LAHORE: Mosques, buildings and streets were decorated with vibrant lights and buntings on the eve of Shab-e-Miraaj, which was observed with religious zeal and fervor across the provincial capital on Tuesday evening.
Special prayers and recitation of the Holy Quran continued in mosques and houses until morning. Citizens today (Thursday) would observe this day visiting their relatives and graves of their loved ones, besides seeking forgiveness for their sins.
The administration of prominent mosques, including Badshahi Mosque, Masjid-e-Shohdah, Jamia Hajveria, Khizra Masjid, Wazir Khan Mosque, Jamia Ashrfia and Jamia Naeema arranged special religious congregation ceremonies that continued throughout the night. Religious gatherings ended with special prayers for the prosperity and safety of the country.
Special set ups were also made for Mehfil-e-Naat gatherings, where the followers came in huge numbers to mark the importance of the divine night. Ulemas and scholars addressed with the participants of congregation ceremonies and highlighted the significance of the night. In the walled city and other densely populated areas, children celebrated the night by playing with fireworks and decorating their community streets with colourful lights. Most of the children were observed playing till late night as a scheduled holiday was announced in some schools of the city. People showed their intimacy for the occasion by posting wishes on social media, changing their profile pictures to the theme of this holy day. Maryam, a resident of Johar Town, told Daily Times that she did not sleep and offered prayers the entire night, as Muslims believe that on the night of Shab-e-Miraj, the fate or destiny of the people was decided. Maryam said that she would visit her family graveyard like every year to offer prayers for the departed souls of her loved ones.
On the occasion, special arrangements of security were also made by the city police to protect the citizens from any untoward situation.