Shab e Meraj 2025 (The Night of Ascension) is a sacred night in Islam, marking the miraculous journey of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through the heavens. The 27th night of Rajab includes the Isra, where the Prophet traveled from Mecca to Jerusalem, and the Meraj, his ascension through the seven heavens to the divine presence of Allah. This night emphasizes the unity of faiths, the significance of Salah (prayer), and the spiritual connection between humans and their Creator. Muslims observe it with worship, prayer, and reflection, seeking Allah’s blessings and guidance.
Shab e Meraj 2025
What is Isra and Meraj?
Shab e Miraj, meaning The Night of Ascent, is the night when Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) was taken from Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah to Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, and from there ascended to the heavens by the command of Allah. This miraculous journey is described in two parts: Isra (the night journey from Makkah to Jerusalem) and Miraj (the ascension to the heavens). This blessed journey holds immense spiritual significance as it was during this event that the five daily prayers were ordained for the Muslim Ummah, making it a cornerstone of Islamic worship.
Significance
Shab-e-Miraj (The Night of Ascension) is one of the most spiritually significant nights in the Islamic calendar, commemorating the miraculous journey of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through the heavens. This extraordinary event, believed to have occurred on the 27th night of the Islamic month of Rajab, holds profound importance for Muslims worldwide.
The event is described in Islamic tradition as taking place in two phases: Isra and Miraj. During the Isra, the Prophet (PBUH) was taken from the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) in Mecca to the Farthest Mosque (Masjid al-Aqsa) in Jerusalem on the celestial steed Buraq. This journey symbolizes the unity of the Abrahamic faiths and the sanctity of Jerusalem in Islam.
The second phase, Miraj, marks the Prophet’s ascension to the heavens. Guided by the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel), he journeyed through the seven heavens, meeting earlier prophets like Adam, Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), and Isa (Jesus). Finally, he reached the divine presence of Allah at Sidrat al-Muntaha (the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary). During this sacred meeting, the five daily prayers (Salah) were prescribed for the Muslim community, emphasizing the event’s lasting spiritual and practical significance.
Shab-e-Miraj is an occasion for deep reflection, worship, and gratitude. Muslims engage in prayers, recitation of the Quran, and acts of devotion, seeking Allah’s blessings and forgiveness. The night reminds the faithful of the boundless mercy of Allah, the importance of Salah, and the spiritual journey each believer undertakes to grow closer to the Creator.
Shab e Meraj History
It was the deep of night. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was lying down in the vicinity of the Hatim of the Ka’bah, near the Black Stone. At that time, the angel Jibreel (peace be upon him) came, opened the Prophet’s chest, and purified it with water from the Zamzam well, contained in a golden vessel filled with faith. Some narrations mention that it was washed with faith itself.
This extraordinary event had occurred once before in the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him) when he was a child in the house of his foster mother, Halimah. Scholars believe his heart was purified to strengthen it, as he was about to witness things so overwhelming that an ordinary person might lose their mental balance.
سُبْحَـٰنَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَسْرَىٰ بِعَبْدِهِۦ لَيْلًۭا مِّنَ ٱلْمَسْجِدِ ٱلْحَرَامِ إِلَى ٱلْمَسْجِدِ ٱلْأَقْصَا ٱلَّذِى بَـٰرَكْنَا حَوْلَهُۥ لِنُرِيَهُۥ مِنْ ءَايَـٰتِنَآ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْبَصِيرُ ١
“Glory be to Him who took His servant (Muhammad) by night from Al-Masjid Al-Haram to Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.” Surah Al-Isra (17:1)
Sahih al-Bukhari (Volume 4, Book 54, Hadith 429)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Then he (Jibreel) took me to the heavens, and we ascended to the lowest heaven…”
After this, Jibreel (peace be upon him) brought a creature to him. It was larger than a donkey but smaller than a mule, radiant white, and known as “Al-Buraq.” This steed was presented for the Prophet’s journey. Accompanied by Jibreel (peace be upon him) and, according to some reports, Mika’il (peace be upon him), the Buraq began its journey.
“The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ‘I was brought al-Buraq, an animal white and long, larger than a donkey but smaller than a mule, which would place its hoof at a distance equal to the range of its vision.’”
Jami` at-Tirmidhi (Hadith 3133)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) described the speed of Buraq as beyond the reach of sight. This speed surpassed even modern technology. However, there are differing views about Buraq, with some believing it could fly. In truth, Buraq did not fly but ran from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa. It was a unique creature unlike any we have ever seen.
“While he was in the highest part of the horizon. Then he approached and came closer, and was at a distance of two bow lengths or nearer. And He revealed to His servant what He revealed. The heart did not lie [about] what it saw. So will you dispute with him over what he saw? And he certainly saw him in another descent, at the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary – near it is the Garden of Refuge – when there covered the Lote Tree that which covered [it]. The sight did not swerve, nor did it transgress [its limit]. He certainly saw of the greatest signs of his Lord.”
During the journey, the Prophet (peace be upon him) encountered an elderly woman, a calling object, and a creature that greeted him with salaam. He prayed at three locations along the way: the first in Madinah, which he was told would be his place of migration; the second at Mount Sinai, where Musa (peace be upon him) spoke with Allah; and the third in Bayt al-Maqdis, where ‘Isa (peace be upon him) was born. At Bayt al-Maqdis, the Buraq was tethered to a ring used by all the Prophets.
Then the call to prayer was made, and Jibreel (peace be upon him) appointed the Prophet (peace be upon him) as the imam. All the Prophets, from the beginning of creation to its end, prayed behind him. The Prophet (peace be upon him) described seeing Musa (peace be upon him), who resembled the Shanu’ah tribe in appearance, tall and well-built. He also saw ‘Isa (peace be upon him), who had a reddish complexion, slightly wet hair, and a shorter stature than Musa (peace be upon him). Lastly, he saw Ibrahim (peace be upon him), whom he described as resembling himself closely.
Jibreel (peace be upon him) then presented two vessels to the Prophet (peace be upon him), one containing milk and the other wine. Note that wine had not yet been prohibited at this time. Jibreel (peace be upon him) instructed him to choose for himself and his ummah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) chose milk, to which Jibreel (peace be upon him) remarked, “You have chosen the best for yourself and your ummah.” This marked the end of the first part of the journey.
Sahih Muslim (Book 1, Hadith 309)
“The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was brought a vessel of wine and a vessel of milk. He chose the milk, and Jibreel said, ‘You have chosen the fitrah (natural disposition).’”
The second journey, known as Mi’raj, then began. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said the heavens were opened for him, and he ascended with Jibreel (peace be upon him). With all its wonders, the universe belongs to the nearest heaven, as stated in Surah al-Mulk (67:5): “We have adorned the nearest heaven with lamps.” Beyond this, the heavens are vast and unimaginable, and no one can access them without Allah’s permission.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) met Adam (peace be upon him) at the first heaven, who greeted him with salaam and said, “Welcome, O pure son, O pure Prophet.” He then ascended to the subsequent heavens, meeting various Prophets: Yahya (peace be upon him), ‘Isa (peace be upon him), Yusuf (peace be upon him) – whom the Prophet (peace be upon him) said was given half of all beauty – Idris (peace be upon him), Harun (peace be upon him), Musa (peace be upon him), and finally Ibrahim (peace be upon him) at the seventh heaven, leaning against al-Bayt al-Ma’mur. Each Prophet greeted him and honored him.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that he prayed at al-Bayt al-Ma’mur, where seventy thousand angels perform tawaf daily, never to return.
Spiritual Insights of Isra and Miraj
The journey of Isra and Miraj holds profound spiritual insights that transcend its miraculous nature, offering timeless lessons for personal and communal growth in faith. This extraordinary event reflects the depths of divine wisdom, the elevation of the human soul, and the centrality of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a spiritual guide for humanity.
1. Unity of Faiths and the Connection to Prophetic Tradition
The Isra, from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa, symbolizes the spiritual and historical connection among the Abrahamic faiths. By leading the prayers with previous prophets during this journey, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) affirmed Islam’s role as the culmination of earlier divine revelations, emphasizing the unity and continuity of God’s message to humanity.
2. The Infinite Mercy of Allah
The journey represents Allah’s boundless mercy, as the Prophet (PBUH) was honored with this experience during a challenging period in his life, following the Year of Sorrow. This highlights how Allah provides solace and reassurance to His servants in moments of difficulty, encouraging unwavering trust in divine wisdom.
3. Elevation Through Worship
The Miraj, or ascension to the heavens, underscores the transformative power of worship. The Prophet’s direct communication with Allah serves as a reminder that Salah (prayer), gifted during this event, is a means of spiritual ascension for all believers, connecting them to their Creator and elevating their souls beyond worldly confines.
4. Stages of Spiritual Growth
The journey through the seven heavens reflects the stages of a believer’s spiritual growth. Meeting different prophets symbolizes the diverse aspects of faith, such as patience, gratitude, sacrifice, and submission, guiding believers on their path to self-purification and closeness to Allah.
5. The Central Role of Salah
The prescription of the five daily prayers during Miraj highlights the foundational role of Salah in a Muslim’s life. It serves as a direct link to Allah, a constant reminder of His presence, and a tool for self-discipline and spiritual renewal.
6. Understanding the Temporal and Eternal
Isra and Miraj demonstrate the interconnectedness of the earthly and heavenly realms. It encourages believers to balance their worldly responsibilities with their spiritual aspirations, recognizing that true success lies in aligning one’s life with divine purpose.
7. Hope and Resilience
This event teaches resilience in the face of trials. Just as the Prophet (PBUH) was spiritually uplifted after facing hardships, believers are reminded that challenges are temporary and often lead to greater spiritual rewards and closeness to Allah.
The Isra and Miraj inspire Muslims to seek deeper spiritual understanding, strengthen their connection to Allah, and embody the values of patience, unity, and devotion in their daily lives.
Prophet’s Ascension to Heavens
Following the prayer at Masjid Al-Aqsa, the second phase of the journey began as the Prophet (S.A.W.) ascended through the seven heavens, meeting notable prophets at each level:
- First Heaven: Prophet Adam (A.S.)
- Second Heaven: Prophets Isa (A.S.) and Yahya (A.S.)
- Third Heaven: Prophet Yusuf (A.S.)
- Fourth Heaven: Prophet Idris (A.S.)
- Fifth Heaven: Prophet Haroon (A.S.)
- Sixth Heaven: Prophet Musa (A.S.)
- Seventh Heaven: Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.)
At the highest point, the Prophet (S.A.W.) was shown Al-Bait Al-Mamur, a house of worship for the angels, and reached Sidrat Al-Muntaha, the boundary beyond which no creation may pass. Here, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) was brought closest to Allah but did not see Him directly, as mentioned in Hadiths narrated by Aishah (R.A.).
The Ordination of Five Daily Prayers
During this journey, Allah initially ordained fifty daily prayers for Muslims. However, on the advice of Prophet Musa (A.S.), Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) repeatedly requested Allah to reduce the number. Eventually, they were reduced to five, with the promise that these five prayers would hold the reward of fifty.
Gifts of Isra and Miraj
Aside from the gift of the five daily prayers, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) was also given two other significant gifts:
- The concluding verses of Surah Al-Baqarah.
- Allah’s assurance that the sins of the Muslim Ummah would be forgiven, except for those who die associating partners with Allah.
The Prophet’s Return to Makkah
After completing this miraculous journey, the Prophet (S.A.W.) returned to Makkah the same night. The next day, he shared his experience with the people of Makkah. While many disbelievers mocked the Prophet (S.A.W.), his close companion Abu Bakr (R.A.) affirmed the truth of his account, earning him the title As-Siddiq (the Truthful).
Conclusion
Shab e Miraj is a miraculous event that holds deep significance for Muslims worldwide. Although the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) did not celebrate this night, it is a time for reflection, prayer, and seeking Allah’s blessings. Muslims worldwide commemorate the Night of Ascension by performing good deeds, offering extra prayers, and remembering the profound lessons derived from this sacred journey. By focusing on the deeper meaning and spiritual lessons of Isra and Miraj, believers strengthen their connection with Allah and gain insights into the importance of worship and the Prophet’s (S.A.W.) role as a guide for humanity.
