Shab-e-Meraj celebrated
Shab-e-Meraj was celebrated on Thursday night with great respect and religious fervour.
ISLAMABAD (APP) - Shab-e-Meraj,the night of ascent when the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ascended to the highest levels of Heavens, was being observed on Thursday night across the country with religious devotion, serenity and traditional fervor.
The Muslims every year on 26th of Rajab (Islamic calendar) observe Shab-e-Miraj because the Holy Prophet (PBUH) went on a special journey to meet Allah Almighty, crossing seven skies on the Heavenly animal named ‘al-Buraq’.
The word ‘Meraj’ of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is derived from Arabic word Urooj, which means ‘height,’ or ‘ascension.’ During Meraj, the command for five daily prayers (Salat) was also given to the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
On the way the Holy Prophet, Peace Be Upon Him, met Hazrat Adam,(AS),Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), Hazrat Musa (AS), Hazrat Issa (AS) and some other Prophets. The purpose of the Ascent was to confirm the high status of the Prophet of Islam, a position which all Muslims believe, is impossible to attain by any other human being.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) continued his heavenly tour until He reached very close to the Throne of Allah Almighty and attained the utmost nearness to Him. After having drunk fully at the Divine fountain of spiritual knowledge, He came down to impart the knowledge to mankind.
To mark Shab- e- Meraj, the houses, streets and specially mosques are decorated with colorful pennants and buntings whereas at night these are well illuminated by means of electric lights, candles or even oil lamps.
Besides, people visit graves of their near and dear ones, seeking Allah Almighty’s blessings for the departed souls.
Faithful plan to gather at mosques after Isha to offer special prayers that would continue till Fajr prayers, while different gatherings and Mahafil-e-Naat are being arranged to mark the holy night.
The women devotees have arranged special gatherings inside their homes for offering special prayers all the night. Whereas males offers prayers in specially decorated mosques for seeking the blessings of Allah and pray for welfare of the entire nation and the Ummah.
During the gatherings, various Islamic scholars highlight the importance of the day and its blessings. Different Islamic and socio-cultural organizations have also arranged special prayers and Mahafil in mosques and at other places Thursday night to seek blessings of the Almighty.
