The Sindh government has announced a holiday for educational institutions across the province on the occasion of Shab-e-Meraj, according to a notification issued on Tuesday.
The notification said that both government and private educational institutions in Sindh will remain closed on January 17.
Every year, Muslims, on the 27th of Rajab (lunar calendar), observe Shab-e-Meraj to mark the Isra (journey) and Meraj (ascension) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who was taken on a special journey to meet Allah Almighty, crossing seven heavens on the celestial animal called ‘al-Buraq’.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) continued his celestial journey until he reached very close to the Throne of Allah Almighty and attained maximum closeness to Him. After having drunk from the Divine source of spiritual knowledge, he descended to impart the knowledge to humanity.
On that Night of Ascension, Allah Almighty also ordained the five daily Salat (prayers) as obligatory for Muslims.
Worshipers would gather at mosques after Isha to offer special prayers that would continue until Fajr prayer, while different gatherings and Mahafil-e-Naat are organized to commemorate the holy night.
Houses, streets and especially mosques are decorated with colorful bunting and bunting, while at night they are well illuminated by electric lights, candles or even oil lamps.
Furthermore, people visit the graves of their near and dear ones, seeking the blessings of Allah Almighty for the souls of the deceased.
Schools and workplaces are typically closed to observe the holiday.
