Shab-e-Miraj to be observed with devotion Monday night

ISLAMABAD

Isra and Mi’raj, also known as Al Isra’ wal Miraj, the night when the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ascended to the highest and special levels of journey to heavens to meet Allah Almighty, would be observed Monday night on the 27th Rajab, the seventh month in the Islamic calendar.

Shab-e-Meraj, (night of forgiveness) is a glorious night, marking the Isra and Meraj of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) when he was taken from Makkah to Al-Haram-Al-Sharif and was then taken to heaven.

Shab-e-Meraj is the the night when the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ascended to the highest and special levels of journey to heavens to meet Allah Almighty, crossing seven skies on the heavenly animal named ‘al-Buraq’ on 27th Rajab-ul-Murajab in the Islamic calendar.

On Meraj night, the women devotees arrange special gatherings inside their homes for offering special prayers all the night. Whereas males offer prayers in specially decorated mosques, homes for seeking the blessings of Allah and pray for welfare of the entire nation and the Ummah.

During the gatherings, Islamic scholars highlight the importance of the day and its blessings. Different Islamic and socio-cultural organizations have arranged special prayers and Mahafil in mosques and at other places Monday night to seek blessings of the Almighty.

On Shab-e-Meraj the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) met Hazrat Adam, (AS), Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), Hazrat Mosa (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. Ulema told that it is related that even Gabriel, the Angel who was accompanying the Holy Prophet (PBUH) remarked at one stage: “I am forced to stop here. I cannot go any further, but you O Messenger of peace and friend of the Master of the worlds, continue your glorious ascent. The Holy Prophet continued his journey until he reached very close to the Throne of God Almighty and attained the utmost nearness to Him”.

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)