special prayers were also held for restoration of peace and tranquility in the country, particularly for bringing an end to the ongoing wave of terrorism in which holy shrines were being hit by terrorists.
At different mosques, special Nawafil were also offered by the people to seek blessings of Allah and forgiveness for their sins. Mahafil-e-Shabina were also held. 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 were prepared and distributed among the relatives and neighbours apart from the poor and the destitute. In addition to that, food in large quantities was also distributed among the orphans and the destitute at special Langar in mosques, and by philanthropists.
