Shab-e-Meraj will be observed across the country from Friday evening, January 16, with religious reverence. However it is not a declared public holiday.
The sacred night, also called Lailat al-Meraj, marks the miraculous journey of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
According to Islamic tradition, the Holy Prophet ﷺ travelled from Masjid al-Haram in Makkah to Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. He was then taken to the heavens. The event is observed every year on the 27th of Rajab.
Religious scholars say this night holds special importance in Islam. On this night, Allah Almighty made five daily prayers obligatory for Muslims.
Across the country, believers will gather in mosques after Isha prayers. Special nawafil will be offered until Fajr. Mahafil-e-Naat and religious gatherings have also been arranged in many cities.
Mosques, streets and homes are decorated with colourful lights, buntings and flags. In many areas, mosques remain illuminated throughout the night. Candles and traditional oil lamps are also used, especially in older neighbourhoods.
People also visit graveyards during the night. They pray for their departed relatives and seek Allah Almighty’s mercy.
In the Arab world, Shab-e-Meraj 2026 will be observed from the evening of January 15.
Will it be a public holiday?
As for a public holiday, Shab-e-Meraj is not a gazetted holiday in Pakistan. However, it is listed as an optional holiday. The Sindh government has announced a holiday for schools across the province on January 17, which falls on Saturday.
According to the official notification, all government and private educational institutions in Sindh will remain closed on that day.
Meanwhile, some Gulf countries have declared public holidays. Kuwait and Oman have announced official holidays for Shab-e-Miraj.
