Shab e Meraj, also known as Al-Isra Wal-Miraj or the Night of Miraj, narrates one of the most miraculous events in Prophet Muhammad's صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم life. This extraordinary journey unfolded during a challenging period when the Prophet صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم faced unrelenting ridicule and oppression from the Quraysh, his own tribe. Enduring the loss of dear ones added to his emotional trials.

In Meraj un Nabi, he صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم traversed the entire universe, meeting Allah, witnessing both heaven and hell and encountering all Holy Prophets and Messengers. The night of Shab e Miraj occurred at midnight of Monday, the 27th of Rajab, around the year 621. This divine experience brought solace and strength during a time of adversity.



Compelling History of Shab e Miraj
The importance of Shab e Meraj has always concerned Muslims. When the Prophet صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم went to Taif to spread the teachings of Islam, the people rejected him, treated him poorly, and even sent children to bother him, hoping he would leave the city. Despite the Prophet's صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم clear message, the people in Mecca refused to accept the concept of Tawhid.

Moreover, his best efforts, some close associates began to distance themselves. However, the Prophet's صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم unwavering spirit stayed strong. The time for acceptance came, but the Meccan unbelievers were still unwilling to embrace monotheism. Those who seemed supportive on the surface started causing separation.

Nevertheless, the Prophet's صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم spirit remained resilient. The clouds of sadness lifted when divine blessings appeared. He faced صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم numerous challenges, and the most precious gift from Allah, the "Miraj," brought relief.



The Profound Importance of Shab e Meraj
The Israa and Miraj refer to, two parts of a miraculous journey that Prophet Muhammad took in one night from Makka to Jerusalem and then an ascension to the heavens.

· Israa – First part of the night:

The event began with the Angel Jibreel علیہ السلام leading the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم to a white beast named Al Buraq, marking the beginning of their extraordinary journey towards Masjid Al-Aqsa. Along the way, the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم made significant stops, offering prayers to emphasize the importance of these places.

These stops included Madinah, Mount Sinai, Bethlehem, and the grave of Prophet Moses علیہ السلام. At Isra Night which is the special night, our beloved Prophet Muhammad صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم 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.

· Meraj – Second part of the night:

The Prophet Muhammad صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم second Ascension journey starts from Masjid al-Aqsa and is dedicated to exploring the hidden signs of nature, bringing the joy of witnessing Allah. Upon reaching the destination, preparations for a welcoming reception were already finished. The Isra and Meraj journey is beautifully described, portraying the divine reception in the heavenly realm of Prophethood. The Hadith of Isra and Miraj narrated in Sahih Bukhari by Hazrat Anas Bin Malik رَحْمَۃُ اللہِ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہ from Shareek ibn Abdullah includes the following towards the end: “The Holy Prophet صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم approached Sidratul-Muntahaa and came so close to the Glorious Lord that there was a distance of two bows or even less between them.” [Bukhari Sharif]

It involves encounters with prophets, a joyous atmosphere with angels, the adornment of the universe, the splendor of celestial bodies, a cosmic celebration involving the moon and sun, the elegance of heavenly maidens, and the formation of sacred ranks for greeting