Shab E Meraj Ki Namaz

Shab E Meraj Ki Namaz: History, Niyat, Rakat, Dua and Method (2026)

by

Shab E Meraj is a blessed night that falls every year on the 27th of Rajab. This is the night when Allah Ta’ala took His beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) from Masjid ul Haram to Masjid ul Aqsa and then beyond the seven heavens. This sacred journey is known as Isra and Meraj.

This night holds special importance because it was during this journey that Allah Ta’ala gifted the five daily prayers to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Shab E Meraj Ki Namaz refers to the nafl worship performed on this blessed night. Scholars have strongly encouraged spending this night in prayer and devotion.

History of Shab E Meraj

Shab E Meraj took place in the tenth year of Prophethood, a period that was among the most difficult in the life of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). He had lost his beloved wife Hazrat Khadijah (Radiallahu Anha) and his uncle Abu Talib in the same year. This period is referred to in Islamic history as Aam ul Huzn, meaning the Year of Grief.

It was in this time of trial that Allah Ta’ala honoured His Prophet with the miracle of Isra and Meraj.

The journey happened in two parts. The first part, Isra, was the night journey from Masjid ul Haram in Makkah to Masjid ul Aqsa in Jerusalem. This journey, which would normally take many weeks on foot, was completed in a single night on the Buraq, a heavenly creature.

At Masjid ul Aqsa, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) led all the Prophets in prayer. This event is mentioned in the Holy Quran in Surah Al-Isra (17:1).

The second part, Meraj, was the ascent through the seven heavens. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) met various Prophets at each level of the heavens, including Hazrat Adam, Hazrat Isa, Hazrat Yahya, Hazrat Yusuf, Hazrat Idris, Hazrat Musa and Hazrat Ibrahim (peace be upon them all).

At the highest point, beyond all creation, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) received the gift of the five daily prayers directly from Allah Ta’ala. Originally fifty prayers were prescribed, but through the intercession of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and the mercy of Allah, they were reduced to five while retaining the reward of fifty.

This event is not only a miracle but the greatest honour ever bestowed upon any human being. The Quran and authentic Hadith both confirm the reality of this journey.

Shab E Meraj 2026 Date

The date of Shab E Meraj 2026 is the same in both Pakistan and India. This blessed night falls on the evening of 15 January 2026 (Thursday night), corresponding to 27 Rajab 1447 AH. The following day is 16 January 2026, Friday.

Shab E Meraj 2026 Date in India: The night begins after Maghrib on 15 January 2026.

Shab E Meraj 2026 Date in Pakistan: Same as India. The night begins after Maghrib on 15 January 2026.

For reference, Shab E Meraj 2025 was observed on the night of 27 January 2025.

Shab E Meraj Ki Namaz Ka Tarika

The method of Shab E Meraj Ki Namaz is straightforward and rooted in hadith. This night calls for special attention to nafl worship. Three well-known methods are described below.

First Method: 12 Rakat Nafl

This method is mentioned in Kanzul Ummal (Hadith Number 35170) and is the most widely practised.

Rakat: 12 Rakat, with salam after every 2 Rakat.

In each rakat, recite Surah Fatiha followed by any Quranic surah. After every 2 Rakat, recite Tashahhud and perform salam. Complete all 12 Rakat in this way across 6 salams.

After completing the 12 Rakat, recite the following tasbeeh 100 times:

Arabic:

سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ وَلَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ

Transliteration:

Subhanallahi wal hamdulillahi wa laa ilaaha illallaahu wallaahu akbar

Meaning:

Glory be to Allah, and all praise is for Allah, and there is no god but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest.

Then recite the following 100 times:

Arabic:

أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ رَبِّي مِنْ كُلِّ ذَنْبٍ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ

Transliteration:

Astaghfirullaaha rabbi min kulli zanbin wa atubu ilayh

Meaning:

I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, for every sin, and I turn to Him in repentance.

Then recite Durood Ibrahim 100 times:

Arabic:

اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ سَيِّدِنَا إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ

Transliteration:

Allahumma salli ala sayyidina Muhammadin wa ala aali sayyidina Muhammadin kama sallayta ala sayyidina Ibraheema wa ala aali sayyidina Ibraheema innaka hameedun majeed

Meaning:

O Allah, send blessings upon our master Muhammad and upon his family, as You sent blessings upon our master Ibrahim and his family. Verily You are Praiseworthy and Glorious.

After completing all of this, make dua for your worldly and spiritual needs. Allah Ta’ala accepts every sincere supplication.

Reference: Kanzul Ummal, Juz 12, Page 312-313, Hadith Number 35170

Second Method: 6 Rakat Nafl

Rakat: 6 Rakat, with salam after every 2 Rakat.

In each rakat, recite Surah Fatiha once and Surah Ikhlas 7 times. After completing all 6 Rakat, recite Durood Sharif 50 times.

Benefit: It is mentioned that the worldly and spiritual needs of the worshipper are fulfilled, and up to seventy thousand sins may be forgiven by the will of Allah.

Third Method: 4 Rakat Nafl (After Zuhr on 27 Rajab)

On the day of 27 Rajab, after the Zuhr prayer, offer 4 Rakat nafl as follows:

  1. First Rakat: Surah Fatiha followed by Surah Qadr 3 times
  2. Second Rakat: Surah Fatiha followed by Surah Ikhlas 3 times
  3. Third Rakat: Surah Fatiha followed by Surah Falaq 3 times
  4. Fourth Rakat: Surah Fatiha followed by Surah Naas 3 times

After the prayer, recite Durood Sharif 100 times and make personal dua.

Shab E Meraj Ki Namaz Ki Niyat

The niyat (intention) for Shab E Meraj Ki Namaz is made in the heart. The verbal words of niyat are as follows:

Arabic:

نَوَيْتُ أَنْ أُصَلِّيَ لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى رَكْعَتَيْنِ صَلَاةَ النَّافِلَةِ مُتَوَجِّهًا إِلَى الْكَعْبَةِ الْمُشَرَّفَةِ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ

Transliteration:

Nawaytu an usalliya lillahi ta’ala rak’atayni salatan nafilata mutawajjihan ilal Ka’batil Musharrafati Allahu Akbar

Meaning:

I intend to pray two rakat of nafl prayer for Allah Ta’ala, facing the Holy Kaaba. Allahu Akbar.

Shab E Meraj Ki Namaz Ka Waqt

The time for Shab E Meraj nafl begins after Maghrib and continues until just before Fajr.

Shab E Meraj Namaz Time 2026: In Pakistan and India, the time begins after Maghrib on 16 January 2026.

The most recommended times are:

  1. Begin after Isha prayer
  2. The last portion of the night, known as Tahajjud time, carries the highest reward
  3. Spend a few moments before Fajr in personal dua

Shab E Meraj Ki Dua

The following dua is recited between or after prayers on this blessed night:

Arabic:

لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ الْمَلِكُ الْحَقُّ الْمُبِينُ

Transliteration:

Laa ilaaha illallaahul malikul haqqul mubeen

Meaning:

There is no god but Allah, the True King, the Manifest Truth.

This dua can be recited 70 times. Along with it, recite Astaghfirullah and Durood Sharif abundantly throughout the night.

What to Do on Shab E Meraj

Plan to spend this blessed night in dedicated worship. Key acts of this night include the following.

Take a Bath (Ghusl)

It is recommended to take a bath before Maghrib or during the night. This is a spiritual preparation for worship.

Recite the Quran

Recite as much of the Quran as possible. Surah Yasin, Surah Ikhlas and Surah Al-Isra are particularly appropriate for this night.

Dhikr and Istighfar

Recite Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar and Astaghfirullah in abundance. Keep the heart occupied with the remembrance of Allah.

Qaza Prayers

Scholars advise that if a person has missed obligatory prayers, those should be made up before performing nafl prayers. Fard prayers are like a debt that must be settled first.

Keep a Fast

It is narrated from Hazrat Abu Huraira (Radiallahu Anhu) that the person who fasts on 27 Rajab receives the reward of sixty months of fasting. This fast is not obligatory but carries great merit.

The Importance of Shab E Meraj

Shab E Meraj is one of the most significant nights in Islamic history. The journey is mentioned in the Holy Quran in Surah Al-Isra (17:1):

Arabic:

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَى بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلًا مِّنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الْأَقْصَى

Transliteration:

Subhaanal lazee asraa bi’abdihee laylam minal masjidil haraami ilal masjidil aqsa

Meaning:

Glory be to Him Who took His servant on a journey by night from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa.

Three great events took place on this night. The first was the journey of Isra from Makkah to Bait ul Maqdis. The second was the ascent of Meraj through the seven heavens and beyond. The third was the gift of the five daily prayers, given directly by Allah Ta’ala to His Prophet.

Benefits of Shab E Meraj Ki Namaz

Great Spiritual Reward

Hadith mentions that the one who worships on this night receives the reward equivalent to one hundred years of worship.

Forgiveness of Sins

Through worship, istighfar and dua on this night, Allah Ta’ala grants forgiveness. In the six-rakat method, the forgiveness of seventy thousand sins is mentioned.

Acceptance of Dua

The supplications made on this night are not turned away as long as they do not involve sin. Allah Ta’ala is ready to hear and accept the prayers of His servants on this night.

Spiritual Upliftment

Nafl prayers, dhikr and Durood Sharif soften the heart and renew faith.

Conclusion

Shab E Meraj Ki Namaz is a great means of drawing close to Allah and seeking His forgiveness. On this night, pray nafl, seek istighfar, send Durood and make sincere dua. If you have missed obligatory prayers, make up those first.

Shab E Meraj 2026 falls on the night of 15 January 2026. Spend this blessed night in worship, seek forgiveness for your sins and ask Allah Ta’ala for goodness in this world and the next.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the opportunity to worship on this night, accept our supplications and grant us His forgiveness. Ameen

🤲 Read These Other Islamic Supplications As Well:

? Frequently Asked Questions

What is the date of Shab E Meraj 2026?

Shab E Meraj 2026 falls on the night of 15 January 2026 in both Pakistan and India, corresponding to 27 Rajab 1447 AH. The following day is 16 January 2026, Friday.

How many rakat are in Shab E Meraj Ki Namaz?

The most widely followed method has 12 rakat with salam after every 2 rakat. Other methods include 6 rakat and 4 rakat.

What is the method of Shab E Meraj Ki Namaz?

Pray 12 nafl rakat in pairs of two. Then recite the tasbeeh, istighfar and Durood Sharif 100 times each. End with sincere dua.

Is fasting on 27 Rajab compulsory?

It is not compulsory but is highly rewarding based on hadith. Fasting on 27 Rajab is said to carry the reward of sixty months of fasting.

What is the time of Shab E Meraj Ki Namaz?

From after Maghrib until before Fajr. The most rewarding time is after Isha and during the Tahajjud hours.

When was Shab E Meraj 2025?

Shab E Meraj 2025 was on 27 January 2025.

Written by: Ahmad Raza

Credentials: Islamic Studies Content Writer

🤲 Read More duas for daily life at Instant Dua