Shab-e-Mairaj on Monday night
Shab-e-Meraj, the night when the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ascended to the highest levels of heavens, would be observed Monday night across the country with religious devotion, serenity and traditional fervor.
On Meraj night, the women devotees arrange special gatherings insinde 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.
Shab-e-Meraj, (night of forgiveness) is a glorious night, marking the Isra and Miraj of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) when he was taken from Makkah to Al-Haram-Al-Sharif (also known as the TempleMount) and was then taken to heaven.
On the way the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, met Hazrat Adam, (AS), Hazrat Abraham (AS), Hazrat Moses (AS),Hazrat Jesus (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 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 Muslims every year on 27th Rajab-ul-Murajab (Islamic calendar) observe Shab-e-Miraj in which 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.’ It is celebrated on 27th Rajab in the Islamic calendar. During Meraj, the command for five daily prayers (Salat) was also given to the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
