Shab e Meraj

June 22, 2024 سلسلہ عالیہ قادریہ بصیریہ رشیدیہ 674 Views 0 Comments

🌙 Shab e Meraj – The Night of Ascension (Al-Isra wal-Miraj)

Introduction: The Miraculous Night of Shab e Meraj

Shab e Meraj, also known as Al-Isra wal-Miraj or Meraj-un-Nabi ﷺ, is one of the most blessed and miraculous events in Islamic history. It marks the night journey and ascension of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ around the year 621 CE, on the 27th night of Rajab. During this extraordinary journey, the Prophet ﷺ was taken from Makkah to Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem (Isra) and then ascended through the seven heavens (Miraj), where he met previous Prophets, witnessed Jannah and Jahannam, and was granted the gift of five daily prayers (Salah) for the entire Muslim Ummah.

This event occurred during a time of hardship, loss, and rejection, bringing solace and strength to the Prophet ﷺ and reinforcing his mission as the final Messenger of Allah.

📜 Compelling History of Shab e Meraj

The journey of Isra and Miraj unfolded when Prophet Muhammad ﷺ faced deep sorrow: the Quraysh’s opposition, the painful rejection at Ta’if, and the passing of his beloved wife Khadijah (RA) and uncle Abu Talib. In this state of grief, Allah blessed His Messenger ﷺ with the divine journey of Meraj to honor him and strengthen his resolve.

Despite rejection from people, the Prophet ﷺ remained steadfast in Tawheed (Oneness of Allah). The gift of Meraj was a source of immense comfort, reminding him of Allah’s mercy and eternal support.

✨ The Profound Importance of Shab e Meraj

The Night of Ascension has two main parts:

1. Isra – The Night Journey

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was taken by Angel Jibreel (AS) on a heavenly steed called Al-Buraq from Masjid al-Haram in Makkah to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem.
Along the way, he stopped and offered prayers at blessed locations such as Madinah, Mount Sinai, and Bethlehem.
At Masjid Al-Aqsa, he ﷺ led all previous Prophets in prayer, signifying his leadership of all Messengers.

2. Miraj – The Heavenly Ascension

From Jerusalem, the Prophet ﷺ ascended through the seven heavens, meeting Prophets such as Adam (AS), Musa (AS), Isa (AS), and Ibrahim (AS).
He was shown Paradise and Hell, the rewards for the righteous, and the punishments for sinners.
At Sidrat al-Muntaha, the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary, the Prophet ﷺ came extremely close to Allah’s Divine Presence.
It was here that Allah prescribed 50 daily prayers, later reduced to 5 obligatory prayers, while retaining the reward of 50.

📖 Is Shab e Meraj Mentioned in the Quran?

Yes, the Quran references Al-Isra wal-Miraj:

Surah Al-Isra (17:1): “Glory be to Him 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…”
Surah An-Najm (53:8-9): Describes the Prophet’s ﷺ closeness to Allah during Miraj: “Then he drew near, and came down, till he was two bows’ length or nearer.”

These verses confirm the miraculous nature of Shab e Meraj.

🌙 Lessons and Spiritual Teachings of Meraj-un-Nabi ﷺ

Shab e Meraj offers timeless spiritual lessons:

Centrality of Salah (Prayer): The night established five daily prayers as the foundation of Muslim worship.
Patience in Trials: Despite hardships, Allah rewards steadfastness with honor.
Closeness to Allah: The journey emphasizes striving for spiritual nearness to Allah through worship and sincerity.
Unity of Prophets: Leading all Prophets in prayer highlighted Islam’s continuity with previous revelations.
Divine Power: The suspension of time and space illustrates Allah’s supreme control over the universe.

🌍 Cultural and Regional Celebrations of Shab e Meraj

Across the Muslim world, Shab e Meraj is commemorated with:

Special prayers (Nawafil) and Quran recitation
Masjid gatherings where scholars narrate the story of Isra and Miraj
Illumination of mosques and homes with lights
Charity, fasting, and acts of kindness
Dua for forgiveness and spiritual closeness to Allah

💡 Shab e Meraj Story: A Soulful Journey

The core message of Shab e Meraj is obedience, prayer, and trust in Allah. It teaches Muslims to remain patient, steadfast, and devoted to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Above all, the importance of Salah as a daily connection with Allah is the greatest gift of this blessed night.

✅ Conclusion

Shab e Meraj is a miraculous and spiritually significant event that continues to inspire Muslims worldwide. It connects Islam with Masjid Al-Aqsa, reinforces the importance of Salah, and reflects the mercy and power of Allah. The Night of Ascension reminds us that in moments of hardship, Allah’s support is closest.

Every year, Muslims commemorate the 27th of Rajab with devotion, prayers, and reflection, honoring the journey that reshaped Islamic worship and highlighted Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ elevated status.

❓ FAQs about Shab e Meraj

Q1: When is Shab e Meraj observed in 2025?
Shab e Meraj will be observed on the 27th night of Rajab 1446 AH, which falls on the night of Tuesday, February 25, 2025 (dates may vary by region).

Q2: What happened on Shab e Meraj?
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was taken from Makkah to Jerusalem (Isra) and then ascended to the seven heavens (Miraj), where he met Prophets, saw Paradise and Hell, and was commanded to establish daily prayers.

Q3: Is Shab e Meraj mentioned in the Quran?
Yes, in Surah Al-Isra (17:1) and Surah An-Najm (53:8-9).

Q4: What is the greatest lesson of Shab e Meraj?
The greatest lesson is the importance of Salah (five daily prayers) as the direct link between a believer and Allah.

Q5: How do Muslims celebrate Shab e Meraj?
By offering Nafl prayers, reciting Quran, sending Salawat (Durood) upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, giving charity, and attending gatherings that narrate the story of Isra and Miraj.