Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced a grand Qur’an recitation event, ‘Mehfil Shabeena,’ to be held at the iconic Shah Faisal Mosque in Islamabad from Ramadan 21-27. This spiritually enriching event will feature renowned reciters from across the country, offering a deeply immersive experience for worshippers during the holiest nights of Ramadan.
What is Mehfil Shabeena?
Mehfil Shabeena is a cherished tradition observed in various Muslim communities, where the entire Qur’an, comprising over 6,000 verses, is recited within a few nights. This recitation takes place in the last ten nights of Ramadan, a period that holds immense spiritual significance. These nights are particularly revered as they include Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power)—believed to be the night when the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Muslims around the world dedicate these nights to intense worship, reciting the Qur’an, offering voluntary prayers (Tahajjud), and seeking divine mercy. The Mehfil Shabeena at Shah Faisal Mosque will provide a unique opportunity for believers to engage in spiritual reflection in a sacred and historic setting.
Selection of Qur’an Reciters
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has meticulously chosen 14 Qur’an reciters from a pool of 56 nominees representing Pakistan’s four provinces, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir. The final selection includes:
- 4 reciters from Punjab
- 2 reciters each from Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan
- 1 reciter each from Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir
This diverse selection ensures that the event truly represents the spiritual essence of the entire country.
The Historic Venue: Shah Faisal Mosque
Hosting the Mehfil Shabeena at Shah Faisal Mosque adds a special significance to the event. Situated in the heart of Islamabad, this architectural marvel is Pakistan’s largest mosque and the fourth-largest mosque in the world. Unlike traditional Islamic domes, Faisal Mosque’s modern, angular design is inspired by Bedouin tents, making it a unique symbol of Islamic heritage and contemporary architecture. The mosque covers 54,000 square feet and can accommodate over 250,000 worshippers at a time.
As the venue for Mehfil Shabeena, Faisal Mosque will be a hub of spiritual gatherings, drawing thousands of believers who seek blessings and divine proximity during Ramadan’s holiest nights.
Why This Event Matters
Mehfil Shabeena is not just a recitation event—it is a deeply spiritual gathering that strengthens communal ties and enhances the Ramadan experience. The power of collective prayer and Qur’anic recitation fosters an environment of peace, reflection, and unity. With the participation of some of Pakistan’s finest Qur’an reciters, this year’s Mehfil Shabeena at Shah Faisal Mosque promises to be an unforgettable event.
Stay tuned for more updates and event details!