Lailat al-Mi’raj

When is Lailat al-Mi’raj?

March 1, 2022; in the Islamic calendar, it is observed on the 27th day of Rajab, the 7th month. The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, so this date will be slightly different each year.

What is Lailat al-Mi’raj?

Sometimes translated as the Night of the Ascension, this event marks two significant moments in Islam: Isra (“Night Journey”), when the Prophet Muhammad was transported from Mecca to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, and then prayed with the other prophets; and Mi’raj (“Ladder” or “Ascension”), when Muhammad ascended into Heaven and spoke with God. According to Islamic tradition, it was during the Mi’raj that God gave Muhammad the instruction for Muslims to pray 5 times a day.

Many Muslims observe this holiday with prayer (especially at night) and the recounting of the story of Muhammad’s Night Journey. Some also share meals with friends and family, and mosques and homes may be decorated with candles and lights.

Did your know . . .?

During the Mi’raj, God originally told Muhammad that Muslims should pray 50 times a day, but the prophet Musa told Muhammad that this was too hard for people, and to go back to God to ask for a reduced amount. This exchange happened multiple times, until, finally, God reduced the amount of prayer to 5 times per day.

Want to learn more?

Mi’raj also means “ladder” in Arabic. Here is a link to a craft for children where they can build a ladder as they learn more about Lailat al-Mi’raj. This link also includes an English-language reading of the story of the Mi’raj.