Lailat al Miraj
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Lailat al Miraj/لیلۃ المعراج , also known as Shab-e-Miraj/شب معراج in Iran, Pakistan, and India, or Miraç Kandili in Turkish, is the Muslim festival celebrating the Isra and Mi'raj of Muhammad, when it is believed he went from Mecca to Al-Haram As-Sharif (also known as the Temple Mount) and was then raised to heaven (Jannah), met with the prophets and eventually with God. It is celebrated on the 27th day of the month Rajab in the Islamic calendar. From this journey, Muslims believe, the command for five daily prayers (Salat) was given.
[edit] Celebrations
The celebrations around this day tend to focus on children and the young. Children are gathered into a mosque and are told the story of the Isra and Mi'raj. The story usually focuses on how Muhammad's heart was purified by two archangels and filled him with knowledge and faith in preparation to enter the seven levels of heaven. The Night Journey and Ascension to heaven (Isra and Mi'raj) was a spectacular journey. It started with Muhammad being taken on the winged horse (Buraq), accompanied by Gabriel, from Mecca to Jerusalem and then to heaven (where he met former prophets) then back to Mecca, all during the same night. After prayer (Salat, where the children can pray with the adults if they wish) food and treats are served.
Unlike the eids, which centre more around the family, Lailat al Miraj is more about the community as a whole and events tend to be more about bringing the community together.
[edit] External links
Muslim holidays and observances | |||||||||||
Muslim New Year | Remembrance of Muharram | Day of Ashura | Imamat Day | Arba'een | Mawlid | |||||||||||
Imam Musa al Kazim day | Lailat al Miraj | Shab-e-baraat | Ramadan | Laylat al-Qadr | Eid ul-Fitr | Eid ul-Adha |