Muslims across Pakistan are preparing to observe the holy night of Shab-e-Meraj 2026 following the sighting of the Rajab moon on Sunday.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced the sighting after a meeting held under the chairmanship of Maulana Muhammad Abdul Khabeer Azad. Zonal and district Ruet-e-Hilal committees also convened separate meetings across the country to verify moon sighting reports.
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the committee confirmed the beginning of Rajab, the seventh month of the Islamic calendar. As per the official announcement, Shab-e-Meraj will be observed across Pakistan on the night of January 16, 2026.
Shab-e-Meraj, observed on the 27th night of Rajab, commemorates the sacred journey of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). According to Islamic tradition, the Prophet was taken from the Holy Kaaba in Makkah to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, where he led prayers, before ascending to the heavens on the celestial mount Al-Buraq and receiving divine commandments.
The night holds deep spiritual significance for Muslims, who mark the occasion through special prayers, recitation of the Holy Quran and voluntary fasting.
