LAHORE, APR 25, (DNA) – Shab-e-Meraj, the night of ascent when the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ascended to the highest levels of Heavens, was observed on Monday night across the country with religious devotion, serenity and traditional fervor.

The Muslims every year observe the Shab-e-Meraj on 27th of Rajab (Islamic calendar), the night the Holy Prophet (PBUH) embarked on a special journey to meet Allah Almighty, crossing seven skies riding the heavenly ‘al-Buraq’.

The word Meraj is derived from Arabic word Urooj, which means height, or ascension. During Meraj, the command for five daily prayers (Salat) was also given to the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

The women devotees had arranged special gatherings inside their homes for offering special prayers all the night. Whereas males offered prayers in specially decorated mosques for seeking the blessings of Allah and pray for welfare of the entire nation and the Ummah.

During the gatherings, various Islamic scholars highlighted the importance of Shab-e-Meraj and its blessings. Different Islamic and socio-cultural organizations also arranged special prayers and Mahafil in mosques and at other places to seek blessings of the Almighty.