Shab-e-Mehraj Un Nabi (SAW) (night of ascension) was observed across Jammu and Kashmir with religious fervour and divinity on Wednesday night.
The devotees started gathering at the holy shrines and mosques to offer special prayers and sermons regarding the holy night. Thousands of devotees from different parts of the valley thronged the Dargah Hazratbal shrine on Wednesday, which houses the relic of the Prophet (PBUH).
Reports said the shrine and mosques were abuzz with darood-o-azkaar and recitations of the Holy Quran till late in the night, with people praying for the well-being of their loved ones and peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.
Special prayers were held at almost all the shrines and local masjids of Jammu and Kashmir, where religious clerics highlighted the importance of the night and its blessings. Massive gatherings were reported in Khiram, Babamarg, Soura, and Kalashpora.
An official of the Waqf board told that all arrangements have been put in place, including cleaning, traffic management, drinking water facilities, and heating arrangements for smooth commemoration of Meraj Un nabi (SAW).
The Waqf official mentioned that, for the first time in history, the Waqf board will also serve food and tea to the devotees on this special occasion. He added that from Thursday’s first prayer, the holy relic will be displayed to the devotees, and they are expecting a large number of devotees on Thursday.
The Holy Relic of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) will be displayed after each prayer on the first and 2nd day and the Friday following Mehraj-Un- Nabi (PBUH), Waqf officials said.
The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, DC Srinagar and SMC Commissioner have also made visits to shrines in Srinagar and directed the concerned departments to ensure all arrangements are in place.
To obtain the blessing of the All-Powerful in this life and the next, the devoted also organized several gatherings and Mahafil-e-Naat. At different mosques located throughout the valley, special religious speeches and programs were organized. On this day, many mosques were illuminated.
In their speeches, ulemas and religious scholars highlighted the teachings and many facets of the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
A divine night in the history of Islam, known as Shabe-Mehraj commemorates the Isra and Miraj of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), during which time he was brought from Makkah to Al-Haram-Al-Sharif and from there Prophet Muhammad (SAW) ascended to heaven on al-Buraq.
On the way, the Holy Prophet, Peace Be Upon Him, met Hazrat Adam (AS), Hazrat Ibraheem (AS), Hazrat Musa (AS), Hazrat Eisa (AS), and some other revered prophets. The purpose of the “ascent” was to confirm the high status of the last prophet, a position that all Muslims believe is impossible to attain by any other human being.”
Shab e Meraj falls on the 27th day of the seventh Islamic month of Rajab each year.