27th Rajab: The Night Journey (Al Isra wal Mi'raj)

Al Isra’ Wal Mi’raj – The night journey and ascension (27th Rajab*)

What is the story of Al Isra wal Mi’raj? 

The night journey and ascension of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which 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 Makka to Masjid Al-Aqsa. Mi’raj is the journey from Masjid Al-Aqsa to the heavens.

The 27th of Rajab* is believed to be the night in which the beloved Prophet ﷺ embarked on the famous night journey and ascension (Al Isra’ Wal Mi’raj), also known as ‘Isra and Mi’raj’ or ‘Shab-e-Meraj’.”

It was when the Prophet ﷺ 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 ﷺ 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 the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ 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 ﷺ with this miracle that significantly impacted the Prophet’s ﷺ life and Islam as we know it.

When is Al Isra’ wal Mi’raj (27th Rajab*) 2024?

The Gregorian date that coincides with 27th of Rajab* this year is 8th February 2024.

What is the significance of Al Isra’ wal Mi’raj (27th Rajab*)?

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 ﷺ was experiencing a period of great hardship and suffering.

His ﷺ beloved wife and the first Muslim, Khadijah (RA), passed away.

His ﷺ 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 which was 10 years after the Prophet ﷺ 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.

Celebrating Al Isra’ wal Mi’raj (27th Rajab*)

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 (PBUH)’s 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. 

Duas to read on Al Isra’ wal Mi’raj (27th Rajab)

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 on 27th Rajab*

Fasting during sacred months is given greater reward by Allah Almighty than fasting in the remainder 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 Isra and Mi’raj as a way of commemorating the blessed day and earning extra rewards. 

Virtues of the night of 27th Rajab*

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 Salaah. 

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 27th Rajab*, as well as offering naffal 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 greatly help us. 

For example, the blessed journey reminds us of the spiritual heavenly world which we cannot see, but which 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: 

*Please note that the exact date of Al Isra wal Mi’raj is debated and not conclusively agreed among all scholars.