Laylat-ul Miraj is observed on the 27th night of Rajab, the seventh month of Islamic lunar calendar. This is the blessed night when Prophet Muhammad (SAW) performed the miracle of miraj at the age of 52 years. Miraj is an Arabic noun derives from the root “uruc” that means “to ascent”. In this respect Miraj refers to the instrument of ascending of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from earth to the heavens. Since in his hadiths concerning the miracle of Miraj, the blessed Prophet (SAW) used the expression “u’rice bi” meaning “I was ascended”, this miracle has been called as “miraj”. Miraj is the greatest miracle manifested to the dwellers of the heaven (ahl al sama) which the blessed Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was ascended to the heaven, left behind all the universe, met with Allah the almighty without any barriers, saw his infinite beauty, heard his word and was honoured to have a conversation with him. This great miracle is explicitly stated in the holy Quran, in the first ayah of Surah al Isra. However, an exact date relating lailat al Miraj is not mentioned neither in the ayah (just like Night of Qadr mentioned in the ayah, but its exact date is not) nor in the hadith. Nevertheless, the Muslim ummah, justifiably, gives great importance to this very blessed night which the Almighty Allah bestowed his Prophet (SAW) the most remarkable honor with his unique beauty (Jamal) and his word. Yes, the ummah legitimately proud of Lailat al Miraj, because Allah the almighty not only honored his prophet (SAW) but also honored his ummah by bestowing them five daily prayers which none of the previous ummahs were given. So, although the exact date of Miraj is not mentioned in the hadith, there is a considerable amount of hadiths about worshipping on the 27th of Rajab which is generally accepted as Lailat al Miraj by most of the scholars.
Among the messages of Isra’ wal mi’raj is about being motivated, being Allah-conscious, being positive. Never let the negativity of others ever prevent us from being positive. The lesson of mi’raj is never to lose hope even in the darkest hour.
Regarding the narrations which are placed in honorable books of distinguished scholars, the Muslim ummah- generally- spend the 27th of Rajab with thankfulness to Almighty Allah. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Whosoever performs 12 rakahs of salah on the 27th night of Rajab, recites Fatihah and a surah from Quran, gives salam in every two rakats and asks Allah (swt) for forgiveness reciting “Subhanallahi wa-lhamdulillahi wa la ilaha illallahu wa-llahu akbar ”100 times after salah and then sends salutations onto the Prophet 100 times, if he prays and also intends to fast in the morning, his prayers about whatever he wishes of this world or of the hereafter will be accepted unless he prays for a sin.” (Bayhaqi: Shuab al Iman: 3531; Suyuti: Kanz al-Ummal: 35170). It is said that to err is human and to forgive is divine. Both parts of this statement are very true. As human beings we are responsible, but we do also make mistakes and are constantly in need of pardon/forgiveness. Islam emphasizes the manifestation of justice; which includes punishment of the wrong doers; but it equally emphasizes mercy, kindness, forgiveness and love. “If you pardon, reconcile and forgive;
(know that) surely Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Q 64:14]. The poet-philosopher of Islam, ‘Allamah Iqbal wrote
SABAQ MILA HAY YE MIRAJ-E-MUSTUFA SE MUJHE
KE ‘ALAM-E-BASHARIYAT KI ZAD ME HAY GARDON
The lessons I learnt from the story of mi’raj of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is that the heights of the universe is within the reach of humankind. Among the messages of Isra’ wal mi’raj is about being motivated, being Allah-conscious, being positive. Never let the negativity of others ever prevent us from being positive. The lesson of mi’raj is never to lose hope even in the darkest hour.
