Shab-e-Meraj observed in City

LAHOREShab-e-Meraj, the night when the Holy Prophet (SAW) was ascended to the highest levels of heavens, was observed Saturday night in Lahore with religious devotion and fervor.A large number of believers offered special prayers all the night in specially-decorated mosques and in their homes for seeking blessings of Allah Almighty.

By Asim Hussain
May 17, 2015
LAHORE
Shab-e-Meraj, the night when the Holy Prophet (SAW) was ascended to the highest levels of heavens, was observed Saturday night in Lahore with religious devotion and fervor.
A large number of believers offered special prayers all the night in specially-decorated mosques and in their homes for seeking blessings of Allah Almighty. Special prayers were offered for ridding the country and other parts of the Muslim world of growing terrorism and bloodshed. The believers also prayed for the security of Harmain Sharifain and the holy lands from enemy threats.
Lailat-al-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 Heavens.
Different Islamic and cultural organisations arranged special prayers and Mahafil-e-Naat in mosques and other places to collectively seek blessings of The Almighty.
The word Meraj (ascent) of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is derived from the 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 (salat).
During the mahafils, various Islamic scholars threw light on the importance of the day and its blessings. Special prayers were also held for restoration of peace in the country, particularly for bringing an end to the ongoing wave of terrorism in which holy shrines are being hit by terrorists.
At different mosques, special Nawafil and mahafil-e-Shabina were also offered by people to seek blessings of Allah and forgiveness for their sins. Special sweet dishes like Halwa, Zarda etc were prepared and distributed among relatives and neighbours apart from the poor and destitute. Food was also distributed among orphans and the destitute at special langar in mosques and by philanthropists.