Shab-e-Meraj being observed nationwide with devotion and reverence

PM Shehbaz Sharif extends greetings, President Asif Ali Zardari highlights lessons of faith and moral elevation

Shab-e-Meraj is being observed with deep devotion, reverence and enthusiasm across the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Muslims believe that Allah Almighty, on this night, granted His beloved Prophet, Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), the journey through the heavens. It was also on this night that the Ummah was gifted the obligation of five daily prayers, a great source of forgiveness.

Citizens spent the entire night offering nawafil prayers, mostly in mosques, with humility and devotion, and praying for their own welfare and for the progress, prosperity and security of the Ummah. On this occasion, a large number of Muslims also observe fasts. Special arrangements for Sehri are made in open markets.

Shops selling sweets also witnessed a heavy rush on Friday evening, and sweets were distributed in mosques, imambargahs and homes. Special security arrangements were also put in place outside mosques on the occasion.

President, PM share messages on Shab-e-Meraj

In his message on Shab-e-Meraj, President Asif Ali Zardari said that on this sacred night, Allah Almighty bestowed an honour upon His beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) which transcends human understanding and continues to serve as a source of guidance for believers across generations.

On Shab-e-Miraj, President Asif Ali Zardari urges reflection on faith, patience and obedience, highlighting Salaah as a bond with Allah and a foundation for justice. In his message he calls for unity, compassion and moral resolve for Pakistan’s peace and progress.

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) January 16, 2026

President Zardari said the event of Meraj teaches that through firm faith, patience and obedience, human beings can aspire to the highest moral and spiritual ranks. He added that the occasion also reminds Muslims that hardships and trials are temporary, while the mercy and support of Allah Almighty are everlasting.

The president said that on Shab-e-Meraj, the Muslim Ummah was granted prayer, which establishes a direct and constant bond between humankind and the Creator. He noted that Salah is not merely an act of worship but a means of self-discipline, character building and fostering a sense of collective responsibility, which forms the foundation of a just and balanced society.

In addition, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended heartfelt greetings to the nation and Muslims around the world on the blessed and spiritually uplifting occasion of Shab-e-Meraj.

In his message, the PM prayed that Allah Almighty may grant Muslims the ability to benefit from the religious significance and spiritual blessings of the sacred night. He said Shab-e-Meraj holds profound spiritual and faith-based importance for the Muslim Ummah, as it commemorates the miraculous ascension of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

The prime minister said the night conveys timeless lessons of strengthening faith, devotion in worship, patience, piety and closeness to Allah. He noted that Shab-e-Meraj also highlights the importance of steadfastness in faith, obedience to Allah and the pursuit of high moral character.

PM Shehbaz said the occasion reminds Muslims that prayer is the ascension of a believer and a means through which individuals and societies become morally, spiritually and practically stronger. He urged people to draw lessons from the blessed night by shaping their individual and collective lives in accordance with Islamic teachings and by promoting tolerance, brotherhood, justice and fairness.

Referring to the event of Meraj, he said it underscores the reality that divine help follows trials and hardships in the path of truth, and that success and victory are assured through faith and perseverance.