Shab e Meraj (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 2026 date in saudi arabia
In Saudi Arabia, Shab-e-Meraj (also known as Isra and Mi’raj) in 2026 will be observed on the night of Friday, January 16, 2026.
When is Shab e Meraj 2026 in Bangladesh?
Shab-e-Miraj, also known as Isra and Meraj, is one of the most significant events in Islamic history. In 2026, the night of Shab-e-Miraj will be observed on Saturday, January 17, corresponding to the 27th Rajab 1447 in the Islamic calendar.
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.
Qur’anic Reference:
“Glory be to Him who took His servant by night from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa…”
(Qur’an 17:1)
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 that 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.
“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 in color, 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.
Shab-e-Meraj Shortest History
A Night of Divine Honor
The Prophet (PBUH) was experiencing deep sorrow from the passing of his beloved wife Khadijah (RA) and his uncle Abu Talib. During this difficult phase, Allah sent Angel Jibreel (AS) to take him on a miraculous journey that no human had ever experienced.
The Beginning of the Journey
The Purification of the Heart
Jibreel (AS) came to the Prophet (PBUH), opened his blessed chest, and washed his heart with Zamzam water to prepare him for the journey.
This event symbolizes spiritual strength and purity.
Riding the Buraq
The Prophet (PBUH) rode a miraculous white creature named Buraq.
Hadith Reference:
“I was brought al-Buraq, an animal white and long…”
— Sahih Bukhari
🔗 https://sunnah.com/bukhari
Isra: Journey from Makkah to Jerusalem
Stopping at Blessed Places
During the journey, Jibreel (AS) stopped at several holy sites. The Prophet (PBUH) prayed:
- Near the tree where Allah spoke to Musa (AS).
- At Mount Sinai, where the Torah was revealed.
- At Bethlehem, birthplace of Isa (AS).
- Near the grave of Musa (AS).
Each stop carried immense spiritual meaning.
Leading All Prophets in Prayer
Upon reaching Masjid al-Aqsa, the Prophet (PBUH) led all previous Prophets in Salah.
This was a sign of his leadership and superiority among all Prophets.
Mi’raj: The Ascension to the Heavens
After praying in Masjid al-Aqsa, the Prophet (PBUH) ascended with Jibreel (AS) to the heavens.
Prophet Muhammad’s Meetings in the Seven Heavens
The Prophets He Met
- First Heaven – Prophet Adam (AS)
- Second Heaven – Isa (AS) and Yahya (AS)
- Third Heaven – Yusuf (AS)
- Fourth Heaven – Idris (AS)
- Fifth Heaven – Harun (AS)
- Sixth Heaven – Musa (AS)
- Seventh Heaven – Ibrahim (AS)
Each Prophet welcomed him warmly.
Hadith Reference:
(Sahih Bukhari: 3027)
Al-Bayt al-Ma’mur (The Heavenly Kaaba)
The Prophet (PBUH) saw al-Bayt al-Ma’mur, where 70,000 angels worship daily and never return.
Hadith Reference:
(Sahih Bukhari: 3207)
Sidrat ul-Muntaha
This was the final boundary where no creation could go beyond—except Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Here, he received divine gifts.
The Gifts of Shab-e-Meraj
1. Salah (Five Daily Prayers)
Allah initially prescribed 50 prayers.
After the Prophet (PBUH) repeatedly requested ease for his Ummah, the number was reduced to five, with the reward of 50.
2. Last Verses of Surah Al-Baqarah
These verses are a powerful protection and blessing for the Ummah.
3. Forgiveness of Sins
Allah promised forgiveness for Muslims who do not associate partners with Him.
