KARACHI: The Sindh government has announced a public holiday for all educational institutions across the province on the occasion of Shab-e-Meraj, according to a notification issued on Tuesday.
The notification said that both government and private schools, colleges and other educational institutions in Sindh will remain closed on January 17.
Muslims observe Shab-e-Meraj every year on the 27th of Rajab to commemorate the Isra and Meraj of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), when he was taken on a miraculous night journey to the heavens on al-Buraq and granted special divine blessings.
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On this night, the commandment of five daily prayers was bestowed upon the Muslim Ummah. Faithful traditionally offer special prayers in mosques after Isha, which continue until Fajr, while religious gatherings and Mahafil-e-Naat are also organised.
Mosques, streets and homes are decorated and illuminated to mark the occasion, and people also visit graveyards to pray for their departed loved ones.
Schools and workplaces are typically closed across the province to observe the religious holiday.
