Celebrating The Night of al Israa' wal- Mi'raaj

Celebrating the Night of al-Israa' wal-Mi'raaj

Said Shaykh Ibn Baaz rahimahullah:

"There is no doubt that the incident of al-Israa. and al-Mi'raaj is (from) among the great signs of Allaah, indicating the truthfulness of His Messenger, Muhammad (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam), and the greatness of his position with Allaah. It is also among the evidences showing the ability of Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) and it is proof that Allaah is above all His creation.... 

This date on which al-Israa. and al-Mi'raaj occurred has not been established in the authentic ahaadeeth, neither during the month of Rajab nor in any other month. All that has been mentioned concerning the date of occurence of al-Israa. and al-Mi'raaj is deemed among the scholars of hadeeth to be unauthentic. Indeed, Allaah has great Wisdom in causing the people to forget the date of its occurrence.  

However, even if its date was confirmed, it would nonetheless be impermissible for the Muslims to distinguish that night from other nights by doing anything from among the acts of worship. Neither it would be permissible for them to celebrate it, as the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his companions neither celebrated it nor did they distinguish it with any special acts of worship. 

Should such a celebration of that night be lawful, the Messenger (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) would have clarified it to the people either by word or deed. And had such a thing occurred, it would have become known and common, and the companions would have transmitted it to us. The companions passed on from their Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) everything which Muslims are in need of. Never were they negligent with regard to the religion. Indeed, they were the first to lead the way to every good. If the celebration of this night had been lawful, they would have been first to do it.  

The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) also is the most sincere in guiding people. He most truly fulfilled his mission, and performed his noble duty. If the glorification and celebration of that night had something to do with Islaam, the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) would never have neglected it nor concealed it. 

Since nothing about this was narrated from the Messenger (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his companions, therefore glorification and celebration of that night has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with Islaam, as Allaah has perfected for this nation its religion, completed His favor upon it and rebuked and refuted the innovators who introduce into the religion that which Allaah has not allowed."

Majmoo' Fataawa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi'ah - Volume 1, Page 188;
al-Bid'u wal-Muhdathaat wa maa laa asla lahu - Page 588
Source: http://www.fatwa-online.com/



When is al-Israa' wal-Mi'raaj?
by Ustadz Abu Muawiah Al-Atsary (al-atsariyyah.com)

There is a difference of opinion among scholars regarding the event of al-Israa' wal-Mi'raaj.

In general, there are two opinions as stated by Al-Hafizh Ibnu Hajar rahimahullah:

a. Before he became a prophet. This opinion is very weak.
b. After he became a prophet. The scholars were in agreement that the event occurred before Hijrah, however they differed in the dates into many different opinions.

Among these opinions:

1. Rabi’ul Awwal
2. Rajab
3. Ramadhan
4. 27 Rabi’ul Awwal
5. 12 Rabi’ul Awwal
6. 17 Ramadhan

Regarding the opinion of the event occurring in Rajab:

Imam Abu Syamah said in "Al-Ba’its ‘ala Ingkaril Bida’ wal Hawadits", Chapter 171:

"Several Al-Qoshshosh (storytellers) said that Al-Israa' occurred in Rajab, and this is a falsehood according to the scholars of jarh wa ta'dil."

Al-Hafizh Ibnu Hajar said in his book "Tabyinul ‘Ajab", Chapter 11:

"Several Al-Qoshshosh (storytellers) said that Al-Israa' occurred in Rajab, and this is a falsehood."

[References: Fathul Bari (7/203), Al-Jami’ li Ahkamil Qur`an (10/210), Syarh Muslim (2/209) dan Tafsirul Qur`anil ‘Azhim (3/22)]

Wallahu a'lam