| Shab-i-Miraj means
the night of Ascent. It is the blessed night when the Holy Prophet
of Islam was spiritually transported to heaven and he reached a
high stage of nearness to God Almighty which is beyond ordinary
human comprehension. The Ascent took place on 27th day or Rajab, 2
years before Hijra. The journey was not with a physical body but
was a vision of the highest type. On the way the Holy Prophet,
peace be upon him, met Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and some other
Prophets. The purpose of the Ascent was to confirm the high status
of the Prophet of Islam, a position which all Muslims believe, is
impossible to attain by any other human being. It is related that
even Gabriel, the Angel who was accompanying the Holy Prophet
remarked at one stage, 'I am forced to stop here. I cannot go any
further, but you O Messenger of peace and friend of the Master of
the worlds, continue your glorious ascent.' |
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| It is also related
that the Holy Prophet continued his journey until he reached very
close to the Throne of God Almighty and attained the utmost
nearness to Him. After having drunk fully at the Divine fountain
of spiritual knowledge he came down to impart the knowledge to
mankind. |
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| It was on this
journey, that five daily prayers were made obligatory upon
Muslims. |
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Celebrations: |
| According to popular
belief, the Miraj or Spiritual Ascension took place on 27 of
Rajab. On this day, in some Muslim countries the houses and
streets and specially the mosques are decorated with colorful
pennants and buntings, and at night they are well illuminated by
means of electric lights, candles or even oil lamps. As evening
approaches the worshippers assemble in the mosques and engage
themselves in glorifying the Lord and in singing hymns in His
praise and in praise of the Holy Prophet. Public meetings are also
held generally after Isha Prayer in larger mosques where speakers
throw light on the spiritual status of the Holy Prophet, and
various aspects of his life. The story of his spiritual ascension
is narrated in detail. After the meetings sweets are generally
distributed. Muslims of means give money in charity and also
distribute food among the poor. The devoted ones spend the whole
night in the remembrance of God. |
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