What to Do on Isra’ and Mi’raj? Isra’ and Mi’raj Observances
The word Miraj means “a means of ascending, a ladder.” As a term, it refers to the Prophet’s -peace be upon him- ascension to the heavens and his ascent to Allah.
10 PRAYERS AND PRACTICES FOR ISRA’ AND MI’RAJ
All blessed days and nights offer opportunities to perform important acts of worship, attain forgiveness, earn rewards, elevate one’s spiritual level, and be freed from trials and tribulations. Here are 10 significant practices you can undertake on Isra’ and Mi’raj:
- Reciting and listening to the Holy Quran
- Sending blessings (Salawat) upon the Prophet (peace be upon him)
- Performing obligatory and supererogatory prayers
- Repenting and seeking forgiveness for past sins
- Giving charity (Sadaqah)
- Making supplications (Dua)
- Engaging in remembrance of Allah (Zikr)
- Seeking reconciliation with others (Helalleşmek)
- Reflecting and contemplating (Tefekkür)
- Observing a fast.
1. Reciting and Listening to the Holy Quran
The Holy Quran is the friend of believers in this world and the Hereafter. It brings us peace, closeness to Allah, and solace.
Abu Umama (RA) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Recite the Quran, for it will intercede for its reciter on the Day of Resurrection.” (Muslim, Musafirīn, 252)
Among the gifts given to the Prophet (peace be upon him) during the Night of Miraj was the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah. (See Muslim, Iman, 279)
According to a narration from Abu Mas’ud al-Badri (RA), the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever recites the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah at night, they are sufficient for him.” (Muslim, Musafirīn 255)
2. Sending Blessings (Salawat) Upon the Prophet (peace be upon him)
Sending blessings and peace establishes a connection with the spiritual essence of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and allows one to benefit from his light.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “On the Day of Resurrection, those closest to me will be those who send the most blessings and peace upon me.” (Tirmidhi, Witr, 21)
3. Performing Obligatory and Supererogatory Prayers
Among the gifts given to the Prophet (peace be upon him) during Miraj was the institution of the five daily prayers.
Considered the most virtuous act after faith (Muslim, Iman, 137-140), the Prophet (peace be upon him) said in a hadith about prayer: “Prayer is the pillar of religion.” (Musnad, V, 231, 237; Tirmidhi, Iman, 8), and described prostration, which is an important pillar of prayer, as the closest moment a servant is to Allah. (Muslim, Salat, 215; Nasa’i, Mawāqitu’ṣ-ṣalāt, 35)
4. Repenting and Seeking Forgiveness for Past Sins
Repentance is a manifestation of faith; it is a reminder and renewal of the promise to Allah, and an effort to purify oneself from sins.
A hadith states: “Three things were given to the Prophet (peace be upon him) on the Night of Miraj: the five daily prayers, the last verses of Surah Al-Baqarah, and the news that those who do not fall into disbelief will have their major sins forgiven…” (Muslim, Iman, 279)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said in another hadith: “I seek forgiveness from Allah one hundred times a day.” (Muslim, Zikir, 42)
5. Giving Charity (Sadaqah)
Every act of worship performed for the sake of Allah is considered charity. Even a small kindness done for those in need, orphans, widows, and the elderly can earn the pleasure of Allah.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Charity averts calamities and prolongs life.” (Heysemi, Majmau’z-Zawaid,3/63)
6. Making Supplications (Dua)
During this blessed night, one can make supplications for oneself and others, remembering Allah’s names and attributes.
The verse states: “(O Prophet,) tell them: If you were not to supplicate and make requests [to your Lord], what would my Lord care about you?” (Al-Furqan, 77)
On one occasion, the Prophet (peace be upon him) saw a companion beginning his supplication with praise of Allah and blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him), and praised him saying: “O praying person! Make supplication [for it is accepted]” (Tirmidhi, Du’a, 64/3476)
7. Engaging in Remembrance of Allah (Zikr)
Allah loves those servants who remember Him. A sign of love for Allah is to remember Him often.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “A sign of loving Allah is to love remembering Allah.” (Suyuti, Jamiu’s-Saghir, II, 52)
8. Seeking Reconciliation with Others (Helalleşmek)
The Almighty Allah has forgiven the sins and offenses committed against Him, but He leaves the matter of settling accounts with fellow human beings to the wronged party’s will.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever has oppressed another person in terms of his honor, wealth, or blood should seek reconciliation with him before the Day of Judgment arrives. If he has good deeds, they will be taken from him and given to the wronged person. If he does not have good deeds, sins will be taken from the wronged person’s record and added to his.” (Bukhari, Adh-Dharar 10, Ar-Riqāq 48)
9. Reflecting and Contemplating (Tefekkür)
Thinking is encouraged in the Quran, and those who think are praised.
Abu Darda (RA) said: “An hour of contemplation is better than a year of worship.” (Suyuti, Jamiu’s-Saghir, II/127; Acluni, I/310)
10. Observing a Fast
Fasts can be observed on the days following the Night of Miraj.
Fasting ensures that a person is healthy in every way. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Fast so that you may be healthy!” (Heysemi, III, 179)