Shab e Meraj

WHEN IS SHAB E MIRAJ 2020

This year, Shab e Meeraj / Isra and Meraj 2020 is expected to be on the night of Saturday, March 21, 2020. However, exact date is subject to sighting of moon of Rajab, 1441.
The Night Journey, also known as Shab e Miraj, Isra and Miraj or Al Isra wal Miraj , is observed on 27th day of the month of Rajab (7th month of Islamic Calendar). Shab e Miraj literally translates to ?The Night of Ascent?. This event celebrates the night when the Prophet (S.A.W.) ascended to the Heavens from Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah. One of the great gifts of this night was that obligatory Prayer (Fardh Salah) was instituted on Muslims.
Similar to other events and occasions of the blessed life of our Prophet (S.A.W.), the Night Journey is a rich source of inspiration and lessons for the entire humanity.

BACKGROUND

Isra and Miraj took place approximately 10-12 years after Prophet (S.A.W.) received revelation from Allah. This was a time of great sorrow and grief for the Prophet (S.A.W.) because of the recent deaths of his beloved wife Khadijah (R.A.) and his uncle Abu Talib. However, in this difficult times, Prophet (S.A.W.) was honored with direct contact with Allah through this blessed journey.

STORY OF SHAB E MIRAJ

This miraculous journey of Miraj took place in two parts. First, Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) went from Makkah (Kaaba) to Jerusalem (Masjid Al-Aqsa) and then he (S.A.W.) was ascension to the heavens by Allah.
The night started off with leader of all Angels Jibrael (A.S.) appearing before the Prophet (S.A.W.). Subsequently, he took Mohammad (S.A.W.) from the Masjid Al-Haram (Kaaba) to the Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. This part of Prophet?s (S.A.W.) journey is mentioned in Quran:
Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing. (Surah Al-Isra 17:1)
The mode of transportation used for this commute in the middle of the night was an animal, similar to horse, called Al-Burraq which was sent by Allah from Jannah (Paradise). After riding this heavenly ride, he (S.A.W.) reached Masjid Al-Aqsa from Masjid al-Haram in just a second. On reaching Masjid Al-Aqsa, Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) realized that all the other Prophets, who came before him, were already present there. These Prophets includes Ibrahim (A.S.), Isa (A.S.), Musa (A.S.) and all other Prophets. Over here Mohammad (S.A.W.) led all of the Prophets in two Rakat prayer.
After that, two cups were brought to the Prophet (S.A.W.). One cup was filled with wine and other with milk. He (S.A.W.) looked at them and chose the milk. Jibrael (A.S.) said to him (S.A.W.):
?Praise be to Allah Who has guided you to the Fitrah (purity and innocence). If you have chosen the wine, your Ummah would have gone astray.? (An-Nasai: 5657)