What happend on shab-e-Meraj? | Shab e Meraj 2024

What is Shab e Meraj?

Meraj is one of the most momentous events of the life of prophet Mohammad (P.B.A.H). And the night of Meraj is also known as Shab e Meraj. In fact, Meraj is a succession of constantly happening events. Meraj is the holy incident of that night when Prophet Mohammad (P.B.A.H) was called by ALLAH to Heaven or Arsh. Hazrat Mohammad (P.B.A.H) also meet Allah on that night. In this article, we are going to discuss what is the importance of Shab-e-Meraj in Islam and when is Shab e Meraj 2024.

History of Shab e Meraj:

Shab e Meraj also recognized as Lailat al Miraj and Muslims called it the night of Miraj. Rendering to Islam, that night when Prophet Mohammad (SM) voyaged to the Arsh or haven in a divine way and met the almighty Allah is termed Miraj. Miraj has very significant importance in Islam. Through Miraj, Muslims get their 2nd pillar of Islam Namaz. Namaz is the 2nd pillar of the fifth pillar of Islam. That means the offering of Namaz is a must for all Muslims. In Miraj Prophet Mohammad (SM) gets the teaching about the Namaz from Allah, which means we have to pray salat (Another name of Namaz) five times daily. In this journey, Angel Ziberail goes with Hazarat Muhammad S.A.W.

Importance of Shab e Meraj in the light of the Quran:

According to ayats of the Quran, in Sura Bani-Israel Allah Almighty says-

“Magnificence to (Allah) Who did take His Servant for Expedition by night from the Holy Mosque to the Farthest Mosque. We did bless so that We might display him (Prophet S.A.W) some of Our manifestations. As Allah is the one Who heareth and sees (all things).”  (17:1)

Shab e Meraj date 2024

Shab e Meraj date is in the Islamic month Rajab. Rajab is also known as the Month of Allah. According to the English calendar, the Shab e Meraj date is on the 7^th of February.

Shab e Meraj complete story:

The complete story of Shab e Meraj relies on consists of two parts. i.e., Isra and Miraj. Though, the Miraj is said to be the night of Rising. So, the whole story is as follows;

I. Al-Isra (Kaaba to Al-Aqsa) 

Once upon a time when Hazrat Muhammad S.A.W was sleeping. The angel of Allah Gabriel came beside His bed and requested the prophet, Muhammad S.A.W, to wake up and requested him to travel with him on the snowy beast i.e., Buraq. Then Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) followed the commands of Hazrat Jibrail. After they traveled on the white being towards Al-Quds i.e., Jerusalem.

However, this expedition from Ka’bah to Al-Aqsa was sustained with several short intervals at some places. The first stop where the angel Gabriel stands the Buraq at Madinah was the first place of relocation. At that place, the Angle asked Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) to pray there. Afterward, they moved to their subsequent stop at Mount Sinai, where Allah Almighty revealed a book that is Torah to Musa (A.S). Likewise, the 3rd step where angel Gabriel and prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) stopped was Bethlehem.

It is the place where Isa (A.S) was born. The 2nd last place where both of them stopped was the grave of Musa (A.S) that is A stone’s throw. Finally, the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) reached Masjid al-Aqsa. The moment he reached; Gabriel (AS) instructed him to come to the mosque where he was required to lead a prayer to the 124000 prophets on this blessed day with this space. Therefore, the travel ends here which is recognized as the Isra.

II. Miraj: The journey from Masjid e Aqsa to Skies

As soon as the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) offered the prayer, then he rose to the skies. He didn’t only watch numerous miraculous sights along with unlimited angels there but he also met with several past prophets. Besides this, during the expedition of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), he was greeted with unexpected eagerness and happiness. Thus, he was pleased because of this night. It is somehow quite difficult to imagine the emotional state of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) when he met with his blood brother, who left because of the problems and trials. However, the prophet was greeted with warmness and love. So, they all Welcomed him. In Bukhari Sharif, it was also described that he has welcomed like this, O virtuous Prophet and Virtuous brother by other prophets. Conversely, he was greeted by Adam (A.S) and Ibrahim (A.S) as the “virtuous son.”

Besides this, the loveliest scenery which was brought to Prophet S.A.W at the end of the journey was the presence of Divine. It was incredible to imagine the scene that was happened when he was blessed with this lovely gift. So, it could be said that how decent prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was who could get this chance, which was never given to any of the former prophets.

Also, it was the inordinate night for the Muslim Umah, who was blessed with the 50 times prayer, which was requested to lessen to 5 times a day. Prayer is the basis of strength that helps us to talk with Allah and make a close step towards Allah directly. So, it was an unparalleled gift that was awarded to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) for his ummah.

The return of Prophet to Home

As soon as Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) met with other prophets and saw the loveliness of heaven, he then returned to Al-Aqsa then to Makkah. Though, he saw different caravans which were taken place throughout his travel thus he can prove his astounding journey towards Al-Aqsa and to the skies. Though, it was incredible for people that this long route can be conceded in a single night as the miraculous journey of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) took place in a single night.

Therefore, this incredible story which took place at night will remain a wonder and hope for all Muslims. Hence, it was the night when the prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) was honored to travel to paradise. Similarly, he was welcomed into the Divine Presence.

Discussion with People:

After the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) was returned to Makkah. Then he discussed the whole event with the people around him. Most of the non-believers raised numerous questions from the Prophet. The disbeliever asked to Holy Prophet S.A.W that if you are saying all truth, then define the look and surroundings of Masjid Al Aqsa. They asked this question because the prophet didn’t go there before that night. Then the entire description was stated by Prophet S.A.W.

First, the Prophet (S.A.W) talked about the caravans he had passed on the way home. Alternatively, the Jabir Bin Abdullah re-counted that he listened to the Prophet of Allah, who was saying that when Quresh were not doing belief over me, then I raised up in Al Hijr where Allah put the Jerusalem in front of my eyes and then I started describing the Quraysh accurately.

The prophet S.A.W also described that when I was coming back from this journey, I was watching a few of your sheepherders who were grazing their animals at few specific locations. Likewise, they were also looking for the camel they lost there. Moreover, the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also defined the features of the camel. However, they became astonished when their sheepherder came back and told them whatsoever prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) told them.

However, the swearers in Makkah who were refuting acknowledged the description of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) were still remained stubborn and denied from accepting Islam. It can also be said that this magnificent night cannot change the mind of somebody because people are still incapable to get the point. So, their belief is still grieving of the blessing of God.

How Shab e Meraj is important for Muslims?

This magnificent event has become an important day for the Muslims as we are the ummah of this Prophet, who is also honorable for Allah Almighty. However, this night delivers the best lesson as it has offered us to do worship, Allah. Also, one who offers prayer can be closer to Allah.

How to pray on Shab e meraj?

There is no specific method is described in Quran and Hadiths. But Muslims are advised to recite Quran and Darood-sharif on this magnificent night. There are some specific ways of offering prayers devised by Ulma which are as follows;

Nawafil of Shab-E-Meraj

1) 6 Rakaats Nawafil

Method: Recite Surah Fateha one time and Surah Ikhlas 7 times in each rakaat after finishing recite Darood-e-Paak 50 times.
Benefits: By reading this the needs of this world and hereafter will be fulfilled and 70 thousand sins will be forgiven, Insha Allah.

2) 10 Rakaats Nawafil

Method: Recite Surah Fatiha one time and Ayat ul Kursi 3 times and Surah Ikhlas 5 times in each rakaat

Fasting on this day:

Fasting on this day is not mentioned in any of the Hadith of Holy Prophet S.A.W and Sahab Karam R.A.

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