When did the Isra and Mi’raj start?
About Isra and Mi’raj Holiday
The holiday of Isra and Mi'raj celebrates the Prophet Muhammad's miraculous night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and then to Heaven. It's a special day to acknowledge the power of God's mercy and the love of the Divine.
Isra and Mi'raj marks the day when the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was taken by the angel, Gabriel, from the Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah to a place near the famous Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. It was from there that the Prophet Muhammad ascends to the heavens and received revelations, instructions, and insights into the laws of Allah. Muhammed's spiritual journey was intended to bring knowledge to all people from all nations.
Isra and Mi'raj encourages Muslims to remember that their faith is rooted in humility, faithfulness, obedience, and humility before Allah. On this day, Muslims are encouraged to perform righteous deeds, express gratitude for blessings, and ask for forgiveness for their sins. They may also take part in special Isra and Mi'raj lectures or other spiritual gatherings. Through reflection and prayer, it is hoped that these spiritual activities can bring people closer to Allah.
History and Origin of Isra and Mi’raj
Isra and Mi’raj is an important Islamic holiday, observed annually by Muslims around the world. It marks the miraculous journey taken by the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Jerusalem, and then up to the heavens.
The story of Isra and Mi’raj is found in the Koran and consists of two miraculous events that occurred during the same night. The first, Isra, is the journey from Mecca to Jerusalem. The second, Mi’raj, is the ascension and journey through the heavens that Muhammad undertook afterwards.
The origin of Isra and Mi’raj can be traced to the 7th century when Muhammad was forty years old. According to legend, Muhammad was visited by the angel Gabriel as he slept, and along with his faithful companion, the White Steed, he was taken from Mecca to Jerusalem. There, Muhammad was met by a large gathering of prophets at the Dome of the Rock, who gave Muhammad a throne of honor and bore witness to his prophethood.
From Jerusalem, Muhammad was then taken up to the heavens on the White Steed. After ascending through the seven heavens and beyond, he met Allah, the supreme being, who gave him the command to pray five times a day. Upon returning to Mecca, Muhammad was filled with love and joy for mankind.
Significance and Meaning of Isra and Mi’raj
For Muslims, Isra and Mi’raj are important events that demonstrate the power and glory of Allah. The holiday underscores the importance of faith and surrender to Allah. It also celebrates the privilege and honor bestowed upon Muhammad for his unwavering commitment to his faith.
In addition to its spiritual significance, Isra and Mi’raj is also seen as a guarantee of protection for faithful believers. Muslim tradition also holds that Muhammad’s journey was a sign of Allah’s grace and mercy, and a reminder of his promise to bring salvation to people who believe and obey him.
Traditions and Celebrations of Isra and Mi’raj
Isra and Mi’raj is celebrated annually on the 27th night of Rajab, the seventh month of the Islamic lunar calendar. On this night, Muslims around the world gather in mosques or homes to remember the event and offer special prayers. These prayers are often accompanied by recitations from the Koran and other special readings.
In some countries, Isra and Mi’raj is a major festival that is celebrated with parades and feasts. Large processions with colorful banners and flags are carried through the streets, while traditional food and sweets are shared among family and friends. In Egypt and Pakistan, special meals known as “nightfare” are cooked, including rice, lamb, dates, honey, nuts, and pudding. The food is then given away as gifts to those in need.
Geographical Spread of Isra and Mi’raj
Isra and Mi’raj is observed by millions of Muslims in countries around the world. It is celebrated most widely in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. It is also celebrated elsewhere, especially in countries that have significant Muslim populations, such as Turkey, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States.
Modern Day Observations of Isra and Mi’raj
In modern times, Isra and Mi’raj is observed with prayers, special feasts, and processions. Many Muslims attend special lectures and conferences to learn about the significance of the event. In some countries, charities and volunteer organizations give away food, clothes, and other items to those in need in honor of the holiday. Special gatherings of prayers and recitations of the Koran are also held in many places.
Interesting Facts and Trivia about Isra and Mi’raj
• Isra and Mi’raj is celebrated on the 27th night of Rajab, the seventh month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
• The first part of the event, Isra, is the journey from Mecca to Jerusalem on the White Steed. The second part, Mi’raj, is the ascension and journey through the seven heavens and beyond.
• Isra and Mi’raj is celebrated with prayers, processions, and feasts in many places around the world.
• According to Muslim tradition, the event was a sign of Allah’s grace and mercy, and a reminder of his promise to bring salvation to people who believe and obey him.
• In modern times, Isra and Mi’raj is also celebrated by giving away food and clothing to those in need.
How to Say "Isra and Mi’raj" In Different Languages?
- Arabic
- الإسراء والمعراج (ar-IQ)
- Arabic
- الإسراء والمعراج (ar-SA)
- Bangla
- আয়াত (bn-BD)
- Chinese
- 伊斯拉和米拉杰节 (zh-CN)
- Filipino
- Si Isra at si Miraj (tl-PH)
- French
- l'Isra et le Mi'raj (fr-FR)
- Hindi
- इस्रा एवं मीराज (hi-IN)
- Indonesian
- Isra dan Mi'raj (id-ID)
- Japanese
- イスラーとミラジ (ja-JP)
- Persian
- اسراء و میراج (fa-IR)
- Spanish
- Isra y Mi'raj (es-ES)
- Thai
- อิสระและมีราช (th-TH)
- Turkish
- İsra ve Mi'raj (tr-TR)
- Urdu
- اسراء اور میراج (ur-PK)
Isra and Mi’raj Also Called
The Isra and Mi'raj holiday is also referred to as Laylat al-Miraj, the Night of Ascension, or Al-Isra Wal-Miraj.Countries where "Isra and Mi’raj" is celebrated:
- :: Africa
- :: Algeria
- :: Libya
- :: Morocco
- :: Tunisia
- :: Asia
- :: Bangladesh
- :: Brunei Darussalam
- :: India
- :: Indonesia
- :: Malaysia
- :: Pakistan
- :: Europe
- :: Turkey
- :: Middle East
- :: Jordan
- :: Oman
- :: Saudi Arabia
- :: United Arab Emirates
FUN FACT:
In year 613 CE, Isra and Mi’raj is celebrated on January 27 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!
Sara Duterte on Isra Wal Mi’raj: Faith, dedication unite us amid diversity
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte said on Thursday that faith and dedication unite Filipino Muslims despite the differences in their lives. Duterte made her statement on the Muslim holiday of Isra Wal Mi’raj, or the celebration of the night journey and ascension of the Prophet Muhammad. READ: Marcos joins Muslim community in celebrating Isra Wal Mi’raj “The journey of Prophet Muhammad serves as a powerful reminder that despite the diversity in our lives, our faith and dedication unite us,” she said. “This invaluable lesson on the virtues of humility and trust remains timeless and relevant in our present times,” she added. Duterte also urged them to pray and hope for a life filled with divine grace. “To all…