The short answer: Shab-e-Miraj is the night of al-Isra wal-Mi'raj, when the Prophet ﷺ was taken from Makkah to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem (the *Isra*) and then raised through the heavens (the *Mi'raj*), where the five daily prayers were made obligatory. It is popularly marked on the 27th of Rajab, but no authentic narration fixes its date, and there is no authentic hadith for a special fast on that day. Voluntary fasting in Rajab in general is permissible.
The Night Journey in the Quran
The journey is mentioned in Surah Al-Isra: "Glory be to the One who took His servant by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him some of Our signs" (17:1). Surah An-Najm (53:13–18) describes what the Prophet ﷺ saw at the *Sidrat al-Muntaha*, the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary.
The story, from the Sahih narrations
- The Buraq: the Prophet ﷺ was brought the Buraq, a white riding animal whose every stride reached as far as its eye could see, and rode it to Jerusalem (Muslim).
- Leading the prophets in prayer: at Masjid al-Aqsa he led the prophets in prayer (Muslim).
- Milk or wine: he was offered a cup of milk and a cup of wine and chose the milk; Jibril said he had chosen the *fitrah*, the natural way (Bukhari and Muslim).
- The seven heavens: with Jibril he ascended through the heavens, meeting prophets at each level (Bukhari and Muslim).
| Heaven | Prophet(s) met |
|---|---|
| First | Adam |
| Second | Yahya and 'Isa |
| Third | Yusuf |
| Fourth | Idris |
| Fifth | Harun |
| Sixth | Musa |
| Seventh | Ibrahim, leaning against al-Bayt al-Ma'mur |
- The Lote Tree and Paradise: he reached the Sidrat al-Muntaha and was shown Paradise and the Fire (Bukhari and Muslim).
The gifts of that night
- The five daily prayers: fifty prayers were first prescribed. On Musa's advice the Prophet ﷺ returned and asked for a reduction several times, until they became five, with the reward of fifty (Bukhari and Muslim).
- The closing verses of Surah Al-Baqarah (see the last two verses of Al-Baqarah).
- Forgiveness of major sins for those of his ummah who die without associating anything with Allah (Muslim).
Abu Bakr "as-Siddiq"
When the Prophet ﷺ told the Quraysh about the journey the next morning, many mocked him. Abu Bakr said that if the Prophet ﷺ had said it, it was true; he became known as *as-Siddiq*, the one who affirms the truth. The Prophet ﷺ also described Jerusalem in detail to those who questioned him (Bukhari and Muslim).
When did it happen?
Most historians place it in Makkah, about a year to a year and a half before the Hijrah (around 621 CE). The exact month and night are not established in authentic narrations, and scholars mention several opinions, including Rajab, Rabi' al-Awwal and Ramadan. The 27th of Rajab is the most widely known date and is followed in many countries. In 2027, 27 Rajab is expected around 5–6 January, depending on the moon sighting.
Is fasting on 27 Rajab (Shab-e-Miraj) sunnah?
- No authentic hadith says the Prophet ﷺ or his Companions fasted specifically on the day of the Mi'raj, or set aside its night for special prayers.
- Narrations promising a special reward for fasting the 27th of Rajab (for example, the reward of fasting many months) are judged weak or fabricated by hadith scholars.
- Fasting in Rajab in general is permissible. Rajab is one of the four sacred months (see the 12 Islamic months), and voluntary fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, or on the 13th, 14th and 15th of the month, is sunnah all year.
So most scholars advise: if you would like to fast in Rajab, do so as an ordinary voluntary fast, without believing that the 27th carries a specific, proven reward. Scholars also differ on holding gatherings or special night worship to commemorate the Mi'raj; many say it is not established in the sunnah, while some communities hold talks about the story. Follow the scholars you trust, and avoid arguing with others over it.
Lessons for children
- Salah is a gift from Allah, given directly in the heavens, not through Jibril on earth. That shows how important it is.
- Musa's advice: the prophets cared about us; Musa helped reduce fifty prayers to five.
- Abu Bakr's trust: believe the truth even when others laugh.
- Masjid al-Aqsa is one of the three most special mosques in Islam, with Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi.
Telling this story is a beautiful way to encourage children to pray; see teaching kids salah step by step and teaching kids about the prophets.
Our Islamic Studies classes for kids teach the seerah and the stories of the prophets in a child-friendly way. You can book 3 free trial classes.
