The Incident and History of Shab-e-Meraj

Shab-e-Meraj is a significant and miraculous night in Islam, which commemorates an extraordinary and spiritual journey of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). On this night, the Prophet (ﷺ) traveled from Makkah to Al-Baitul Muqaddas (Jerusalem) and from there ascended through the heavens, reaching Sidratul Muntaha, where he met Allah (SWT). It was through this event that the five daily prayers (Salah) were made obligatory in Islam.

Meaning of the Terms

"Shab" is a Persian word meaning "night."

"Meraj" is derived from the Arabic root word "Urooj," meaning "to ascend" or "to rise."

Thus, Shab-e-Meraj means "The Night of Ascension" — the night when the Prophet (ﷺ) ascended to the higher realms of the heavens.

Two Stages of Meraj

Isra (Night Journey)

This refers to the miraculous journey from the Masjid al-Haram (Ka'bah) in Makkah to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, undertaken on a special steed called Buraq.

Meraj (Ascension)

From Masjid al-Aqsa, the Prophet (ﷺ) ascended through the seven heavens, reaching Sidratul Muntaha, the utmost limit of creation, where he had the opportunity to meet Allah (SWT). The angel Jibril (A.S.) accompanied him on this journey.

History and Timeline

The incident of Meraj took place one year before the Hijrah, in the 10th year of Prophethood, known as the 'Year of Grief' or 'Amul Huzn.' In that year, the Prophet (ﷺ) lost his beloved wife, Khadijah (R.A.), and his uncle, Abu Talib. During this sorrowful period, Allah (SWT) called His beloved Prophet (ﷺ) for this magnificent journey, to comfort him and elevate his status.

Meeting of Prophets in the Seven Heavens

During Meraj, the Prophet (ﷺ) met various prophets in the seven heavens:

1st Heaven: Prophet Adam (A.S.)

2nd Heaven: Prophet Yahya (A.S.) and Prophet Isa (A.S.)

3rd Heaven: Prophet Yusuf (A.S.)

4th Heaven: Prophet Idris (A.S.)

5th Heaven: Prophet Harun (A.S.)

6th Heaven: Prophet Musa (A.S.)

7th Heaven: Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.)

From there, the Prophet (ﷺ) ascended to Sidratul Muntaha — the final limit of creation — where he was shown Paradise (Jannah) and Hell (Jahannam) and had the opportunity to converse directly with Allah (SWT).

The Incident of Salah's Obligation

The most significant outcome of Meraj was the institution of the five daily prayers (Salah). Initially, Allah (SWT) commanded fifty prayers, but upon the advice of Prophet Musa (A.S.), the Prophet (ﷺ) repeatedly requested Allah to reduce the number. Finally, it was reduced to five, which are equivalent in reward to fifty.

Quranic References

"Glory be to Him who took His servant by night from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa, the surroundings of which We have blessed, so that We might show him some of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing."

— (Surah Al-Isra: 1)

"Then he (Jibril) saw him in another descent, at the Sidratul Muntaha, near which is the Paradise of Refuge."

— (Surah An-Najm: 13-15)

Lessons and Significance of Shab-e-Meraj

A manifestation of Allah's infinite power.

The elevated status of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

The significance of Salah and the background of its obligation.

The reality of the Hereafter: the scenes of Jannah and Jahannam, angels, and the Day of Judgment.

A reminder for Muslims to purify their souls, maintain diligence in their prayers, and strive to return to Allah.

Conclusion

Shab-e-Meraj is not just a miraculous event, but it serves as a great lesson and a testament to Allah’s power. The gift that Allah (SWT) gave to the Muslim Ummah through this night is the obligation of Salah. Therefore, Shab-e-Meraj is an immense opportunity for self-reflection, worship, and seeking closeness to Allah.