LAHORE - Shab-e-Meraj was observed across the country including Lahore on Saturday night with religious fervour, devotion and enthusiasm.
Muslims observe Shab-e-Meraj on Rajab 26, the night when the holy Prophet (PBUH) went on a physical and spiritual journey. In the journey, the holy Prophet (PBUH) travelled on the steed Buraq to "the farthest mosque" where he led other prophets in prayer. He then ascended to heaven where God gave his Prophet (PBUH) instructions to take back to the faithful regarding the details of prayer.
This year too, Muslims spent whole night praying at specially decorated mosques, seeking blessings and forgiveness of Almighty God. Special prayers were also offered for welfare of Pakistan, entire nation and Ummah.
Different organisations arranged Mahafils at mosques and at other places to seek blessings of Almighty God. Mosques, Imambargahs and venues of Mahafils were specially decorated with buntings and illuminated with colorful lights. During Mahafils, Ulema and khatibs highlighted the importance of the night and its blessings. Women also offered prayers at their homes.
The word Meraj means height or ascension. Shab-e-Meraj is a night, marking the Isra and Meraj of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) when he was taken from Masjid Al-Haram to Musjid-e-Aqsa and then to the extreme sublimity.
The purpose of the Meraj was to confirm the high status of the last Prophet, a position which all Muslims believe, is impossible to attain by any other creation of Almighty.