Isra’ and Mi‘raj Explained: The Miracle Night Many Muslims Misunderstand
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Isra’ and Mi‘raj (Al-Isrā’ wal-Mi‘rāj)
Authentic Study Based on Qur’an, Sunnah, and the Understanding of the Salaf
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) What is Isra’ and Mi‘raj (Al-Isrā’ wal-Mi‘rāj)?
Answer: Isra’ and Mi‘raj refers to the miraculous journey of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in a single night.
Isra’: The night journey from Al-Masjid al-Haram (Makkah) to Al-Masjid al-Aqsa (Jerusalem)
Mi‘raj: The ascension from Jerusalem through the heavens, where the Prophet ﷺ was shown great signs of Allah and received the obligation of prayer.
This event is one of the greatest miracles given to the Prophet ﷺ and is firmly established through authentic hadith.
Reference:Sahih Muslim 162ahttps://sunnah.com/muslim:162a
2) Did Isra’ and Mi‘raj happen physically or only as a dream?
Answer:The correct opinion of Ahlus Sunnah, held by the majority of scholars from the Salaf, is that Isra’ and Mi‘raj occurred physically and while the Prophet ﷺ was awake, body and soul together.
If it were merely a dream, it would not have been considered extraordinary, nor would Quraysh have rejected it so strongly.
Reference:IslamQA – Are Al-Isra’ and Al-Mi‘raj a Myth?https://islamqa.info/en/answers/84314/are-al-isra-and-al-mi%60raj-a-myth
3) Is Isra’ and Mi‘raj mentioned in authentic hadith?
Answer:Yes. Isra’ and Mi‘raj are narrated in multiple authentic hadith found in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, making the event mutawatir in meaning (reported through numerous authentic chains).
Reference:Sahih Muslim 162ahttps://sunnah.com/muslim:162a
Sahih al-Bukhari 349https://sunnah.com/bukhari:349
4) Did the Prophet ﷺ really travel on Al-Buraq?
Answer:Yes. Al-Buraq is a real creation of Allah, described as a white animal, larger than a donkey and smaller than a mule, whose stride reached the horizon. The Prophet ﷺ rode Al-Buraq from Makkah to Jerusalem.
Reference:Sahih Muslim 162ahttps://sunnah.com/muslim:162a
5) Was Isra’ and Mi‘raj on the 27th of Rajab?
Answer:There is NO authentic hadith that confirms Isra’ and Mi‘raj occurred on the 27th of Rajab.All narrations specifying a date are weak or fabricated.
Scholars of the Salaf did not agree on any exact date, and IslamQA clearly states that assigning a fixed date is incorrect.
Reference:IslamQA – Can Muslims Celebrate Al-Isra’ and Al-Mi‘raj?https://islamqa.info/en/answers/60288/can-muslims-celebrate-al-isra-and-al-mi%60raj
6) What was the greatest gift given to the Ummah during Mi‘raj?
Answer:The five daily prayers (Ṣalāh).
During Mi‘raj, Allah initially obligated 50 prayers, which were later reduced to five, while retaining the reward of fifty. This shows the central importance of prayer in Islam.
Reference:Sahih al-Bukhari 349https://sunnah.com/bukhari:349
7) Is there a special prayer for Shab-e-Miraj?
Answer:No. There is no authentic Sunnah establishing a special night prayer, number of rak‘ahs, or specific du‘a for the night of Isra’ and Mi‘raj.
Any prayer invented specifically for this night is considered bid‘ah (innovation).
Reference:IslamQA – Can Muslims Celebrate Al-Isra’ and Al-Mi‘raj?https://islamqa.info/en/answers/158362/can-we-single-out-some-nights-for-prayer-that-were-not-narrated-from-the-prophet
8) Is fasting on 27 Rajab Sunnah?
Answer:Fasting specifically because it is Isra’ and Mi‘raj is not Sunnah and is considered an innovation.
However, if the day coincides with Monday or Thursday, and one fasts with that intention only, it is permissible.
Reference:IslamQA – Is Fasting on Al-Isra and Shab-e-Barat Permissible?https://islamqa.info/en/answers/75394/is-fasting-in-the-month-of-rajab-recommended
9) Did the Prophet ﷺ meet other Prophets during Mi‘raj?
Answer:Yes. The Prophet ﷺ met several Prophets, including Adam, Musa, ‘Isa, and Ibrahim (peace be upon them), during his ascension. This meeting signifies the unity of all Prophets upon Tawhid.
Reference:Sahih Muslim 162ahttps://sunnah.com/muslim:162a
10) Is celebrating Isra’ and Mi‘raj considered bid‘ah?
Answer:Yes. Celebrating Isra’ and Mi‘raj annually with specific rituals, gatherings, or acts of worship is bid‘ah, because:
The Prophet ﷺ never celebrated it
The Companions never celebrated it
The Salaf never celebrated it
Good intentions do not justify religious innovation. Reference:IslamQA –Can Muslims Celebrate Al-Isra’ and Al-Mi`raj?
