Significance of Shab-e-Miraj (Isra Night) in Islam
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)
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 Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) led the prayer of all Prophets in Bayt-ul-Muqaddas. Shab-e-Miraj is the night, in which Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) visited all the heavens and reached Sidra-tul-Muntaha where no one ever enters before even the Angel Gabriel-e-Ameen. At Isra Night which is the special night, our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was blessed with the special gift of fifty prayers by Allah Almighty, which was reduced to 5 daily prayers that we observed now and made compulsory for all Muslims. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was blessed with the special closeness to Allah (SWT) and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the One who saw the Creator of Universe in Shab-e-Miraj.
In another verse of the Holy Quran, the details about Isra and Miraj stated in these words: “While he was in the highest part of the horizon: Then he approached and came closer, and was at a distance of but two bow-lengths or (even) nearer; So, did (Allah) convey the inspiration to His Servant (conveyed) what He (meant) to convey. The (Prophet’s) (mind and) heart in no way falsified that which he saw. Will ye then dispute with him concerning what he saw? For indeed he saw him at a second descent. Near the Lote-tree beyond which none may pass: near it is the Garden of Abode. Behold, the Lote-tree was shrouded (in mystery unspeakable!) (His) sight never swerved nor did it go wrong! For truly did he see the Signs of His Lord the Greatest.” (Quran, 53:7-18)
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.
