The Night of Ascension (Shab-e-Meraj) is one of the most beautiful and miraculous events in Islamic history. It is a night when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was taken by Allah on a blessed journey from Makkah to the heavens. Muslims around the world remember this night with love, faith, and deep respect. But many people ask: What really happened on the Night of Ascension? Let us explore this event step by step, with authentic Qur’an verses and Hadith references, and see what lessons we can learn for our own lives.
🌙 The Beginning of the Journey – From Makkah to Masjid Al-Aqsa
The story of Shab-e-Meraj begins with a miracle. One night, the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) عليه السلام came to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and brought him a special animal called Buraq. This was not an ordinary horse or camel. Buraq was a heavenly ride, faster than the eye can blink.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Glory be to Him 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 All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.”
(Surah Al-Isra, 17:1)
This verse tells us clearly that the journey was real, not a dream. The Prophet ﷺ traveled from the Kaaba in Makkah to Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. There, all the Prophets, from Adam عليه السلام to Isa (Jesus) عليه السلام, were gathered, and our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ led them in prayer.
This shows his honor as the Leader of all Prophets (Imam al-Anbiya).
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🌙 The Journey Through the Heavens
After leading the prayer, the Prophet ﷺ was taken by Jibreel عليه السلام into the heavens. The Night of Ascension is called Isra and Miraj because it had two parts – Isra (the journey from Makkah to Jerusalem) and Miraj (the ascension from earth to the heavens).
🌌 The First Heaven – Meeting Prophet Adam عليه السلام
When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ reached the first heaven, the door was opened by Angel Jibreel عليه السلام. Inside, the Prophet ﷺ met Prophet Adam عليه السلام, the very first human being and the father of all mankind.
Adam عليه السلام greeted the Prophet ﷺ with peace and said:
“Welcome, O righteous son and righteous Prophet.”
This meeting reminds us that Islam is the continuation of the same guidance given to mankind from the time of Adam عليه السلام. It also shows the respect and love between all Prophets.
🌌 The Second Heaven – Meeting Prophet Isa and Yahya عليهما السلام
In the second heaven, the Prophet ﷺ met Prophet Isa (Jesus) عليه السلام and Prophet Yahya (John the Baptist) عليه السلام.
Both of them welcomed him warmly and made dua for him. These two Prophets were cousins, and they are known in history for their sacrifice, patience, and guidance to the Children of Israel. Their presence on this journey shows the strong bond between all Prophets and their shared mission to guide people toward Allah.
🌌 The Third Heaven – Meeting Prophet Yusuf عليه السلام
At the third heaven, the Prophet ﷺ met Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) عليه السلام. He was given half of the world’s beauty, and the Qur’an tells his story in Surah Yusuf, full of patience, trust in Allah, and forgiveness.
Prophet Yusuf عليه السلام welcomed Prophet Muhammad ﷺ with love. This meeting is a reminder that true beauty is not only in appearance but also in character, faith, and patience.
🌌 The Fourth Heaven – Meeting Prophet Idris عليه السلام
On the fourth heaven, Prophet ﷺ met Prophet Idris عليه السلام. Allah has praised Idris عليه السلام in the Qur’an:
“And We raised him to a high station.”
(Surah Maryam, 19:57)
Idris عليه السلام was known for his wisdom, knowledge, and worship. Meeting him on this journey shows the high rank of knowledge and worship in the sight of Allah.
🌌 The Fifth Heaven – Meeting Prophet Harun عليه السلام
At the fifth heaven, the Prophet ﷺ met Prophet Harun (Aaron) عليه السلام, who was the brother of Prophet Musa عليه السلام. Harun عليه السلام was chosen by Allah to help Musa عليه السلام in guiding Bani Israel (the Children of Israel).
He welcomed Prophet Muhammad ﷺ with peace and prayers. This meeting reminds us about brotherhood, leadership, and helping one another in spreading the truth.
🌌 The Sixth Heaven – Meeting Prophet Musa عليه السلام
At the sixth heaven, the Prophet ﷺ met Prophet Musa (Moses) عليه السلام. Musa عليه السلام was a great Prophet who spoke directly with Allah (Kalimullah).
When Musa عليه السلام saw the honor given to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, he began to weep. He said:
“A young man who was sent after me will have more of his followers enter Paradise than mine.”
This shows the greatness of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his Ummah (followers). It also shows the humility of Musa عليه السلام.
🌌 The Seventh Heaven – Meeting Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام
Finally, the Prophet ﷺ reached the seventh heaven, the highest level. Here he met Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) عليه السلام, the father of many Prophets and a symbol of faith and sacrifice.
Ibrahim عليه السلام was sitting near Al-Bayt al-Ma’mur, a heavenly Kaaba where 70,000 angels perform tawaf (circling) every day, never to return again, because new groups of angels continuously come.
Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام greeted Prophet Muhammad ﷺ with warmth and love. He also gave him a message for the Muslim Ummah:
“O Muhammad, convey my salam to your Ummah, and tell them that Paradise has pure soil, sweet water, and it is vast plain. Its plants are: SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah, and Allahu Akbar.”
(Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Hadith 3462)
This shows that our dhikr (remembrance of Allah) plants trees for us in Jannah.
✅ So, the journey through the seven heavens was not just a miracle, but also full of lessons:
- Respect between Prophets
- Importance of patience and faith
- Value of knowledge and worship
- Power of brotherhood and unity
- Great honor of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his Ummah
🌙 The Sidrat al-Muntaha – The Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary
The Prophet ﷺ was then taken to the Sidrat al-Muntaha, a place beyond which no angel or human can pass. Jibreel عليه السلام stopped there, saying:
“If I move one step further, I will be burnt.”
Only the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was allowed to continue beyond this point. This shows his special closeness to Allah.
🌙 The Gift of Salah (Prayer)
The most important gift given on the Night of Ascension was Salah (Namaz/Prayer). Initially, Allah commanded 50 prayers every day. But when the Prophet ﷺ came back, Prophet Musa عليه السلام advised him to ask for a reduction, because the people would not be able to handle it.
After going back and forth, Allah made it 5 daily prayers, but with the reward of 50 prayers.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Allah said: O Muhammad, they are five (prayers) every day and night, but each one counts as ten, so that makes fifty prayers.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 349, Sahih Muslim, Hadith 162)
This shows the mercy of Allah. Salah became the pillar of Islam and a direct connection between a believer and his Creator.
🌙 The Special Meeting with Allah
On the Night of Ascension, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was given closeness to Allah that no other creation has ever experienced. Scholars mention that he saw great signs of Allah’s power and majesty.
The Qur’an says:
“And indeed he saw him another time, by the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary. Near it is the Garden of Refuge. When there covered the Lote Tree that which covered it. The sight of the Prophet did not turn aside, nor did it transgress. He certainly saw of the greatest signs of his Lord.”
(Surah An-Najm, 53:13–18)
This proves the greatness of the event and the honor given to the Prophet ﷺ.
🌙 Lessons from the Night of Ascension
The story of Shab-e-Meraj is not only a miracle but also a message for us. Here are some life-changing lessons :
1. Prayer is the Key to Success
The Night of Ascension gave us Salah. It is the first thing we will be asked about on the Day of Judgment. We must protect our prayers and pray with love.
2. Faith in Allah’s Power
Allah can take His servant from Makkah to the heavens in one night. For Him, nothing is impossible. We should trust His power in our lives.
3. Patience in Hard Times
The Night of Ascension came after the Prophet ﷺ faced sadness – the loss of his wife Khadijah رضي الله عنها and his uncle Abu Talib. This shows that after hardship, Allah brings ease.
4. The Prophet’s High Status
The journey shows the special place of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. As Muslims, we must send blessings (salawat) on him daily.
5. Unity of Prophets
All Prophets prayed behind Muhammad ﷺ. This shows that Islam is the final and complete religion for all humanity.
🌙 Conclusion – What Really Happened on the Night of Ascension?
So, what really happened on the Night of Ascension? It was a miraculous journey where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was taken from Makkah to Masjid Al-Aqsa, then to the heavens, met the Prophets, saw Paradise and Hell, reached Sidrat al-Muntaha, and was given the gift of Salah.
The Night of Ascension is not just history – it is a reminder for us today. It teaches us to hold firmly to our prayers, trust Allah’s wisdom, and remember the honor of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
When we pray, we are actually walking on the path of Miraj – because Salah is the Miraj of every believer.
FAQ of Shab-e-Meraj
1. What is the Night of Ascension in Islam?
The Night of Ascension, also known as Isra and Miraj or Shab-e-Meraj, is the miraculous night when Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was taken by Allah from Makkah to Masjid Al-Aqsa and then ascended to the heavens.
2. Where is the Night of Ascension mentioned in the Qur’an?
It is mentioned in Surah Al-Isra (17:1): “Glory be to Him who took His servant by night from Al-Masjid Al-Haram to Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa…” and in Surah An-Najm (53:13–18) describing the heavenly journey.
3. Was the Night of Ascension a dream or a real journey?
According to authentic Hadith and Qur’an, it was a real journey in body and soul, not just a dream.
4. What happened to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ on the Night of Ascension?
He traveled on Buraq from Makkah to Jerusalem, led all Prophets in prayer, ascended the seven heavens, met many Prophets, reached Sidrat al-Muntaha, and received the gift of Salah.
5. Which Prophets did Prophet Muhammad ﷺ meet on the Night of Ascension?
He met Adam, Isa (Jesus), Yahya (John), Yusuf (Joseph), Idris, Harun (Aaron), Musa (Moses), and Ibrahim (Abraham) عليهم السلام.
6. What gift was given to Muslims on the Night of Ascension?
Allah gifted the five daily prayers (Salah), which are equal in reward to fifty prayers.
