27th Rajab – Shab-e-Meraj 2026: Complete Shia Explanation, History, Significance, and Amaal
Shab-e-Meraj, observed on the 27th night of Rajab, is one of the most sacred and spiritually profound nights in Islamic history. In 2026, Shab-e-Meraj will be observed on Friday, January 16, 2026, beginning from Thursday night (January 15) after sunset. Shab-e-Meraj 2026 will be observed on Friday, 16 January 2026, corresponding to 27th Rajab 1447 AH.
This blessed night commemorates the miraculous journey (Isra and Meraj) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his pure family)—a journey that transcended the physical limits of time and space and revealed the highest spiritual stations attainable by a human being.
In Pakistan, some provinces announce school or public holidays on the occasion of Shab-e-Meraj. For example, Sindh province announced school closures in January 2026. However, Shab-e-Meraj remains primarily a religious observance, and holiday decisions vary by country and region.
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Which Date Is Shab-e-Meraj 2026?
Shab-e-Meraj 2026 will be observed on Friday, 16 January 2026, which corresponds to 27th Rajab 1447 AH in the Islamic calendar. The night of Shab-e-Meraj begins after Maghrib on Thursday, 15 January 2026, subject to moon sighting.
Shab-e-Meraj 2026 Date and Time in Different Countries
Shab-e-Meraj is observed on the 27th night of Rajab and begins after Maghrib (sunset).
Because Islamic dates depend on moon sighting, the exact night may vary slightly by country.
Below is the expected and widely accepted date for Shab-e-Meraj 2026 across major regions.
Shab-e-Meraj 2026 Country-Wise Date Table
| Country / Region | Shab-e-Meraj Night Begins | Shab-e-Meraj Day | Islamic Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | Thursday night, 15 January 2026 | Friday, 16 January 2026 | 27 Rajab 1447 AH |
| India | Thursday night, 15 January 2026 | Friday, 16 January 2026 | 27 Rajab 1447 AH |
| United States (USA) | Thursday night, 15 January 2026 | Friday, 16 January 2026 | 27 Rajab 1447 AH |
| United Kingdom (UK) | Thursday night, 15 January 2026 | Friday, 16 January 2026 | 27 Rajab 1447 AH |
| Europe (most countries) | Thursday night, 15 January 2026 | Friday, 16 January 2026 | 27 Rajab 1447 AH |
| Australia | Friday night, 16 January 2026 | Saturday, 17 January 2026 | 27 Rajab 1447 AH |
| Saudi Arabia | Thursday night, 15 January 2026 | Friday, 16 January 2026 | 27 Rajab 1447 AH |
| UAE (Dubai) | Thursday night, 15 January 2026 | Friday, 16 January 2026 | 27 Rajab 1447 AH |
| Qatar | Thursday night, 15 January 2026 | Friday, 16 January 2026 | 27 Rajab 1447 AH |
| Kuwait | Thursday night, 15 January 2026 | Friday, 16 January 2026 | 27 Rajab 1447 AH |
| Oman | Thursday night, 15 January 2026 | Friday, 16 January 2026 | 27 Rajab 1447 AH |
| Bahrain | Thursday night, 15 January 2026 | Friday, 16 January 2026 | 27 Rajab 1447 AH |
Meaning of Shab-e-Meraj
Linguistic Meaning
The term Shab-e-Meraj consists of two Arabic-Persian words:
Shab meaning night
Meraj meaning ascension, elevation, or rising
Together, Shab-e-Meraj means “The Night of Ascension”, referring to the night when Allah elevated His final Messenger beyond the physical universe into divine proximity.
Qur’anic Foundation of Isra and Meraj
The journey of Isra is explicitly mentioned in the Holy Qur’an:
“Glory be to Him who took His servant by night from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs.”
(Surah Al-Isra 17:1)
Shia scholars unanimously agree that this verse refers to a real and miraculous journey, not a symbolic dream. The phrase “His servant” indicates the complete personality of the Prophet—body and soul.
What Is Isra? – The Night Journey
From Makkah to Jerusalem
Isra refers to the miraculous night journey of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from:
Masjid al-Haram in Makkah
To Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem
This journey took place in one single night, defying all physical laws. The Prophet (PBUH) traveled on a heavenly creature called Buraq, accompanied by Angel Jibraeel (AS).
At Masjid al-Aqsa, the Prophet led all previous prophets in prayer, symbolizing his finality and leadership over all messengers.
What Is Meraj? – Ascension Beyond the Heavens
After Isra, the event of Meraj began. The Prophet (PBUH) ascended from Masjid al-Aqsa through the seven heavens, witnessing divine signs and realities unseen by any other human.
Journey Through the Seven Heavens
After reaching Masjid al-Aqsa, the Prophet (PBUH) ascended through the heavens:
First Heaven – Prophet Adam (AS)
Second Heaven – Prophet Isa (AS) & Yahya (AS)
Third Heaven – Prophet Yusuf (AS)
Fourth Heaven – Prophet Idris (AS)
Fifth Heaven – Prophet Harun (AS)
Sixth Heaven – Prophet Musa (AS)
Seventh Heaven – Prophet Ibrahim (AS)
Each meeting affirmed the finality and supremacy of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Meeting the Prophets in the Heavens
During Meraj, the Prophet (PBUH) met:
Adam (AS) in the First Heaven
Isa (AS) and Yahya (AS) in the Second
Yusuf (AS) in the Third
Idris (AS) in the Fourth
Harun (AS) in the Fifth
Musa (AS) in the Sixth
Ibrahim (AS) in the Seventh Heaven
Each meeting affirmed the spiritual superiority and finality of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Sidrat al-Muntaha – The Ultimate Station
Where Creation Ends
The Prophet (PBUH) reached Sidrat al-Muntaha, the furthest boundary of creation. At this point:
Angel Jibraeel (AS) stopped
The Prophet (PBUH) proceeded alone
Direct communication with Allah occurred (without physical form)
This moment represents the highest spiritual station ever attained by a human being.
Shia Belief: Meraj Was Physical and Spiritual
Shia Islam firmly believes:
Meraj occurred with body and soul
Allah has absolute power over space and time
Denying physical Meraj limits divine omnipotence
Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (AS) rejected the idea that Meraj was a dream and affirmed its literal reality.
Role of Ahlul Bayt (AS) in Meraj
Wilayah Shown in the Heavens
Shia narrations state that during Meraj:
The Prophet (PBUH) was shown the Noor (light) of Imam Ali (AS)
The names of the Twelve Imams (AS) were revealed
Wilayah was declared as a divine command
This establishes that Imamate is not political—it is heavenly.
Gift of Salah – Central Purpose of Meraj
Why Salah Was Given in the Heavens
Salah was not revealed on earth like other commands. It was:
Gifted during Meraj
Initially 50 daily prayers
Reduced to 5, with reward of 50
Imam Ali (AS) said:
“Prayer is the Meraj of the believer.”
Importance of Shab-e-Meraj in Shia Islam
Shab-e-Meraj represents:
Divine closeness
Acceptance of supplications
Forgiveness of sins
Spiritual elevation
It is a night when doors of mercy are wide open.
Recommended Amaal for Shab-e-Meraj (Shia)
Fasting on 27th Rajab
Fasting on this day carries immense reward. Narrations state it equals years of worship.
Ghusl (Ritual Bath)
Perform Ghusl before Maghrib or during the night.
Nawafil Prayers
12 rakats (2 by 2)
Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Naas
Duas and Dhikr
Salawat on Muhammad wa Aal-e-Muhammad
Istighfar
Duas from Sahifa Sajjadiya
Spiritual Lessons from Shab-e-Meraj
Faith Elevates
True faith can lift a believer beyond limitations.
Salah Is Non-Negotiable
Neglecting prayer is spiritual سقوط (fall).
Wilayah Is the Path
Following Ahlul Bayt (AS) is the route to divine nearness.
Preparing for Shab-e-Meraj 2026
Personal Preparation
Sincere repentance
Renew intention
Increase Qur’an recitation
Teaching Children
Teach Meraj as:
A miracle
A lesson in obedience
A love story between Allah and His Prophet
Conclusion – Shab-e-Meraj Is a Living Invitation
Shab-e-Meraj is not history—it is a call to rise.
As Friday, January 16, 2026, approaches, may we:
Strengthen our Salah
Hold firmly to Wilayah
Seek closeness to Allah
May Allah elevate us spiritually, as He elevated His beloved Prophet (PBUH).
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