Isra Wal Miraj will fall on 27 January this year.
The UAE is a Muslim country, so any significant Islamic days in the calendar are often converted into public holidays. This allows people to reflect and fully use the day for prayer and devotion. One such important day in the Islamic calendar is the Isra Wal Miraj.
Isra Wal Miraj falls on 27 Rajab of the Islamic calendar. According to the Holy Quran, it is when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was taken on a night journey from Makkah to Masjid Al Aqsa in Jerusalem. From Masjid Al Aqsa, he was then ascended to the seven heavens, escorted by Angel Jibreel.
This event holds great significance for Muslims around the world as it was because of this the duty to five daily prayers was revealed — as opposed to 50. It also highlights and strengthens the belief in life after death — making it an integral part of the religion.
Additionally, Isra Wal Miraj reminds Muslims of the importance of Masjid Al Aqsa, which is considered the third holiest site in Islam. In fact, before the Kaaba in Makkah, Muslims were asked to face Masjid Al Aqsa to offer their prayers.
Oman recently made headlines by announcing a holiday for the occasion, which naturally got people in the UAE wondering if they’d get a long weekend as well. Isra Wal Miraj will fall on Monday, 27 January this year. However, unlike other Islamic holidays, the UAE will not likely declare a public holiday for it.
Recently, the UAE has consolidated its public holidays to focus on major events like Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Arafat Day and Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday. While the ocasion remains a deeply respected and observed event, it’s not a public holiday in the UAE calendar.
The next public holiday in the UAE is expected to fall on 31 March for Eid Al Fitr. However, confirmed dates will be shared upon the sighting of the moon.
Stay tuned at FACT for all the insights.
