Celebrating the night of Ascension (Mi’raj) on the 27th of Rajab

Question: Is celebrating the night of Ascension (Mi’raj) on the 27th of Rajab a Sunnah in Islam?

Praise be to Allah

Summary:
Celebrating the night of Mi’raj (the Prophet’s Night Journey and Ascension) on the 27th of Rajab is not established as a Sunnah in Islam. There is no authentic evidence in the Quran or Sunnah that supports observing this night as a religious celebration or associating it with specific acts of worship.

Detailed Answer:
The event of Mi’raj is a significant event in Islamic history, where Allah granted the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) a miraculous journey from Makkah to Jerusalem and then to the heavens. This journey is mentioned in the Quran in Surah Al-Isra (17:1) and referenced in other narrations as a momentous event. However, despite its importance, there is no clear indication in authentic Hadith that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) or his companions celebrated this night annually, nor did he prescribe any special acts of worship for it.

The practice of marking the 27th of Rajab with specific prayers, fasting, or communal gatherings lacks basis in Islamic texts. Historically, many scholars have cautioned against such observances, explaining that, in Islam, acts of worship must be based on clear evidence from the Quran and authentic Sunnah. Since there is no instruction from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) regarding this specific night, observing it as a special religious occasion is viewed as an innovation (Bid’ah).

The principle in Islam is that acts of worship must be grounded in authentic evidence. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Whoever introduces into this affair of ours something that is not part of it, it will be rejected.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 2697, Sahih Muslim 1718)

He also warned, saying:
“Beware of newly invented matters, for every invented matter is an innovation, and every innovation is misguidance.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood 4607, authenticated by al-Albani)

Moreover, the exact date of Mi’raj is not definitively known, and some scholars argue that attributing it specifically to the 27th of Rajab is not substantiated by reliable evidence. The general principle in Islam is to follow the Prophet’s guidance closely, as he and his companions were the best examples of practicing the religion. Thus, scholars emphasize that adhering to established forms of worship and avoiding unsanctioned innovations helps preserve the purity and simplicity of Islamic teachings.

And Allah Knows Best