LAHORE: Lahoris observed Shab-e-Barat across the city between Tuesday-Wednesday night with religious zeal and fervour amid tight security. Citizens offered prayers and spent the whole night at the city’s mosques and homes with their family members, relatives and friends. Shab-e-Barat was observed on the night between Shaban 14-15 in the eighth month of the Islamic calendar. Religious scholars have shed light on various aspects of Islam especially the importance of Shab-e-Barat which is most significant night in the life of Muslims, known as the night of blessings. They said that in this night, the whole year’s plan is made for Muslims. They also stressed on brotherhood, harmony and the prosperity of Islam. On the occasion, special prayers were offered for the prosperity, religious harmony, peace, solidarity of the country and unity of Muslim Ummah against the enemies of Islam. A rush of people was observed at mosques, streets and parks where special gatherings were arranged in respect of that night. A huge number of people were observed in Data Sahib, Gulshan Iqbal Park, Bibi Pakdaman, Mian Mir Tomb and in the bank of River Ravi near Baradari. The mosques were fully illuminated with multicoloured lights and posters of peace messages were fixed on the walls of the city. People remained busy in reciting the holy Quran, Durood Sharif, Istighfaar, Kalima Tayyibah, Naat Khwani and special nawafil were performed. On this special night, various shopkeepers and bakeries offered special discounts to customers on different edibles. People distributed delicious foods among neighbours, people and relatives like samosas, milk, kachori, halwa puri and sweets. The police and other law enforcement agencies made comprehensive security arrangements to avoid any untoward incident on Shab-e-Barat. Published in Daily Times, May 2nd 2018.