🌙 Shab-e-Meraj 2026: Story, Prayers, Gifts & Secrets of the Night of Ascension

Shab-e-Meraj 2026 Date in India is 16th January 2026 (date may change as per moon sighting).

🌿 As Salamualaikum…….

In the blessed history of Islam, there are certain nights filled with divine mercy and light. Among them is Shab-e-Meraj (The Night of Ascension), when Allah ﷻ gave a great honor to His beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

On this miraculous night, the Prophet ﷺ traveled from Masjid al-Haram in Makkah to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, and from there ascended through the heavens. He met earlier Prophets, saw Paradise and Hell, and finally stood in the Divine Presence of Allah ﷻ.

The greatest gift of this night was Salah (Namaz) – the daily prayer that connects every Muslim with their Lord. This shows that prayer is not just a duty but a blessing, a chance to rise spiritually every day.

Muslims around the world remember Shab-e-Meraj on the 27th night of Rajab. Many spend the night in Salah, dua, and Qur’an recitation, asking Allah for forgiveness and mercy.

This night is a reminder that even in times of hardship, Allah ﷻ can open doors of hope, light, and nearness.

In this blog, we will answer the most searched questions about Shab-e-Meraj – with authentic Hadith, Qur’an references, and simple explanations.

❓ Why is Shab-e-Meraj Celebrated?

Shab-e-Meraj is celebrated because it marks the miraculous journey of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, known as Isra wal-Miraj. According to authentic narrations in Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 7517) and Sahih Muslim (Hadith 162), the Prophet ﷺ was taken by Angel Jibreel عليه السلام from Masjid al-Haram (Makkah) to Masjid al-Aqsa (Jerusalem), and then ascended through the heavens.

During this journey, he met Prophets Adam, Musa, Isa, and Ibrahim عليهم السلام. Finally, he reached the highest point, Sidrat al-Muntaha, where he was honored with the gift of Salah (Namaz).

Muslims remember this night because it shows:

• The honor of Prophet ﷺ as the beloved of Allah.
• The importance of Salah in daily life.
• The mercy and closeness of Allah ﷻ to His servants.

The Qur’an mentions:
“Glory be to Him who took His servant by night from Al-Masjid Al-Haram to Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa…” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:1)

Thus, Shab-e-Meraj is not a festival, but a spiritual reminder that Salah is the believer’s ladder to rise towards Allah ﷻ.

❓ Which Day is Shab-e-Meraj?

Shab-e-Meraj is observed on the 27th night of Rajab, the 7th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. In 2026, it will fall on the night of 15th February 2026 (depending on moon sighting).

The exact date of Isra and Miraj is not clearly mentioned in Hadith. However, scholars and historians have agreed upon the 27th Rajab as the night when Muslims commemorate this event.

This night begins after Maghrib and continues until Fajr. Muslims worldwide spend this night in worship, Salah, Qur’an recitation, and dua.

Though it is not a compulsory festival, remembering this night is important because it increases our love for the Prophet ﷺ and reminds us of the gift of Salah.

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The coolness of my eyes is in prayer (Salah).” (Sunan al-Nasa’i 3940)

So the 27th of Rajab is remembered not as a cultural holiday, but as a night of reflection, prayer, and spiritual growth.

❓ How to Pray in Shab-e-Meraj?

There is no specific obligatory prayer prescribed in Hadith for Shab-e-Meraj. However, Muslims are encouraged to increase their voluntary (nafl) prayers on this night.

Some recommended acts of worship:

• Pray Tahajjud in the last part of the night.
• Recite Surah Al-Isra (17) and Surah Al-Najm (53), which describe parts of the journey.
• Make sincere dua for forgiveness and guidance.
• Send salawat (Durood) on Prophet ﷺ.

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The closest that a servant comes to his Lord is when he is in prostration, so increase your supplications.” (Sahih Muslim 482)

Thus, Shab-e-Meraj is best spent in Salah, dhikr, and dua. It is a night to thank Allah for the gift of prayer and to renew our commitment to performing our five daily Salah.

❓ Is Shab-e-Meraj the Night of Forgiveness?

Shab-e-Meraj is a blessed night of mercy, but the Night of Forgiveness (Shab-e-Barat) falls on the 15th night of Sha’ban, not Rajab.

However, Miraj was a night when the Prophet ﷺ saw Paradise and Hell. It was a reminder of the Hereafter, and that forgiveness is essential for salvation.

Allah ﷻ says:
“And establish prayer at the two ends of the day and at the approach of the night. Indeed, good deeds remove bad deeds.” (Qur’an 11:114)

Even though Shab-e-Meraj is not specifically called the “Night of Forgiveness,” spending it in dua and repentance can bring great rewards and mercy.

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Every son of Adam sins, and the best of sinners are those who repent.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 4251)

So, this night should be seen as a chance to seek Allah’s forgiveness and promise to strengthen our daily prayers.

❓ What to Do on the Night of Miraj?

Muslims can do many acts of worship on Shab-e-Meraj, even though there is no special ritual made compulsory. Some practices include:

• Praying Nafl Salah (especially Tahajjud).
• Reciting Qur’an (especially Surah Al-Isra and Surah Al-Najm).
• Making dua for parents, family, and the entire Ummah.
• Sending Durood (salawat) on the Prophet ﷺ.
• Teaching children and family the story of Isra wal-Miraj.

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“When the last third of the night remains, Allah, the Blessed and Exalted, descends to the lowest heaven and says: ‘Who will call upon Me that I may answer him? Who will ask of Me that I may give him? Who will seek My forgiveness that I may forgive him?’” (Sahih Muslim 758)

Thus, the night of Miraj is a time for turning to Allah with sincerity, humility, and hope.

❓What is the Story of Shab-e-Miraj?

The story of Shab-e-Miraj is one of the greatest miracles given to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It is divided into two parts: Isra (the night journey) and Miraj (the heavenly ascension).

According to Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 7517), Angel Jibreel عليه السلام came to the Prophet ﷺ while he was in Makkah. He was taken from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, riding a special creature called Buraq. There, the Prophet ﷺ led Salah with other Prophets.

From Jerusalem, the Prophet ﷺ ascended through the heavens. He met Prophet Adam in the first heaven, Prophet Isa and Yahya in the second, Prophet Yusuf in the third, Prophet Idris in the fourth, Prophet Harun in the fifth, Prophet Musa in the sixth, and Prophet Ibrahim in the seventh.

Finally, the Prophet ﷺ was taken to the highest point, Sidrat al-Muntaha, where he was shown Paradise, Hell, and the treasures of the unseen. There, Allah ﷻ gifted him Salah (initially 50 daily prayers, later reduced to 5 with the reward of 50).

This journey shows the honor of Prophet ﷺ, the importance of Salah, and that nothing is impossible for Allah.

The Qur’an says:
“Indeed, he (Muhammad) saw him (Jibreel) in another descent, at the Lote Tree of the utmost boundary.” (Surah Al-Najm 53:13-14)

❓Is Shab-e-Meraj Compulsory?

No, Shab-e-Meraj is not compulsory for Muslims to celebrate. There is no command in Qur’an or Hadith making it an obligatory festival.

However, it is a blessed night and remembering it brings us closer to the love of Prophet ﷺ and appreciation for Salah. Scholars agree that while we should not invent special rituals, it is encouraged to pray extra, recite Qur’an, and make dua.

The Prophet ﷺ himself did not fix any particular prayer for this night, but he strongly emphasized Tahajjud and remembrance of Allah.

The gift of Miraj was Salah, and Salah is compulsory every day. Allah ﷻ made it clear:
“Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.” (Qur’an 4:103)

So, Shab-e-Meraj is not a compulsory festival, but Salah, the gift of that night, is compulsory for every Muslim. The best way to honor this night is to strengthen our five daily prayers.

❓What are the Three Gifts of Miraj?

The Miraj journey gave the Prophet ﷺ three special gifts, as mentioned in Hadith:

1. Five Daily Prayers (Salah) – The greatest gift of Miraj. Initially, Allah commanded 50 prayers, but after the Prophet ﷺ requested ease for his Ummah, it was reduced to five daily prayers with the reward of fifty. (Sahih Muslim 162)
2. Last Verses of Surah Al-Baqarah (2:285-286) – These powerful verses were gifted during Miraj. The Prophet ﷺ said:
   “Whoever recites the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah at night, they will be sufficient for him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 5009, Sahih Muslim 807)
3. Promise of Forgiveness – Allah ﷻ promised that the sins of the Ummah will be forgiven if they avoid shirk (associating partners with Allah). (Sahih Muslim 173)

These three gifts show Allah’s mercy: Salah as a daily connection, Qur’an as guidance, and forgiveness as hope.

❓ How Many Rakats is Shab-e-Meraj?

There is no fixed number of rakats for Shab-e-Meraj in authentic Hadith. The Prophet ﷺ did not command any special Salah for this night.

However, Muslims are encouraged to increase voluntary (nafl) prayers. Some scholars recommend praying 2, 4, 6, or more rakats of Nafl with the intention of seeking closeness to Allah.

The most important prayer of the night is Tahajjud, which the Prophet ﷺ regularly prayed. Allah ﷻ says:
“And during a part of the night, pray Tahajjud as an extra for you; it may be that your Lord will raise you to a praised station.” (Qur’an 17:79)

So, while Shab-e-Meraj has no fixed rakats, Muslims should pray Nafl, Tahajjud, and focus on sincerity in dua.

❓What to Read on Shab-e-Miraj?

On Shab-e-Meraj, Muslims can read and reflect on the Qur’anic chapters related to the event:

• Surah Al-Isra (17:1) – mentioning the Isra journey.
• Surah Al-Najm (53:1–18) – describing the heavenly ascension.
• Last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah (2:285-286) – gifted during Miraj.

Additionally, reciting Durood Sharif (salawat) on Prophet ﷺ is highly rewarding.

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever sends one blessing upon me, Allah will send ten blessings upon him.” (Sahih Muslim 408)

Besides Qur’an, Muslims should also spend time in dhikr (SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah) and dua.

❓What to Read on 27 Rajab Night?

On the 27th night of Rajab (Shab-e-Meraj), Muslims can read:

• Surah Al-Isra (17) – about the night journey.
• Surah Al-Najm (53) – about the heavenly ascension.
• Surah Al-Fatiha and Ayat-ul-Kursi (2:255) for protection.
• Last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah (2:285-286) as a special gift of Miraj.

Many Muslims also spend time in dua for forgiveness, health, and barakah.

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The supplication of the servant is answered as long as he does not ask for sin or breaking ties of kinship.” (Sahih Muslim 2735)

Thus, the best reading is Qur’an, Durood, and heartfelt dua.

❓Why is Jerusalem Important to Muslims?

Jerusalem holds a very special place in Islam because it was the starting point of Miraj. The Prophet ﷺ was taken from Masjid al-Haram in Makkah to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. (Qur’an 17:1)

Masjid al-Aqsa is the third holiest mosque after Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi. It was also the first Qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims before it was changed to the Kaaba in Makkah. (Sahih al-Bukhari 41)

Jerusalem is also the land of many Prophets – Ibrahim, Dawud, Sulaiman, Musa, and Isa عليهم السلام. The Prophet ﷺ led all the Prophets in prayer at Masjid al-Aqsa during Isra, showing his leadership over all Prophets.

Allah ﷻ blessed the land around Masjid al-Aqsa:
“We made the surroundings of Al-Aqsa blessed…” (Qur’an 17:1)

Therefore, Jerusalem is not just a city, but a symbol of faith, history, and unity of Prophets. For Muslims, it is a reminder that Islam is the continuation of the same message of all Prophets – worshipping one Allah ﷻ.

🌙 Conclusion: The Light of Shab-e-Meraj

Shab-e-Meraj is not just a story from Islamic history — it is a living reminder of faith, hope, and prayer. On this blessed night, Allah ﷻ honored Prophet Muhammad ﷺ with the miraculous journey of Isra wal-Miraj, showing us that no matter how heavy life feels, Allah can lift His servant to the highest places.

The greatest gift of this night is Salah (Namaz), the daily connection between a believer and Allah. When we bow in prayer, we are walking the same spiritual ladder that was gifted on Miraj night. This is why every Muslim should hold tightly to their five daily prayers.

On the 27th Rajab night, Muslims around the world remember Shab-e-Meraj by praying Nafl Salah, reciting Qur’an, and making heartfelt dua. It is a night to seek forgiveness, strengthen faith, and renew love for Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.

Shab-e-Meraj also reminds us of the importance of Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, the first Qibla and the blessed land of many Prophets. It connects the Ummah with its deep spiritual roots.

As we reflect on Shab-e-Meraj 2026, let us carry its lessons in our hearts — to value Salah, trust Allah’s mercy, and walk on the path of patience and obedience.

✨ May Allah ﷻ make this Shab-e-Meraj a source of light, forgiveness, and blessings for the entire Ummah. Ameen.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Shab-e-Meraj