Muslims throughout South Africa will observe the blessed night of Lailat-al-Miraj tonight (Friday – February 17), 27 Rajab, 1444. Also known as Al-Isra-Wal-Miraj, the event marks a miraculous experience that was bestowed upon Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), when he rose to heaven and was brought into the divine presence of the Almighty (SWT). On this special night, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) journeyed from Masjid al Haram in Makkah, to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. According to prophetic narration, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) led all the earlier Prophets in prayer at Masjid al-Aqsa and from there ascended on the back of a winged steed called Buraq, through the seven heavens, where the Almighty (SWT) gave him the divine gift of instruction for Muslims to recite Salah (or Salat) five times a day. This is why the journey and ascent are marked as one of the most important dates on the Islamic calendar. The Prophet (PBUH) is quoted as saying, “Rajab is the month of Allah (SWT), Sha’baan is my month and Ramadaan is the month of my Ummah.”
The Laudium Sun wishes all those observing Lailat-al-Miraj a peaceful and blessed 27th Rajab.
