Plans for Mehfil-e-Shabeena finalised

ISLAMABAD:

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has finalised plans for Mehfil-e-Shabeena, a three-night long recitation of the Holy Quran starting from August 27. Huffaz (people who have memorised the Holy Quran) from all over the country have been invited to come to Islamabad.

These huffaz will recite 10 chapters of the holy book every night in taraveeh prayers. The time of Isha prayers at Faisal Mosque is 8.45pm.

The regional transport authorities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi will ensure provision of sufficient number of buses, mini buses on the Rawalpindi-Faisal Mosque route and in various sectors of Islamabad.

Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences will collaborate with Dawah Academy to provide medical facilities at Faisal Mosque.

Necessary security and parking arrangements have also been made for VIPs and other participants.

The Mehfil-e-Shabeena is observed as an official function throughout the country during the last three days of Ramadan.

Tthe national TV and radio and other private channels directly telecast the prayers from mosques of big cities including Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi and Quetta.

People have been advised not to bring along children. Mobile phones, cameras, bags, thermos bottles and laptops are also prohibited.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 26^th, 2011.