ISTANBUL – Millions of Muslims from around the world will commemorate on Monday, May 26, the night journey of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to Al-Aqsa Mosque and ascension to heaven, celebrated every year on 27th Rajab.
“This journey marks the most magnificent witnessing of Allah’s eternity, grandeur and oneness,” Turkey’s President of Religious Affairs Mehmet Gormez said in his message for the night cited by Anadolu Agency on Sunday, May 25.
Muslims celebrate the Night Journey annually on day 27 of the seventh Islamic month of Rajab.
In Turkey, Israa’ and Mi`raj or Lailat al Miraj is marked as a part of Kandil, the five special nights to celebrate the occasion.
Introduced by the Ottoman Sultan Selim II in the 16th century, Kandil or Candle in Turkish is celebrated by illuminating the minarets of mosques and holding special prayers.
The ascension of Prophet Muhammad to heaven from earth is a well-known and important event for Muslims.
Israa’ and Mi`raj refer to the two-part journey undertaken by the Prophet which began with him travelling on the steed Buraq.
He travelled to Al-Aqsa mosque in Al-Quds (Occupied Jerusalem), where he leads the other prophets in prayer.
After this he ascended to heaven, going through the “seven skies”.
Here he spoke to Allah, who gave Prophet Muhammad instructions to take back to the faithful; namely five prayers a day.
Pakistan’s Shab-e-Meraj
In Pakistan, Israa’ and Mi`raj will marked by several events and prayers across the Asian country.
Dubbed as Shab-e-Meraj in Pakistan, the event is usually marked by holding religious meetings by men and women separately.
At these gatherings, special prayers and lectures on the Prophet’s holy journey are offered.
Celebrations will be held everywhere across the Muslim country to mark the miraculous visit to Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa by Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him).
In United Arab Emirates’ Dubai, residents and expatriates have been enjoying a three-day special weekend vacation to mark Israa’ and Mi`raj.
The great occasion of Al-Israa’ and Al-Mi`raj is coming this year while Muslims’ suffering—in many parts of the world—is increasing.
Pain and violation of human rights are seen everywhere.
Muslims see the occasion as a chance to remember the suffering of all people everywhere and pray for fellow Muslims around the globe.
Source:onislam.net