ISLAMABAD: Shab-e-Barat,the night of reverence, fervour and divine blessings for the Muslims was observed across the country on Sunday night.
Faithful offered night-long special prayers, while various gatherings included Mahafil-e-Na’at were also arranged in mosques to mark the holy night and win divine blessings.
Ulema and religious scholars in their sermons highlighted the true teachings of Islam and various aspects of the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
The houses, streets and especially mosques were decorated with colorful pennants and bunting which are Illuminated at nights.
Faithful lit electric lights, candles or even oil lamps right from evening to whole night.
Media, including print and electronic highlighted the importance of the holy night through its special programmes and editions.
Shab-e-Baraat, the night of praise of Allah, is observed 15 days before the start of the Holy month of fasting Ramadan-ul-Mubarak. Shab-e-Barat, a great advantage of Muslims is known as Laylat-ul- Bara’ah or Laylat-un- Nisfe min Sha’ban in the Arab world.
According to Islamic lunar calendar, the 15th night of Shabaan month is known as Lailatul Barat.
According to Muslim belief, Shab-e-Barat is the night when Almighty Allah arranges affairs of the whole next one-year including the writing of all births and deaths on universe on the “Loh-e-Mehfooz.”
Faithful gathered at mosques and houses after Isha prayers and offered nightlong special prayers, while different gatherings and Mahafil-e-Naat were arranged to mark the holy night.
This is the best night of prayer and worship of God to seek His forgiveness for their sins and Allah Almighty’s blessing on this occasion to achieve success in the world and hereafter.
On such exalted night, Muslims spent the night (Shab-e-Barat) to provide a special prayer, reciting Quran and other religious rituals held to commemorate the occasion.
People also visited the cemetery of their relatives, offered Fateha and special Manajaat to seeking Allah Almighty’s blessings for the departed souls.
According to religious scholars, there are some nights in Islam, which are significant, sacred with grandeur and Divine Majesty and “Lailatul Baraat” is one of these.
Though, in the Islamic perspective every night and day has its own importance but some nights have supplementary importance like Shab-e-Barat, Lailatul Qadar, Shab-e-Miraj, Ashura and the two nights of Eids had extraordinary significance.
On the occasion of Shab-e-Barat, Muslims believe, Allah Almighty showers infinite Mercy and Blesses upon human beings.
According to Hazrat Ayesha Siddiqa (RA) “Allah Almighty opens the doors of Mercy and Grace for the mankind, the door remains open throughout the night till the Fajr prayers,” in which He exonerates those seeking forgiveness.
The administration had made special security arrangements for peaceful observance of the Shab-e-Barat throughout the country.
