ISLAMABAD – The holy Shab-e-Barat, known as the night of fortune, will be observed tonight across the country with religious fervor.
The Muslims would spend the night at mosques and homes offering prayers, reciting from the holy Quran to seek blessings of Almighty Allah.
Ulema and religious scholars in their sermons will highlight the true teachings of Islam.
Muslims consider Shab-e-Barat as one of three most sacred nights and believe that on this night Allah decides the fate of all human beings for the next year.
Devotees will visit graves of their beloved ones and pray for the peace of their souls. Many will distribute food and sweets among neighbors and the poor. Many will fast tomorrow.
Shab-e-Baraat, is observed about 15 days before the start of the Holy month of fasting Ramazan-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.
The significant distinction of this night, according to Islamic belief, is that it falls on the night of Shaaban 15 in which all births and deaths in universe are written in the ‘Loh-e-Mehfooz’ for the forthcoming year.
Faithfuls gather at mosques after Isha and offer night-long special prayers, while different gatherings and Mahafile Naat have also been arranged to mark the holy night. The religious scholars in their sermons highlight the true teachings of Islam and various aspects of the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
The houses, streets and especially mosques are decorated with colourful pennants and buntings whereas at night these are well-Illuminated with electric lights, candles or even oil lamps. Special security arrangements have been made for peaceful observance of the Shab-e-Barat throughout the country.