People visit a graveyard on Shab-e-Baraat. PHOTO: AFP
As dusk neared, families including women and children, thronged the graveyards to visit the final resting places of their dear departed ones.
People could be seen cleaning graves with rose water, laying a bed of rose petals and burning incense sticks while reciting verses of Holy Quran for the eternal peace and salvation of the loved ones.
At home, special meals were cooked particularly halva for distribution among neighbours, friends and family. In some old communities, the annual tradition of children taking covered plates of the sweet for distribution around the neighbourhood was practised with zeal.
However, the South Asian tradition of lighting fireworks on this holy night was found to have been all but abandoned, both, owing to religious awareness and also due to security concerns.
The district administrations had started a crackdown on fireworks sellers in the weeks leading up to Shab-e-Baraat.
With the setting of the sun, the faithful started gathering in mosques to offer special prayers for peace, progress and prosperity of the country besides seeking forgiveness for their sins.
The faithful also organised several gatherings and Mehfil-e-Naat, where hymns were recited.
Ulema and religious scholars in their sermons highlighted the teachings of Islam and various aspects of the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) so that the followers could lead their lives in line with the teachings and guidelines of the Holy Quran and Sunnah.
Children take halva for distribution in the neighbourhood, a mosque is illuminated, a man sells rose petals in Islamabad on Shab-e-Baraat. PHOTO: AGENCIES/EXPRESS
The houses, streets especially mosques were decorated. As night set in, these buildings were illuminated by electric lights, candles or even oil lamps. However, they were remiss in some areas owing to power cuts.
Special security arrangements were made for peaceful observance of Shab-e-Baraat.
Though in Islamic perspective every night and day have its own significance but some nights have added importance such as Shab-e-Baraat, Lailatul Qadar, Shab-e-Miraj, Ashura and the two nights of Eid.
On Shab-e-Baraat, Muslims believe, God showers infinite mercy and blessing upon human beings. Hence many pray for the length of the night.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 13th, 2017.
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