Celebration of  ‘Lailatul Mi’raj’ on 27 Rajab

27 Rajab 1440 / 3 April 2019

It is generally believed that the great event of Mi’raj (ascension of Nabi Sallallahu alaihi wasallam to the heavens) took place on the 27th night of Rajab. Therefore, some people celebrate the night as “Lailatul- Mi’raj” (the night of ascension to heavens).

The general belief of Muslims and some Ulama of today is the attitude of certainty of Mi’raaj taking place on 27 Rajab.

However, Al-Zurqani, the famous biographer, has referred to five different views in the discussion on the month in which Mi’raaj took place: Rabi-ul-Awwal, Rabi-u-Thani, Rajab, Ramadan and Shawwal. Later, while discussing different traditions, he has added a sixth opinion, that the Mi’raaj took place in the month of Zul-Hijjah.

Hazrat Allama Abdulhaq Muhaddith Dehlawi, the well-known scholar of the Indian subcontinent, has written a detailed book on the merits of Islamic months. While discussing ‘Lailatul-Mi’raaj’, he has mentioned that most of the scholars are of the view that the event of Mi’raaj took place in the month of Ramadan or in Rabi-ul-Awwal.

The above clearly shows that there is a difference among the Ulama pertaining to the month in which Mi’raaj took place. Hence, for Ulama to set aside a date, famously as 27 Rajab and host a talk in the Masjid in the name of Mi’raaj, year after year, is indeed incorrect.

Another extremely important point to bear in mind for the innovated practise of hosting ‘Bayaans’ in the Masaajid on 27 Rajab is that none of the illustrious Sahaabah who were the staunch followers and imitators of Nabi Sallallahu alaihi wasallam ever set aside a night and gathered in the Masjid to discuss this Great Journey of Mi’raaj! Despite them being such ardent followers of our Nabi Sallallahu alaihi wasallam, no evidence of this sort is found. This makes it clear that gatherings in Masaajid on this assumed night of Mi’raaj is a practice alien to Islam.