The Blessed Journey of Shab e Miraj - 27th of Rajab, Fiqh (Islamic Law), islam, Islamic Creed, Learn Islam, quran, Rajab, Shab e miraj, Sunnah

The Blessed Journey of Shab e Meraj – 27th of Rajab

On the 27th day of Rajab (the seventh month in the Islamic calendar), people observe the Night Journey, also called Shab e Meraj, Isra, and Miraj or Al Isra wal Miraj. The literal translation of Shab e Miraj is “The Night of Ascent.” This occasion commemorates the night that the Prophet (S.A.W.) rose from Makkah’s Masjid Al-Haram to the heavens. The establishment of the mandatory prayer (Fardh Salah) for Muslims was one of the night’s greatest gifts.

Context and Significance:

About ten to twelve years after the Prophet (S.A.W.) received revelation from Allah, Isra and Miraj occurred. Due to the recent deaths of his uncle Abu Talib and his beloved wife Khadijah (R.A.), the Prophet (S.A.W.) was experiencing intense grief. However, by this fortunate journey, the Prophet (S.A.W.) was bestowed with direct touch with Allah throughout these trying times.

The Blessed Journey of Shab e Meraj:

There were two elements to Miraj’s amazing voyage. After traveling from Makkah (Kaaba) to Jerusalem (Masjid Al-Aqsa), Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) ascended to the sky by Allah’s will.

Jibrael (A.S.), the chief of all angels, appeared before the Prophet (S.A.W.) to begin the night. He then transported Muhammad (S.A.W.) from the Kaaba’s Masjid Al-Haram to Jerusalem’s Masjid Al-Aqsa. The Quran mentions this portion of the Prophet’s (S.A.W.) journey:

“He who escorted His servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have sanctified, to show him Our signs, is exalted. He is, in fact, the seeing and the hearing. (Surah Al-Isra 17:1)

The Prophet’s (S.A.W.) Ascension to Heaven:

Jibrael (A.S.) carried the Prophet (S.A.W.) to the heavens in the second section of Isra and Miraj. Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) visited all seven levels of heaven and the sky during his ascension. On each heaven, the following great prophets were encountered by the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.):

Bait Al-Mamur and Sidrat Al-Muntaha:

Al-Bait Al-Mamur, or Allah’s House beyond all heavens, was revealed to the Prophet (S.A.W.). Jibrael (A.S.) asked the Prophet (S.A.W.) about this location.

“Those who attend Al Bait-Al-Mamur, where 70,000 angels offer prayers every day, will never be able to attend this blessing again.”  (Sahih Bukhari: 3207)

Did the Prophet (S.A.W.) see Allah?

The Prophet (S.A.W.) was introduced to the Divine Presence and became as close to Allah as possible after crossing Sidrat Al-Muntaha, although he was unable to see Allah with his own eyes. The following hadiths also make this clear:

Aishah (R.A.) is claimed to have said, “If anyone tells you that Muhammad (S.A.W.) has seen his Lord, he is a liar, for Allah says: ‘No vision can grasp Him.'” (Surah Al-Anaam 6:103) (Sahih Bukhari: 7380) 

Ordination of Five Daily Prayers:

The Prophet (S.A.W.) and his Ummah were given 50 daily prayers during Allah’s Devine Presence. Prophet (S.A.W.) was on his way back after hearing this command from Allah, but Prophet Musa (A.S.) counseled him to ask Allah to lower the number because the Muslim Ummah would not be able to offer so many prayers. The Prophet (S.A.W.) repeatedly prayed to Almighty Allah until the number of prayers was reduced to just five. However, Allah has assured his loving Prophet (S.A.W.) that the reward for these five prayers will be equal to fifty prayers (SubhanAllah).

Gifts of Isra and Miraj:

During this auspicious journey, the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) received three gifts:

  • Five daily prayers (which equal the reward of fifty daily prayers). (Sahih Bukhari: 7517)
  • Concluding verses of Surah Al-Baqarah (Last Two Verses).
  • Allah’s assurance that the Ummah of Muhammad (S.A.W.) would have their sins forgiven, with the exception of those who perished while having partners with Allah  (Sahih Muslim: 173)

Prophet (S.A.W) was shown “Jannah” and “Jahannum.”

Angel Jibrael (A.S.) also brought the Prophet (S.A.W.) to Jannah (Paradise) and Jahannum (Hell) on this voyage of Miraj. During this visit, the Prophet (S.A.W.) witnessed both the blessings that the occupants of paradise would receive and the agony and torture that those who would go to hell would endure.

The Prophet’s (S.A.W.) Journey Back to Makkah:

The Prophet (S.A.W.) mounted Al-Buraq and returned to Makkah once his voyage was over. One night was dedicated to the Shab-e-Miraj.

Shab e Meraj is very important to Muslims all over the world. It is regarded as one of Allah’s most revered miracles, given only to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.).  Despite the religious significance of this voyage in Islam, neither the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) nor his Ummah ever observed it. Nonetheless, we can celebrate this momentous day by seeking Allah for His blessings, lending a hand to those in need, and carrying out the good actions that Allah and His Messenger (S.A.W.) have instructed us to perform.

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