The miraculous night of Isra and Miraj, when the Prophet Muhammad PBUH travelled from Makkah to Jerusalem, considered as his rise through the seven heavens, is celebrated on the 27 Rajab. In 2026 Rajab 1447 AH is expected to fall during January 2026, with the sacred night starting from Monday, 16 January in union with the Islamic convention that days start at Maghrib. While there is no obligatory act of worship on the night of Rajab, there are various believers who mark it by offering Umrah during this sacred time. Muslims can reflect on the religious lessons of the journey of the Prophet PBUH through Quran recitation especially Surah Al-Isra, which is also a gift of Salah which was commanded during Al-Miraj.
“Glory be to the One who took His servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs.” — Surah Al-Isra (17:1)
Observing this sacred night with pure intentions can be a powerful renewal for the entire Ummat-e-Muslima that Rajab offers as it is one of the sacred months in Islam out of four, a time to collect blessings through worship.
When to Observe the Night of Isra and Miraj in 2026 UK
The sacred night of Miraj which is also known as Laylat al-Isra is expected to be on 27th night of Rajab. The Islamic calendar is followed according to the Lunar cycles. It is predicted that dates shift from 10-12 days earlier each year. It is expected to experience this divine time in January 2026. It is essential to note that Islamic months mainly start only after the new crescent moon is observed. Considering the sacred night of Isra as the night of performance according to Quranic reflection which allows Muslims to connect deeply with the spiritual importance of Islam and the life of Prophet PBUH. This was the Holy month when the entire Ummat-e-Muslima was gifted with five Salah.
Note:
If you are planning to perform Umrah in Rajab, reading this blog “Is Umrah in Rajab Recommended?“will help you understand its spiritual benefits and why many consider it a recommended time for pilgrimage.
Significance of the sacred Isra and Miraj in Islam
The Isra and Miraj are known as the miraculous night journey considered as the best time for Muslims to pray which reshapes your lives as well. The Prophet PBUH got a chance to meet earlier prophets including Hazrat Adam, Musa, and Isa (A.S), and was brought to the upper most layer, the ultimate proximity to Allah known as Sidrat al-Muntaha. It was the sacred land where Muslims were gifted with Salah and were also taught regarding the direction and method of performing them. In a rapid moment He PBUH was transported from land to the heavenly journey, where He (PBUH) led previous prophets in offering Salah, this was the event when he was ranked as the Imam-ul-Ambiya (Leader of the Prophets)
Al-Isra, The Miraculous Journey from Makkah to Jerusalem
On this divine night, Allah SWT invited his PBUH from Masjid al-Haram in Makkah to Masjid e Aqsa in Jerusalem. This rise or journey is called Al-Isra.
What is Al-Miraj?
While the event when the Holy Prophet PBUH was taken through the seven heavens or skies is also called Al-Miraj. During this heavenly and divine journey.
How Muslims in the UK Can Observe Isra and Miraj 2026
While there is no obligatory ritual to offer during the night of Isra and Miraj, but various Muslims around the world prefer to perform their sacred Umrah during Rajab to observe the purity and blessings of Isra and Miraj. Muslims from nearby cities of the UK such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Cardiff often consider this month for the performance of their Umrah. For which Dua Travels have designed various Umrah packages 2026 that makes their sacred performance more exclusive including services such as transfers within the holy cities, flights, and accommodation bookings with closer proximity to the grand mosques. This blessed night offers pilgrims with a divine opportunity to reconnect with the religious boundaries and legacy of the prophet PBUH and helps you renew one’s commitment with five prayers of the day.
Families can experience a calm Umrah during this time and make sure to recite Quranic verses for a better journey ahead. Engage yourself in dhikr and dua or attend special lectures such as seminars that are specially hosted by the Imam of local mosques. Attending these religious and informative seminars help pilgrims achieve a beautiful journey with Islamic stories. Parents are suggested to perform Umrah with their kids so that they can learn about various historical events of Miraj.
Key Events or Waqiyat that Occurred During the Night of Miraj
| Stage | Event | Description |
| 1 | The Journey Begins in Makkah | The Prophet PBUH was resting near the Kaaba when Jibreel (AS) came. His chest was opened, cleansed with Zamzam water, and filled with Iman. Leading towards spiritual purification before meeting Allah. |
| 2 | Al-Buraq – The Heavenly Mount | He was mounted on Al-Buraq, a celestial power (faster than sight), signifying the supernatural nature of the journey. |
| 3 | Al-Isra: Makkah to Masjid al-Aqsa | In an instant, he was transported from Masjid al-Haram (Makkah) to Masjid al-Aqsa (Jerusalem), the first qibla and third holiest site in Islam. |
| 4 | Leading the Prophets in Prayer | At Masjid al-Aqsa, he led all previous prophets, including Ibrahim, Musa, and Isa (peace be upon them) in salah, affirming his role as the leader of the Prophets. |
| 5 | Al-Mi’raj: Ascension Through the Seven Heavens | From Jerusalem, he ascended through the seven heavens, meeting a prophet in each: Adam (AS) Isa and Yahya (AS) Yusuf (AS) Idris (AS) Harun (AS) Musa (AS) Ibrahim (AS) near Bayt al-Ma’mur |
| 6 | Sidrat al-Muntaha | Beyond the 7th heaven lies Sidrat al-Muntaha, the boundary beyond which no creation may pass. Here, the Prophet ﷺ was brought closer to Allah than any human before. |
| 7 | The Gift of the Five Daily Prayers (Salah) | Allah initially ordained 50 daily prayers. On Musa’s (AS) advice, the Prophet PBUH asked for reduction out of mercy for his Ummah. It was finally set at 5 prayers, with the reward of 50. |
| 8 | Return to Makkah | The entire miraculous journey from Makkah to Jerusalem, through the heavens, and back was completed in a single night, before Fajr. |
Final Words
This sacred event powerfully declares the unity of Islamic history. More Importantly it unfolds the power and miraculous nature of the Almighty Allah SWT. This honor was bestowed upon the Last Holy Prophet PBUH Muhammad by the Almighty transcending the laws of time and space. For Muslim believers, Isra and Miraj is a reminder that Salah is not just a ritual to follow but a divine gift from Allah that renews your faith.
