SHAB-i-Barat is known as the night for forgiveness. This is why the Muslim community spends this night in asking for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. Muslims are encouraged to offer prayers and ask for prostrations.

On this night while people are busy in prayers, some misguided people prefer to set off fireworks. Owing to the ignorance of many in our society, the use of fireworks has grown every year.

Fireworks have the potential to be deadly and cause injuries to people. The other major nuisances are air and noise pollution.

There should be a code of conduct in this respect. Better still would be a complete ban on the sale and use of fireworks. All provincial governments and police should take strict action against sellers of fireworks and those using them.

Dua Sheikh

Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 14th, 2020