Shab-e-Miraj

Shab-e-Miraaj or the night of Ascent is celebrated on 27th of Rajab. It is that blessed night when the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was spiritually transported from Holy Kaaba to Baitul Muqaddas or masjid Al-Aqsa and from there to the Heavens and beyond. Following is Ayat (verse) from Holy Quran referring to the physical journey of the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (P.B.U.H) that was completed within a small part of the night.

Glorified (and exalted) be He (Allah) who took his slave (Mohammad) for a journey by night from Al-Masjid-al-Haram (at Makkah) to Al-Masjid-al-Aqsa (in Jerusalem) the neighborhood whereof we have blessed, in order that we might show him (Mohammad) of our Ayat (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, etc). Verily, he is the all hearer, the all seer. [Surah Al-Isra’ 17:Ayat 1]

On this day, the houses, streets and especially the masjids are decorated and illuminated at night by lights, and diyas (terracotta oil lamps). People assemble in masjids and engage in prayers and seeking Blessings of Almighty Allah. The food in most cases traditional sweet dishes is distributed among the neighbours, relatives, friends and poor people in the community.