Every year, on the 27th of Rajab, Muslims around the world reflect on one of the greatest miracles in Islamic history: Al-Isra’ wal-Mi’raj — the Night Journey and Ascension of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
In 2026, Al-Isra’ wal-Mi’raj is expected to fall on the evening of January 16th, depending on the sighting of the moon. This is not a night to pass by unnoticed; it is a night rich in meaning, mercy, and profound lessons for every believer.
What Is Al-Isra’ wal-Mi’raj?
Al-Isra’ wal-Mi’raj is a miracle second only to the revelation of the Qur’an.
- Al-Isra’ refers to the miraculous night journey of the Prophet ﷺ from Al-Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah to Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem.
- Al-Mi’raj refers to his ascension from Al-Aqsa through the heavens, where he ﷺ witnessed some of Allah’s greatest signs and was brought into the Divine Presence.
Allah mentions this journey clearly in the Qur’an:
“Glory be to Him who took His servant by night from Al-Masjid Al-Haram to Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa… to show him some of Our signs.”
(Qur’an 17:1)
The Context: A Journey After Hardship
Al-Isra’ wal-Mi’raj took place during one of the most painful periods in the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
- He had just endured the Year of Sorrow, losing his beloved wife Khadijah (ra) and his protector Abu Talib.
- The Quraysh intensified their ridicule and persecution of him and his followers.
- His journey to Ta’if ended with rejection and physical harm, as children were sent to stone him out of the city.
After all this pain, Allah honored His Prophet ﷺ with a journey unlike any other — a reminder that with hardship comes ease, and that divine support arrives at the most difficult moments.
Al-Isra’: From Makkah to Al-Aqsa
The journey began in Makkah, in the house of Umm Hani (ra). Angel Jibril (as) came to the Prophet ﷺ, opened his chest, purified his heart with Zamzam water, and filled it with faith and wisdom.
The Prophet ﷺ was then brought Al-Buraq, a miraculous white creature whose speed reached the horizon in a single stride.
Along the way, the Prophet ﷺ stopped at several blessed locations and prayed:
- Madinah, the land of future migration
- Mount Sinai, where Musa (as) received revelation
- Bethlehem, the birthplace of Isa (as)
- The grave of Musa (as), who was found praying in his grave
These moments remind us that the message of Islam is deeply connected to the legacy of all the Prophets.
Arrival at Masjid Al-Aqsa
When the Prophet ﷺ reached Al-Quds (Jerusalem), Jibril (as) tied Al-Buraq at the western wall of the sacred sanctuary.
Inside Masjid Al-Aqsa, the Prophet ﷺ was honored with a remarkable scene:
- All the Prophets, from Adam (as) to Isa (as), were gathered
- Prophet Muhammad ﷺ led them all in prayer
This moment confirmed his ﷺ leadership over all of humanity and emphasized the central place of Al-Aqsa in Islam.
After the prayer, the Prophet ﷺ was presented with milk and wine. He chose the milk, and Jibril (as) said:
“You have chosen the natural way (fitrah).”
Al-Mi’raj: The Ascension Through the Heavens
From the Noble Rock at Masjid Al-Aqsa, the Prophet ﷺ ascended through the heavens with Jibril (as).
He met many Prophets along the way:
- Adam (as) in the first heaven
- Isa (as) and Yahya (as) in the second
- Yusuf (as) in the third
- Idris (as) in the fourth
- Harun (as) in the fifth
- Musa (as) in the sixth
- Ibrahim (as) in the seventh, near Al-Bayt Al-Ma’mur
Beyond this, the Prophet ﷺ reached Sidrat Al-Muntaha, the furthest boundary of creation — a place of beauty beyond description.
The Greatest Gift: Salah
At the highest point of the journey, Allah gifted the Ummah Salah (prayer).
Originally prescribed as 50 daily prayers, they were reduced to five, while retaining the reward of fifty — a mercy and honor unique to this Ummah.
This shows us that Salah is not a burden, but a divine connection, gifted directly from above the heavens.
Returning to Makkah
The entire journey happened within a portion of one night. When the Prophet ﷺ returned to Makkah, many mocked him — but the believers found strength, certainty, and hope.
Al-Isra’ wal-Mi’raj remains a reminder that:
- Allah is capable of all things
- Hardship is followed by divine relief
- Salah is our daily Mi’raj
Halaqa: The Miracle of Al-Isra and Mi‘raj (Qur’an)
At AlKuttab.io, we are hosting a free online session for children about the story of Al-Isra’ wal-Mi’raj. In this session, children will learn about this miraculous journey in a simple, engaging, and age-appropriate way, while reflecting on its beautiful lessons.
📅 Sunday, January 11, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 AlKuttab (Online)
🎈 The session is designed especially for children and presented in an interactive and enjoyable style.
