Miraj Night: What is it? When is Miraj Kandil?
The 27th night of the month of Recep is known as Miraj Night. The word Miraj literally means ascension or elevation. The event of Isra and Miraj occurred 18 months before the Prophet -peace be upon him-’s migration (Hijra). The Miraj Event refers to the incident where the Prophet -peace be upon him- ascended from the Masjid al-Haram to the Masjid al-Aqsa, and then to the presence of Allah.
Surah Isra: Verse 1
Allah Almighty says:
“Glory be to (Allah) Who transported His servant [Prophet Muhammad -peace and blessings be upon him-] by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Far Distant Mosque [Masjid al-Aqsa], whose surroundings We have blessed, and [who is within] reach of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Exalted in Power and Wise.” (Al-Isra, 1) (Click here for Tafsir)
PRAYERS AND OBSERVANCES RECOMMENDED FOR MIRAJ NIGHT
Miraj Kandil is commemorated on the twenty-seventh night of Recep. On this night, the Prophet -peace be upon him- was taken from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa (Al-Isra, 17/1) and then ascended (Miraj). The five daily prayers were instituted on this night. (Bukhari, Salat, 1 [349]) Furthermore, the news of the forgiveness of the sins of the Ummah, as long as they do not associate partners with Allah, was also given during Miraj. (Muslim, Iman, 279) While there is no specific act of worship dedicated to this night, Muslims have been observing Miraj Kandil’s night and day with voluntary acts of worship and remembrance programs for centuries. It is a time to celebrate the gift of the five daily prayers bestowed upon them on this night, to maintain awareness of the sanctity and blessedness of Masjid al-Aqsa for Muslims, and to instill understanding in future generations regarding the Isra and Miraj event.
Neither the Quran nor the Hadith mention a specific prayer or form of worship pertaining to Miraj Night. However, pious individuals have offered recommendations for observing this blessed night.
1. Fasting
Pious individuals recommend fasting during the day of Miraj Kandil, which coincides with the 27th night of Recep.
Mahmud Sami Ramazanoğlu (may Allah be pleased with him) states in his book “Prayers and Dhikr”: “One should fast during the day. Every prayer made without transgression is hoped to be accepted through divine grace.”
2. Performing Qada and Voluntary Prayers
One of the most important aspects of Miraj is the institution of the five daily prayers. Pious individuals emphasize the importance of prayer on this night and recommend that those who have missed prayers perform their qada (missed) prayers. Neither the Quran nor the Hadith mention a specific prayer or form of worship pertaining to this night. Mahmud Sami Ramazanoğlu also recommended performing twelve rak’ahs of prayer for this night in his book “Prayers and Dhikr.”
Miraj Night Prayer
Neither the Quran nor the Hadith mention a specific prayer or form of worship pertaining to this night. However, Mahmud Sami Ramazanoğlu recommended…