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Al Isra wal Miraj is believed to be the night in which the beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) embarked on the famous night journey and ascension, also known as Shab-e-Miraj. The night is commemorated on the 27th of Rajab.
The night journey and ascension of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a miraculous occurrence during which he travelled from Makkah to Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem before ascending to heaven, all in one night. Isra’ is the night journey from Makkah to Masjid Al-Aqsa. Mi’raj is the journey from Masjid Al-Aqsa to the heavens.
While in Arabic, this is known as Al Isra’ Wal Mi’raj, in Bangla, Persian, Iranian, Pakistani and Indian dialects, this famous journey is sometimes referred to as Shab-e-Miraj, or, the Night of Miraj.
It was when the Prophet (PBUH) was first given the five prescribed daily prayers. He also led the other Prophets in prayer and met some of them. Many extraordinary sights were witnessed by the Prophet (PBUH) on this journey.
It was also a test of faith for the believers at the time and an opportunity for the true believers to shine.
The historical period when the night journey and ascension took place, was a period in which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was facing intense hardship and grief after the consecutive deaths of some of his dearest family members and supporters, whilst also facing the cruel rejection of the people of Ta’if. It is thought to have taken place one year before the Hijrah (migration) from Makkah to Madinah.
Allah (SWT) blessed the Prophet (PBUH) with this miracle that significantly impacted the Prophet’s (PBUH) life and Islam as we know it.
Exalted is He who took His Servant (Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) 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.
Qur’an | Surah Al-Isra | 17:1
The night of Al Isra’ wal Mi’raj is expected to fall on the evening of Friday 16th January 2026, depending on the sighting of the moon. The Gregorian date that coincides with the 27th of Rajab in 2026 is 17th January 2026.
The night journey (Al Isra’ wal Mi’raj) has many lessons and virtues for us to reflect on, especially in the lead up to the holy month of Ramadan.
The context in which it took place is crucial, as the Prophet (PBUH) was experiencing a period of great hardship and suffering.
His (PBUH) beloved wife and the first Muslim, Khadijah (RA), passed away.
His (PBUH) uncle Abu Talib, who was one of his greatest supporters against the Quraysh also passed away during that period in what became known as the Year of Sorrow. This was 10 years after the Prophet (PBUH) began to preach his message. He was also, cruelly rejected by the people of Ta’if around this time, who he had hoped to spread the message of Islam to.
After the Prophet (PBUH) was miraculously taken by night to the furthest mosque in Jerusalem, the people began to talk about it. Some of them renounced their faith and belief in him. They looked for Abu Bakr and they said, “Have you heard that your friend imagined he was taken by night to the sacred house?” Abu Bakr said, “Did he say that?” They said “Yes.” Abu Bakr said, “If he said it, then it is the truth.” They said, “Do you believe he went by night to the sacred house and returned before morning?” Abu Bakr said, “Yes. Verily, I believe something even more astonishing than that. I believe he has received revelations from heaven for everything he does.” For this reason, Abu Bakr was named the Truthful, al-Siddiq.”
Aisha (R.A) – from Dalā’il al-Nubuwwah of Bayhaqī 2/361
Many Muslims mark Al Isra’ wal Mi’raj as one of the most significant dates in the Islamic Calendar. Families celebrate the miracle of the Prophet’s (PBUH) ascension to the heavens and the blessings and gifts that were given on that special night, including the five daily prayers.
Some Muslim countries hold a national holiday to commemorate the blessed event. Families celebrate Al Isra’ wal Mi’raj by increasing their recitation of the Qur’an and Salawat, decorating their home or local mosque with lights, and gathering in groups to share food and hear the story of the night journey.
On any virtuous night like Al Isra wal Mi’raj, it’s important to increase our supplications to Allah, and to ask Allah to fulfil our needs and the needs of our Muslim brothers and sisters across the world.
It’s also important to pray nafl (optional) prayers, send salutations (Salawat) upon the Prophet (PBUH), and increase recitation of the holy Qur’an.
Fasting during sacred months is given greater reward by Allah, The Almighty, than fasting in the rest of the year. In a Hadith in which Ibn `Umar was asked whether the Prophet (PBUH) used to fast in Rajab. He said: “Yes, and he would ennoble it (the month of Rajab).”
Muslims choose to fast on the day of Al Isra wal Mi’raj as a way of commemorating the blessed day and earning extra rewards.
The night of Al Isra wal Mi’raj holds great spiritual significance for Muslims and is an extremely important event. It has a direct impact on our daily lives, as this was the night that the Prophet (PBUH) was commanded to establish Salah (prayer).
The miracle of Al Isra’ wal Mi’raj also shows us a glimpse of the infinite power and glory of Allah, what is beyond the unseen eye, and the dearness of the Prophet (PBUH) to Allah.
On the night of Al Isra wal Miraj (27th Rajab*), as well as offering nafl prayers, giving Sadaqah and increasing other forms of worship. It’s important to reflect on Al Isra wal Mi’raj and draw lessons from the blessed event which may help us greatly.
For example, the blessed journey reminds us of the spiritual heavenly world which we cannot see, but exists for righteous believers.
For those who may be experiencing a difficult period of time in their lives, Al Isra’ wal Mi’raj is a reminder of what Allah tells us in the Qur’an:
For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.
Quran [94:5-6]