As Muslim children, we’re told about the significance of Makkah and Madina, we feel a sense of closeness to these two Holy Places. Yet the godliness of Masjid al- Aqsa does n’t always get a significant citation which is why the 27th of Rajab is a date worth flashing back ! This date marks a trip that has no parallel in mortal history and portrays the power of Allah that’s beyond the midairs of mortal appreciation.

WHAT IS SHAB – E – MIRAJ?

Shab – e – Miraj, also known as Al- Isra Wal- Miraj and the Night of Miraj. These terms are used to portray one of the most miraculous gests that Allah had bestowed upon Prophet Muhammad( ﷺ). This inconceivable trip took place during a time when the Prophet( ﷺ) was facing violent difficulty and pain. His feelings were tested with the end of two of the most cherished people in his life. It all started when Angel Jibra’eel( as) woke the Prophet( ﷺ) up and led him to a white beast named Buraq and commenced his trip to Masjid Al- Aqsa. During Al- Isra Wal- Miraj, Jibra’eel( as) stopped the Buraq and told our cherished Prophet( ﷺ) to supplicate at several places to emphasise the significance of visiting the places in which Allah( SAWT) bestowed His bounties upon His pious people. From soliciting near the tree where Allah spoke to Musa, by soliciting on Mount Sinai, where Allah gave the disclosure of the Torah, the grave of Musa( as) and at Bethlehem, where Isa( as) was born. When eventually arriving in Masjid al- Aqsa, the Prophet( ﷺ) was informed that the soul of every Prophet transferred by Allah from the time of Adam to the time of Isa was brought to supplicate behind him, so that they would come to know the superiority, Prophet Muhammad( ﷺ).

THE SECOND PART OF THE NIGHT OF MIRAJ

During the alternate part of the Night of Miraj, Prophet Muhammad’s rose to the welkin withJibra’eel( as). During the ascent, he met eight prophets in the seven welkin. Each prophet saluted Prophet Muhammad( ﷺ) with, “ Welcome, O ’ pious Prophet and pious family! ”( Bukhari) When he eventually reached the loftiest position in the welkin, he was brought into the godly presence of Allah, alone at Sidratul Muntaha( a boundary beyond which none may pass) it was then that Allah gave this ummah the gift of mandatory Salah.

REFLECTING ON THE Assignments OF AL- ISRA WAL- MIRAJ

 The Prophet( aphorism) said, ‘ Rajab is the month of Allah, Sha‘ban is my month and Ramadan is the month of my Ummah ’.( Suyuti)