Dates and Origins of Lailat al Miraj

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Lailat al Miraj Dates in 2024, 2025 and 2026

Lailat al Miraj is celebrated at the following dates:

• Wednesday, February 7, 2024
• Monday, January 27, 2025
• Friday, January 16, 2026

Lailat al Miraj is a Muslim holiday celebrated on the 27th of Rajab in the Islamic calendar each year¹. It celebrates Isra and Miraj, or the Prophet Mohammed's miraculous two-part journey taken in one night². The story is important because it is said that in this one evening, Muhammed learned of both Heaven and Hell, and was granted Salah, or the obligatory prayers³

Origin

Isra and Miraj began when the Prophet Muhammed was visited by an arc angle while in Mecca at a kabaa⁴. The angel Gabriel bestowed upon him a mythical winged horse called Buraq to commence his travels⁴. Equipped with this steed and accompanied by the angel, Muhammed flew to Jerusalem in the first part of his journey, called Isra⁵. Here, he met his predecessors, including Moses and Abraham, and led them in a prayer⁵. Once completed, Gabriel took Muhammed once again and raised him to the heavens⁵.

This ascent through the seven levels of Heaven and Paradise began the second half of the journey, called Miraj⁶. On their way, the Prophet was shown the greatest pleasures of Earth, as well as the darkest pitfalls of humanity⁷. When he finally reached the Lotus of the Utmost Boundary, or Paradise, he was given five daily prayers (Salah) and the verse that establishes Al-Aqidah, or the Muslim creed⁷. He then returned with Gabriel to Mecca on the back of the Buraq⁸. Muhammed told his people of the journey the following day, and although some did not believe him, many listened with open ears to the wonders he was presented with⁹.

Because it is written in the Quran, it is generally accepted that the two journies did, in fact, happen¹⁰. However, details of Isra and Miraj are hotly contested to this day¹¹. Some believe that the two journeys were spiritual and occurred while Muhammed was asleep, while others believe that it was completely physical¹¹.

Celebration

Lailat al Miraj is considered to be one of the most important holidays in the Islamic practice and is thus celebrated by Muslims worldwide¹². Although traditions may vary between different communities, Isra and Miraj is commemorated by reciting the story of the Night Journey and Ascension, and by attending services at a mosque¹³. Muslims will often decorate their homes with candles or lights and share meals with friends and family¹³. Lailat al Miraj is a public holiday in several Islamic states, including the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and Kuwait¹⁴.