Holy Shab-e-Barat, the night of reverence and fervour and divine blessings for the Muslims, would be observed across the country on Thursday night (July 5). According to Muslim belief, Shab-e-Barat is the night when Almighty Allah arranges affairs of the next one year.
On Shab-e-Barat, Allah writes the destinies of all His creations for the coming year by taking into account their past deeds.
Shab-e-Barat also means the night of forgiveness. On this exalted night, Muslims pray to Allah both in preparation for the holy month of Ramadan and seeking forgiveness of the sins committed.
Muslim devotees across the world pass the night offering prayers, reciting Holy Quran, Milad Mahfil, Zikr (remembrance of Allah), visiting the graveyards of their near and dear ones and offering special Munajat.
The Muslims would offer special night-long prayers to seek forgiveness for their sins and Allah Almighty's blessing on this occasion to achieve success in the world and in Hereafter.
The significant distinction of this night, according to Islamic belief, is that it falls on 15th Sha'aban in which all births and deaths on universe are written on the "Loh-e-Mehfooz" for the forthcoming year.
According to religious scholars, there are some nights in Islam, which are significant, sacred with grandeur and Divine Majesty and "Shab-e-Barat" is one of these.
Though, in the Islamic perspective every night and day has its own importance yet some nights have supplementary importance like Shab-e-Barat, Lailatul Qadar, Shab-e-Miraj, Ashura and the two nights of Eids have extraordinary significance.
On the occasion of Shab-e-Barat, Muslims believe, Allah Almighty showers infinite Mercy and Blesses upon human beings.
According to Hazrat Ayesha Siddiqa (RA): "Allah Almighty opens the doors of Mercy and Grace for the mankind, the door remains open throughout the night till the Fajr prayers in which He exonerates those seeking forgiveness."
Faithful would gather at mosques after Isha prayer and offer night-long special prayers, while different gatherings and Mahafil-e-Naat would be arranged to mark the holy night.
Ulema and religious scholars in their sermons would 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 were well illuminated by means of electric lights, candles or even oil lamps.
Besides, people would visit graves of their near and dear ones, seeking Allah Almighty's blessings for the departed souls.
Special security arrangements have been made for peaceful observance of the Shab-e-Barat throughout the country.