Introduction to Al Isra wal Miraj
Every year on the 27th of Rajab, Muslims commemorate Al Isra wal Miraj, also known as Shab e Miraj in Bangla, Persian, Pakistani, and Indian dialects. This extraordinary night marks a profound turning point in Islamic history when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was transported from the holy precincts of Makkah to Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, and then carried beyond the skies into the very presence of the Divine.
Isra’—From Makkah to Masjid Al-Aqsa
In the first stage, Isra’, the Prophet was mounted on the celestial steed Buraq, traversing the vast distance from the Holy Kaʿbah in Makkah to Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem in a single, breathtaking night. This astonishing voyage was not merely a demonstration of divine power, but a poignant reassurance to the early Muslim community that they were never alone in their trials.
Mi’raj—Ascension Through the Seven Heavens
Upon reaching Al-Aqsa, the second phase Miraj began. Accompanied by the Jibril, the Prophet ascended through each of the seven heavens, encountering indescribable marvels at every level. These encounters offered a glimpse of Allah’s majestic creation and affirmed the reality of life beyond this world.
Bestowal of the Five Daily Prayers
Midway through the ascension, Allah decreed the five daily prayers (Ṣalāh) the very heart of Muslim worship. Originally set at fifty, the number was compassionately reduced to five while preserving the full spiritual reward. Thus emerged:
- Fajr (pre-dawn)
- Zuhr (midday)
- ‘Asr (afternoon)
- Maghrib (sunset)
- ‘Isha (night)
Encounters with Previous Prophets
As he journeyed skyward, the Prophet (PBUH) met and led in prayer earlier messengers—Adam, Yahya, Yūsuf, Idris, Hārûn, Mūsā, and Ibrāhīm. These heartfelt reunions underscored the unity of the prophetic mission and the timeless thread of divine guidance.
Significance for Early Believers
For the fledgling Muslim ummah, Shab e Miraj was both miracle and crucible a test of faith. Those who wholeheartedly embraced the reality of this night solidified their devotion; those who doubted were confronted with evidence of a power far beyond human measure. In their steadfast response, believers found renewed courage.
Historical Context: Hardships Before Hijrah
This pivotal event unfolded against a backdrop of profound hardship: the Prophet had suffered the loss of beloved family members and loyal companions, and faced the bitter rejection of Ta’if’s inhabitants. Islamic historians place the night of Isra’ and Mi’raj one year before the Hijrah, the migration to Madinah, when the early community clung to faith amid adversity.
Commemoration on 27 Rajab
Today, Muslims around the world honor Shab-e-Miraj through:
- Night prayers (Tahajjud) held in mosques or at home
- Recitations of Qur’anic verses and hadiths recounting the journey
- Study circles reflecting on its lessons of mercy, perseverance, and divine grace