LAHORE: The martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Ali (RA), known as Youm e Ali, is marked every year in the Islamic month of Rajab with deep devotion and respect.
Across the country, including major cities such as Karachi and Lahore, mourning processions are taken out along designated routes to honor the life and sacrifice of Hazrat Ali.
With the sighting of the Rajab moon, two important religious occasions will be observed during the month, namely Shab e Meraj and Youm e Ali.
Youm e Ali in Pakistan
Youm e Ali will be observed nationwide on January 3. Security related departments have begun making arrangements to ensure peace and prevent any untoward incident on the day.
In the previous year, Lahore Police implemented a detailed security plan for the observance of Youm e Ali. More than 7,000 police officers and personnel were deployed to safeguard mosques, imambargahs, shrines and other sensitive locations.
Shab e Meraj in Pakistan
Shab e Meraj is observed on the 27th night of the Islamic month of Rajab. The night commemorates the sacred journey of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who traveled from the Holy Kaaba to Masjid al Aqsa where he led prayers. He then ascended to the heavens on the heavenly mount al-Buraq, where he met Almighty Allah and received divine commands.
Each year, Muslims observe this blessed night with great reverence by offering special prayers, reciting the Holy Quran, and observing voluntary fasts. According to the official announcement, Shab e Meraj will fall on January 16, 2026, in Pakistan.