Shab-e-Meraj, or the Night of Ascent, is a significant Islamic event commemorating Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) miraculous night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem (Isra) and his subsequent ascension to the heavens (Meraj). Occurring on the 27th of Rajab, this night is celebrated through special prayers, Quran recitation, and reflection, marking the divine gift of the five daily prayers (Salah) to Muslims. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Key Aspects of Shab-e-Meraj:
- The Journey (Al-Isra & Al-Miraj): The Prophet was taken by Angel Jibra’eel (Gabriel) from the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem on a white beast called Buraq, followed by an ascension through the heavens, where he met previous prophets and observed Heaven and Hell.
- The Gift of Salah: During this journey, Allah bestowed upon the Muslim Ummah the gift of five daily prayers (Salah).
- Significance: It serves as a reminder of Allah’s power, the importance of faith, and perseverance in the face of difficulties.
- Observance: Muslims often mark this night by staying awake to pray, reciting the Quran, offering voluntary (Nafl) fasts, and asking for forgiveness. [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]
This event represents a moment of supreme spiritual elevation and highlights the Prophet’s role as the final messenger. [10, 11]
AI responses may include mistakes.
[2] https://www.quora.com/What-is-Shab-e-Miraj-and-how-is-it-an-important-day-for-Muslims
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWXB0JxhhHk
[4] https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/resources/islamic-calendar/rajab/27th-rajab-al-isra-wal-miraj/
[5] https://www.qtvtutor.com/shab-e-meraj/
[6] https://www.sktwelfare.org/media-centre/blog/the-night-of-shab-e-miraj/
[7] https://almuslimquran.com/what-is-shab-e-miraj/
[8] https://www.quranfocus.com/blog/shab-e-miraj-isra-night-or-lailat-al-miraj/
[10] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isra%27_and_Mi%27raj
[11] https://www.dawateislami.net/events/en/shab-e-meraj
Shab-e-Meraj (or Lailat al-Miraj) is the “Night of Ascent,” a sacred event in Islam commemorating the miraculous physical and spiritual journey of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The journey, which occurred on the 27th of Rajab, is divided into two distinct parts:
- Al-Isra (The Night Journey): The Prophet was taken from the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah to the Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem on a white, winged creature called the Buraq. In Jerusalem, he led all previous prophets in prayer.
- Al-Miraj (The Ascension): From Jerusalem, he ascended through the seven heavens. During this ascent, he met various prophets (such as Adam, Moses, and Jesus) and eventually reached the Divine Presence of Allah.
Why it Matters
- The Gift of Prayer: The most significant outcome for Muslims was the commandment of the five daily prayers (Salah).
- Spiritual Comfort: The journey took place during the “Year of Sorrow,” providing the Prophet with divine solace after the deaths of his wife, Khadijah (R.A.), and his uncle, Abu Talib.
- Sanctity of Al-Aqsa: The event established the spiritual importance of Jerusalem and Masjid al-Aqsa in Islamic faith.
Observance
Muslims often spend this night in Ibadat (worship), offering special prayers (Nawafil), reciting the Quran, and attending religious gatherings to reflect on the Prophet’s journey. In 2026, Shab-e-Meraj is expected to fall on or around January 16 or 17, depending on the moon sighting.