When is Shab e Miraj 2025?

Shab e Miraj, also known as Isra and Miraj, is one of the most significant events in Islamic history. In 2025, Shab e Miraj is expected to fall on the night of Monday, January 27th, depending on the moon sighting of Rajab 1446, the seventh month of the Islamic calendar. As with all Islamic events tied to the lunar calendar, the exact date may vary across regions due to the moon’s visibility.

What is Isra and Miraj?

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.

The Background of Isra and Miraj

The journey of Isra and Miraj occurred about 10-12 years after Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) received his first revelation. During this period, the Prophet (S.A.W.) faced personal sorrow due to the deaths of his beloved wife, Khadijah (R.A.), and his supportive uncle, Abu Talib. In these trying times, the Prophet (S.A.W.) was honored by Allah with the miraculous night journey, where he received divine comfort and inspiration.

Story of Shab e Miraj

The journey began when Angel Jibrael (A.S.) appeared before the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) at Masjid Al-Haram. From there, they traveled on Al-Burraq, a heavenly steed, to Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. This journey is mentioned in the Quran:

“Exalted is He who took His Servant 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 Hearing, the Seeing.” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:1)

Upon arrival at Masjid Al-Aqsa, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) led all the previous prophets in prayer, including Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.), Prophet Musa (A.S.), and Prophet Isa (A.S.), among others.

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:

1. First Heaven: Prophet Adam (A.S.)
2. Second Heaven: Prophets Isa (A.S.) and Yahya (A.S.)
3. Third Heaven: Prophet Yusuf (A.S.)
4. Fourth Heaven: Prophet Idris (A.S.)
5. Fifth Heaven: Prophet Haroon (A.S.)
6. Sixth Heaven: Prophet Musa (A.S.)
7. 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. It was here that 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, and 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:

1. The concluding verses of Surah Al-Baqarah.
2. Allah’s assurance that the sins of the Muslim Ummah would be forgiven, except 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 around the world 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.

References:

• Sahih Bukhari: Hadith 3207, 7380, 7517
• Sahih Muslim: Hadith 173
• Surah Al-Isra 17:1
• Surah Al-Anaam 6:103