Significance of Shab-e-Miraj in the Light of Surah Al-Isra
Shab-e-Miraj or Isra Night observed in the Holy Month of Rajab by Muslims all over the world. Every year on the night of 26thof Rajab according to the Islamic calendar, Muslims observe Shab-e-Miraj (Isra Night) in which the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) went on a special journey to meet the Creator of this Universe Allah Almighty, crossing seven skies on the heavenly animal named ‘Al-Buraq.’ The Isra Night is also mentioned in Holy Quran in these words: “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.” (Quran, 17:1)
The above-mentioned Surah was uncovered in the event of Mi’raj (Ascension). As per the Traditions and books on the life of the Holy Prophet (SAW), this occasion happened one year before Hijrah. Hence, this Surah is one of those which were uncovered in the last phase of Prophethood at Makkah.
Aisha (RA) reported: “After the Prophet (PBUH) was miraculously taken by night to the furthest mosque in Jerusalem, he awoke and told the people about it. Some of them renounced their faith and belief in him. They sought 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, he has spoken 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 what is even more astonishing than that. I believe he has received messages from heaven for everything he does.” For this reason, Abu Bakr was named the Truthful, al-Siddiq.” Source: Dalā’il al-Nubuwwah 680. Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Albani
Shab-e-Miraj means the night of “Ascendance”. The Isra Night is the blessed night when the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was carried to the heaven and He (PBUH) reached a high stage of nearness to Almighty Allah which is beyond ordinary human perception. In Shab-e-Miraj the chief angel Gabriel came to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with the heavenly animal “Al-Buraq”. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was first taken to from Masjid al-Haram, Makkah to Masjid al-Aqsa, Jerusalem. The miraculous journey then started and Prophet (PBUH) ascended to the skies to encounter another turning event in His life. First Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) traveled with extreme honor and respect to Bayt-ul-Muqaddas in no time where all the Prophet’s welcomed and honored Him with great respect.
The Isra Night or Shab-e-Miraj has so much significance because Allah Almighty blessed the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with His own sight. Allah Almighty Himself sent the Angel Gabriel-e-Ameen to call His last companion Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to blessed Him with His own sight. It is considered significant to worship on this Holy Night Isra. Furthermore, Shab-e-Miraj makes the belief of Muslims stronger because of miracles happened in Isra Night.
