Shab-e-Meraj: Spiritual Significance, Virtues and Worship Explained

Shab-e-Meraj, meaning the Night of Ascension, holds deep spiritual and historical importance in Islam as it commemorates the miraculous journey of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Masjid al-Haram in Mecca to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem and his subsequent ascension through the heavens by the command of Allah.

This extraordinary event, known as Isra and Mi’raj, is regarded as one of the greatest miracles in Islamic belief and a defining moment that strengthened the foundations of faith, especially through the divine command establishing the five daily prayers as an obligation for Muslims.

The night is widely viewed as a symbol of Allah’s limitless power, mercy, and closeness to His devoted servants, offering believers an opportunity for spiritual reflection and renewal.

Many Muslims believe Shab-e-Meraj is a night of forgiveness and mercy, during which sincere repentance, remembrance of Allah, and voluntary worship can help draw one closer to the Creator.

While there is no single, explicitly prescribed form of worship unique to this night in the Qur’an or authentic Sunnah, Muslims around the world traditionally engage in additional prayers, recitation of the Qur’an, dhikr, and heartfelt supplications, seeking forgiveness, guidance, and blessings.

Some also observe voluntary fasting on the surrounding day as an expression of devotion, though scholars emphasize that such fasting is optional and not a confirmed Sunnah.

Islamic scholars consistently advise caution against attaching specific rituals or guaranteed rewards to the night without strong, authentic evidence, stressing that the true essence of Shab-e-Meraj lies in sincere worship, adherence to obligatory prayers, moral discipline, and strengthening one’s relationship with Allah.

From an analytical perspective, the observance of Shab-e-Meraj reflects a balance between spiritual aspiration and religious authenticity, reminding believers that the lasting lesson of the night is not ceremonial practice but commitment to faith, obedience, and ethical living inspired by the profound journey of the Prophet.

Sources: Islamic Info Center