Shab-e-Miraj is the whole phenomenon itself and described in detail in the Holy Quran. In the aspect, Isra and Miraj are the two phases of one night’s journey. Shab-e-Miraj carries greater importance in Islamic history. In this post, we will shed a light on the night of Miraj and present some details regarding it.
About Shab-e- Miraj
In the year 621 on 27th Rajab, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) traveled to Masjid al Aqsa in Jerusalem(Al-Quds) and then to Miraj by the grace of Almighty Allah. Our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) traveled on a winged white horse named Buraq. Islamic Scriptures explain the details of the Miracle of Miraj and its significance.
Shab-e- Miraj in the light of Al – Quran
سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَى بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلاً مِّنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الأَقْصَى الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ لِنُرِيَهُ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ البَصِيرُ
“Holy is He Who carried His servant by night from the Holy Mosque (in Makka) to the farther Mosque (in Jerusalem) – whose surroundings We have blessed – that We might show him some of Our signs. Indeed He alone is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.”
(Quran 17:1)
This Surah was revealed on the occasion of Mi’raj (Ascension). However, as per the books on the Holy Prophet’s life, Miraj happened one year before Hijrah. So this Surah was revealed in the last phase of Prophethood at Makkah.
Under this Surah, Allah SWT mentions how the scenes of Paradise and hell are shown to our Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) along with the rewards for well-doers and the punishments for sinners.
Shab-e-Miraj in the light of Hadith
Likewise different Hadiths highlight the significance of night of Miraj. One of the Hadiths mention:
Aisha 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
Overview of Shab-e-Miraj
Different books have mentioned various records of events that happened during the Miraj. Some of the books have similar aspects to each other.
It is written that Muhammad (SAW) rose into paradise with the blessed angel Gabriel and met various prophets at every one of the seven degrees of paradise. He firstly met with Adam (AS), John the Baptist and Jesus, Joseph, Idris, Aaron, Moses, and finally Abraham.
After meeting with all prophets, Muhammad (PBUH) proceeded to meet Allah without Gabriel. Here the angel Gabriel mentioned that if I will go ahead from this certain point then my wings will be burnt. In this night, one of the greatest gifts Allah SWT gives Muhammad (SAW) is prayers indeed.
The gift of prayers to the followers of Muhammad (SAW)
On this night, Allah discloses to Muhammad SAW that his followers must have to offer Namaz for 50 times each day. But when Muhammad (SAW) came back to Earth, he met Moses who advises Muhammad (SAW) to return to God and make a request to lessen the prayers as it would be difficult for followers to offer prayers 50times a day.
Muhammad SAW went between Moses and God several times until the prayers are decreased to the five prayers every day. Allah (SWT) mentioned remunerating these prayers tenfold. However, Muhammad (SAW) said that his devotees would even find it hard to pray five times a day. But Our Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was grateful to Allah (SWT) for making the prayers less than 50 times.
On the night of Miraj, Allah (SWT) answered an immense number of queries that exist inside the human mind. Our Almighty made Prophet Muhammad(SAW) traveled to heaven and hell without any means.
The Miracle of Miraj and all other miracles happened in the Shab-e- Miraj including the Quran and other signs are worth pondering over. In this night, Allah (SWT) showed signs to disbelievers as well to think and find the truth.
أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْآنَ أَمْ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبٍ أَقْفَالُهَا
Will they not, then, ponder over this Quran? – or are there locks upon their hearts?
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