Shab-e-Qadr, which holds special importance for Muslims across the globe, was observed with religious fervour in Karachi.People stayed up all night for extended prayers and avoided sleep to seek God Almighty’s blessings throughout the night.
They attended various religious gatherings, special prayers, and offered fateha and laid flower wreaths on the graves of their loved ones. Programmes of Khatam-e-Quran (completion of recitation of the holy Quran in Tarawih prayers) were organised after Isha prayer at mosques across the city. Prayer leaders (imams) in some of the major mosques led the Salatut Tasbih prayer offered at midnight.
Mehfil-e-Shabina commenced at different mosques in the metropolis, including the Memon Masjid, Aram Bagh Masjid, Kanzul Iman Masjid, Faizan-e-Madina Masjid, Tooba Masjid and the mosque named after Maulana Ehtishamul Haq Thanvi, which would continue until the announcement of the sighting of the Shawwal moon.
Through their speeches, prominent scholars highlighted the significance of Shab-e-Qadr according to the teachings of Islam.
All mosques in the city were illuminated with beautiful, colourful lights. Free meals were arranged by philanthropists for those observing itikaf at various mosques.
All town administrations arranged cleaning and lighting arrangements in the surroundings of mosques and imambargahs in their respective towns. Keeping in view the increase of people at mosques, special parking arrangements were made.
Additional police and Rangers personnel were deployed at major mosques and imambargahs to ensure protection of lives and properties of the citizens.
Special prayers were held to bring prosperity, development and peace in the country, particularly in Karachi, as well as for promotion of unity and brotherhood among Muslims.