The 27th Night of Rajab: Separating Fact from Fabrication

In recent years, the 27th night of Rajab has been widely commemorated in many Muslim communities as the night of al-Isra’ wa-al-Mi‘raj, the Night Journey and Ascension of our beloved Prophet ﷺ. It is often portrayed as a night of special worship, gatherings, and prayers. Yet, when examined in the light of the Qur’an, Sunnah, and the practice of the Salaf-us-Saliheen, a very different picture emerges—one that demands clarity and adherence to authentic guidance.

1. Understanding al-Isra’ wa-al-Mi‘raj

The Night Journey and Ascension is a firmly established event in Islam, affirmed in the Qur’an:

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَىٰ بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلًا مِنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الْأَقْصَىٰ
“Exalted is He who took His servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa…”
(Surah al-Isra’ 17:1)

However, the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah do not specify the exact date of this event. Claims that it occurred on the 27th of Rajab have no sound basis in the texts.

2. The Silence of the Salaf

The practice of the Salaf—those first three generations of Islam, including the Companions (Radiyallahu anhum) and the early Tabi‘een—is decisive in determining what constitutes authentic worship. They did not mark the 27th of Rajab for any special commemoration.

“There is no authentic hadith establishing the date of al-Isra’.”
— Ibn Kathir, Rahimahullah

3. The Danger of Innovation

Islamic law is clear: worship is valid only when established by the Qur’an and Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ warned:

“Whoever introduces into this matter of ours that which is not from it, it is rejected.”
— Bukhari and Muslim

Designating the 27th night of Rajab for special prayers, gatherings, or celebrations without textual evidence constitutes a religious innovation (bid‘ah).

4. Statements of the Early Scholars

• Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah Rahimahullah: “No special virtue has been established for the month of Rajab, nor for any particular night in it.”
• Ibn al-Qayyim Rahimahullah: “Every hadith concerning fasting in Rajab or praying in its nights is false or fabricated.”
• Imam Abu Shamah al-Maqdisi Rahimahullah: “It is not permissible to specify a time for an act of worship without evidence from the Shari‘ah.”

5. The Correct Approach of the Salaf

The Salaf believed in al-Isra’ wa-al-Mi‘raj and reflected on its lessons: the greatness of Allah’s power, the honor given to the Prophet ﷺ, and the obligation of the five daily prayers. They did not attach dates or rituals outside authentic guidance, teaching us that faithfulness to the Sunnah requires rejecting unsupported customs.

6. Conclusion

The 27th night of Rajab, despite popular claims, has no special status in Islam. Observing it with distinct worship or celebration is an innovation. The Salaf-us-Saliheen serve as our model: they believed in the event, learned its lessons, and avoided fabricated practices. Muslims are encouraged to follow authentic sources: believe in the Night Journey, establish prayer, and reflect upon its meanings without inventing new acts of worship.

May Allah guide us to follow the path of the Salaf, keep us firm upon authentic guidance, and protect us from innovation in our religion.