Shab-e-Miraj holds great significance in the lives of Muslims across the globe. It is considered as one of the most sacred of miracles of Allah, which He chose to bestow upon Prophet Mohammad S.A.W This Night Journey is also known as Isra and Miraj which is observed on the 27th day of the month of Rajab – the 7th of Islamic Calendar. Shab- e Miraj or Lailat-Ul-Miraj is literally translated as “Night of Ascendance”. The Isra Night is the blessed night as our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was carried to heaven and He (SAW) reached a high stage of nearness to Almighty Allah which is beyond ordinary human perception.

This miraculous journey took place in two parts. First, Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) went from Makkah to Jerusalem (Masjid Al-Aqsa) and then to the heavens of Allah. There is a mention of this night in the holy book of Quran in these words: “Exalted is He 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 Hearing, the seeing.” (Quran, 17:1)
In another verse of the Holy Quran, the details about Isra and Miraj stated in these words: “While he was in the highest part of the horizon: Then he approached and came closer, and was at a distance of but two bow-lengths or (even) nearer; So, did (Allah) convey the inspiration to His Servant (conveyed) what He (meant) to convey. The (Prophet’s) (mind and) heart in no way falsified that which he saw. Will then dispute with him concerning what he saw? For indeed he saw him at a second descent. Near the Lote-tree beyond which none may pass: near it is the Garden of Abode. Behold, the Lote-tree was shrouded (in mystery unspeakable!) (His) sight never swerved nor did it go wrong! For truly did he see the Signs of His Lord the Greatest.” (Quran, 53:7-18)
Belief in the Unseen is an essential part of a Muslim’s creed. Every Muslim must believe in whatever Allah told us about in the Qur’an and in whatever the Prophet told us about in his Sunnah. The Qur’an makes it clear that such belief is the first characteristic of the righteous: However, this does not mean that such belief is a pretext for not working hard or a justification for defeatism. Belief in the Unseen is a test for the believers that ascertains their faith. Believing in something unseen is a challenge that not everybody can take. The story of Al-Israa’ and Al-Mi`raj is an example of that test to which Muslims were put after the Prophet ended his night journey and ascension. The whole story is all about belief in the Unseen.
The word subhana (sublime, exalted) mentioned at the beginning of Surat Al-Israa’ gives the impression that this journey was something unusual. It should not be subject to the normal laws of the earth nor to the laws of time and place. It is the Divine Law that arranged for that journey. Part of the world of the Unseen has become visible for the Prophet (SAW). When the Prophet (SAW) shared that experience with the people of Makkah, their reactions followed one of two courses: Some utterly rejected his story while others gave it their utmost belief. The people of the Quraish did not believe him and mocked him, “It takes us a month to go there and back and you claim that you went there and back in one night?” On the other hand, when Abu Bakr was told what had happened to the Prophet, he said, “If he said that he is truthful. I believe him concerning the news of the heavens. How could I not believe that he went to Jerusalem and came back in a short time?” Since then, Abu Bakr RA was given the title As-Siddiq, the Verifier of the Truth.
Unfortunately, in the 21st century, many people doubt the authenticity of the event of Al-Israa’ and Al-Mi`raj. Some raise questions regarding its celebrations. If the celebration is found in a place and time leading to bringing a clear interest to Islam, it should be then considered as a good innovation. There is nothing wrong if such occasions can be used as means to correct or send a message to the masses or to educate the younger generation and bring them more aware about the importance of these occasions and the necessity of benefiting from them in the current life. However, we, Muslims should avoid those activities which our Islam does not permit us.
In Kashmir Valley, the Shab-e-Miraj celebration is always treated as a special occasion. People organize seminars and visited Mosques, shrines, and other religious places. The main congregation is held at the Hazratbal shrine on the banks of Dal Lake, which houses the Holy Relic of Prophet Muhammad SAW. Thousands of people from different parts of the Valley besides Jammu and outside attended the prayers at the shrine, where Ulemas highlighted the importance of Shab-e-Miraj. Various Islamic and socio-cultural organizations also traditionally arrange special prayer and Mahfil-Naath to seek the blessing of the Almighty Allah.
Shab-e-Miraj also remained a focus of attention for the poets. Sufi poets like Shamas Faqeer RA, Wahab Khar RA, Lal Arigami RA, Rhim Soub RA, Rajib Hamid RA etc. Propagate its message lucidly through their verses.

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