Telangana's government has announced February 8 as an optional holiday to honor Shab-e-Meraj, an important festival for Muslims. This holiday commemorates the night when Prophet Muhammad undertook a miraculous journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and then ascended to heaven.
Shab-e-Meraj, also known as Isra and Mi'raj, falls on the 27th day of the Islamic month of Rajab. It holds great significance for Muslims worldwide as it marks the occasion when Allah took Prophet Muhammad on a spiritual journey. According to Islamic belief, the journey began with Angel Jibrael purifying the Prophet's heart and stomach with Zam Zam water in the Kabah before escorting him to Masjid al Aqsa in Jerusalem. From there, Prophet Muhammad ascended through the heavens, encountering various prophets and receiving divine revelations, culminating in a direct conversation with Allah at the Sidrat al-Muntaha, the highest point.
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Shab-e-Meraj is also associated with the establishment of the five daily prayers for Muslims. It is believed that during this night, the obligation of performing these prayers was ordained by Allah. As such, it holds a special place in Islamic theology and is observed with prayers, recitations from the Quran, and acts of charity by Muslims around the world.
Alongside Shab-e-Meraj, Telangana's official calendar includes several other optional holidays. These include Sri Panchami on February 14 and Shab-e-Barat on February 26. Additionally, there are general holidays scheduled for March, including Maha Shivaratri on March 8, Holi on March 25, and Good Friday on March 29. Furthermore, March 31 has been designated as an optional holiday for Shahadat HZT Ali (R.A.).
Overall, the decision to declare February 8 as an optional holiday for Shab-e-Meraj reflects the government's commitment to recognizing and respecting the religious and cultural diversity of its citizens.
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