Why do Muslims Celebrate Isra and Miraj?
Isra and Miraj, also known as Al Isra' wal Mi'raj in Arabic, is an event that holds immense importance in the Islamic tradition and is celebrated by Muslims around the world.
When is Isra and Miraj?
The night of the Isra and Miraj is observed on the 27th of Rajab, the seventh month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This year Isra and Miraj will fall on February 18th, 2023.
What is Isra and Miraj?
Isra and Miraj is a remarkable event in the life of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). The Isra and Miraj refer to the night journey and ascension of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Jerusalem and from there to the heavens, respectively. The events of Isra and Miraj are mentioned in the Quran and are celebrated by Muslims around the world.
Isra: The Night Journey
Isra refers to the journey of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Jerusalem during the night. According to Islamic tradition, the journey took place on a winged creature named Buraq, and the Prophet was accompanied by the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel).
He was then taken to the site of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, where he prayed two units of prayer “rak’aas”.
The Miraj: The Ascension
The Miraj, on the other hand, refers to the Prophet's ascension from Jerusalem to the heavens. According to Islamic tradition, the Prophet was taken to the heavens on Buraq, accompanied by the Angel Jibreel. The ascension took place in stages, and the Prophet met various prophets and angels at each level of heaven. In the first heaven, he met Adam, in the second heaven, he met Jesus and John the Baptist, in the third heaven, he met Joseph, in the fourth heaven, he met Idris, in the fifth heaven, he met Aaron, in the sixth heaven, he met Moses, and in the seventh heaven, he met Abraham.
The Significance of Isra and Miraj
At the highest point of the heavens, the Prophet was said to have met Allah (God) and received the commandment of performing five daily prayers for the Muslim community. This event highlights the significance of prayer in the Islamic faith and its role in connecting Muslims to their Creator.
The journey of Isra and Miraj is a testament to the strength and faith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and serves as an inspiration for Muslims to emulate the Prophet's qualities of determination, faith, and steadfastness. It also reinforces the idea of the continuity of the prophetic message and the unity of the Abrahamic religions.
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Celebrating Isra and Miraj
The events of Isra and Miraj hold great significance in the Islamic tradition and are celebrated annually by Muslims worldwide in different ways. The night of the Isra and Miraj is observed on the 27th of Rajab, and Muslims gather in mosques to offer special prayers and recite Quranic verses. Others mark the celebration at home by telling the story of prophet Muhammad's journey to children and reciting prayers throughout the night
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