The Gifts Of Mi’raaj(Part 1)

Bismihi Ta’ala
 *THE GIFTS OF MI’RAAJ(Part 1).*

Me’iraaj or the ascent of beloved holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) from Makkah via Jerusalem up to the seventh heaven is among the most miraculous phenomena of man’s history. During a part of one night, Allah Ta’ala has wanted that His beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw) should visit Jerusalem, the prophets, the heavens, Bait-ul-Ma’moor (the Kabah of heaven), Sidrat-ul-Muntaha (a gigantic and explicably marvelous tree) and finally hell and paradise. A journey into infinity travelled in a few hours! This is a reality which forms part of Islamic beliefs, since nothing is impossible for Allah Ta’ala.  

*OUR AQEEDAH ON MI’RAAJ*

 It is part of our Islamic beliefs that Me’iraaj or ascent of Prophet Muhammad (saw) took place in reality with body and soul. The Qur’anic verse clearly points to this fact: “Glory to (Allah) who did take His Servant for a journey by night from the Sacred Mosque to Masjidul Aqsa  whose precincts We did bless – in order that We might show him some of Our Signs: for He is the One Who hears and sees (all things).” (Al Israa: 1). The word ‘abd or servant used in the verse implies that the prophet Muhammad (saw) was in body and soul. Other accounts of dream of Me’iraaj confirm that other Me’iraajs in dream took place. 

 *DATE OF MI’RAAJ*

 There are accounts that the ascent took place during the night of 27th Rajab. It is noteworthy that the month of Rajab is among the four holy months of Hijri year: Zil Qa’dah, Zil Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab. Other narratives differ as to the (exact) date of Me’iraaj. The following months are mentioned in those narratives: Rabi ul Awwal, Rabi ul Akhir, Rajab, Ramadhaan, Shawwal and Zil Hijjah. (Al Zurqaani). According to Allamah Abdul Haq Dehlawi, the Me’iraaj took place either in the month of Ramadhan or in the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal. Although some ulamas still affirm that it was historically 27th of Rajab. Wallahu A’lam.  

*THE CELEBRATION OF 27th NIGHT*

 Since the sahabas never established any rites on 27th night, then there is no virtue if this night. And since the date of Me’iraaj is not authentically established, the 27th night of Rajab has no preferential status. Should Mi’raj may have happened during the 27th night of Rajab, then still it would had no superiority over the other nights. Rasouloullah Swalallahou Alaihi Wasallam and Sahabahs had no preferential virtues for that night. On the contrary, Hazrat Umar (ra) used to prevent people from fasting on 27th Rajab. There are absolutely no peculiar fast in respect of Mi’raj. On the other hand, it is an undisputed fact that Lailat-ul-Bara’ah, i.e. the 15th night of Shabaan, holds a significant importance in Islam. 


 Mufti Mackoojee