It is January 17, 2026. If you woke up today wondering, "today is what muslim holiday," you’ve likely noticed a certain shift in the atmosphere within Muslim communities or saw a spike in social media mentions about a "Night Journey."
Today marks the observance of Laylat al-Miraj.
It’s not one of the "big two"—the Eids that usually get the bank holiday treatment or the massive public festivals. Instead, it’s one of those deeply spiritual, almost quiet nights that carries an incredible amount of weight for nearly two billion people. Honestly, it’s a night of wonder.
Technically, the date on the Islamic calendar is the 27th of Rajab. Because the Hijri calendar is lunar, these dates drift about 11 days earlier every single year relative to the Gregorian calendar. That’s why last year it was in February, and in a few years, it’ll be hitting during the dead of winter.
What Exactly Is Laylat al-Miraj?
You might hear it called the Night Journey and Ascension. It’s actually two distinct parts of a single, miraculous night. First, there is the Isra, the journey from Mecca to Jerusalem. Then comes the Miraj, the ascent through the heavens.
According to Islamic tradition and the Quran (specifically Surah Al-Isra), the Prophet Muhammad was visited by the Archangel Gabriel. He was brought a winged steed called Buraq. In a single night, he traveled from the Great Mosque in Mecca to the "Farthest Mosque" (Al-Aqsa) in Jerusalem.
Think about the geography for a second. In the 7th century, that trip took weeks by caravan.
Once at Al-Aqsa, the Prophet led other prophets in prayer. This is a huge theological point in Islam—it’s the moment that signifies the continuity of the monotheistic message. After the prayer, he ascended through the seven levels of heaven. He met Adam, John the Baptist, Jesus, Joseph, Idris, Aaron, Moses, and finally Abraham.
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It’s intense. It’s cosmic.
The Most Practical Part of the Holiday
While the story sounds like something out of an epic poem, it actually resulted in the most practical, daily aspect of being a Muslim: the five daily prayers (Salah).
The tradition says that originally, God commanded fifty prayers a day. Imagine trying to get anything done if you had to pray fifty times between sunrise and sunset. You’d basically never leave your prayer mat. Moses actually told Muhammad to go back and ask for a reduction, arguing that the people couldn't handle it. After several trips back and forth, the number was settled at five.
Even though the number is five, the "reward" is said to remain as if it were fifty. That’s why today is such a big deal for those who are practicing. It’s the "birthday" of the daily prayer.
How People Actually Observe Today
If you’re walking through a neighborhood with a high Muslim population today, you won't see parades. This isn't Eid al-Fitr where everyone is wearing brand-new clothes and handing out cash to kids.
It's more low-key.
Most people will spend the evening at the mosque listening to the story of the Miraj. There’s a lot of focus on the idea of the "impossible becoming possible." In many cultures—specifically in Turkey, South Asia, and parts of the Middle East—there are specific foods. In Turkey, they call these "Kandil" nights. You’ll find Kandil simidi, which are these small, savory sesame rings that are absolutely delicious and sold in every bakery.
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Some people fast during the day today. It’s not mandatory like Ramadan, but it’s considered "Mustahabb" (recommended). You’ll find families gathering for a slightly nicer dinner than usual, maybe sharing stories with the younger kids about the Buraq and the heavens.
Why This Date Is Sometimes Disputed
Here is the thing about Islamic history: it’s not always a straight line.
While the 27th of Rajab is the most widely accepted date for Laylat al-Miraj, some scholars over the centuries have argued it could have happened in the months of Rabi' al-awwal or Ramadan. Salafi scholars, for instance, often point out that the Prophet himself didn’t technically "celebrate" the anniversary of the night, so they view organized festivities as an innovation (Bid'ah).
Because of this, the "holiday" vibe varies wildly depending on who you talk to. A family from Istanbul might treat it as a major spiritual milestone, while a family in Riyadh might treat it as just another Tuesday (or Saturday, in this year's case).
The Significance of Al-Aqsa
You cannot talk about today is what muslim holiday without mentioning Jerusalem.
The Isra part of the journey is why Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam. It’s the "land of the prophets." For many Muslims today, looking at the news and the geopolitical state of Jerusalem, Laylat al-Miraj carries a heavy layer of contemporary relevance. It’s a reminder of a spiritual connection to a place that is often at the center of global tension.
It’s a day of deep yearning for peace in that region.
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Common Misconceptions About Today
A lot of people confuse this night with Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power). They are totally different.
- Laylat al-Qadr: Happens during the last ten days of Ramadan. It marks the first revelation of the Quran.
- Laylat al-Miraj: Happens today (27th of Rajab). It marks the physical/spiritual journey to heaven.
Another misconception is that it’s a "public holiday." In most of the world, it isn't. Businesses are open. Schools are in session. It’s a holiday of the heart and the night, not a day off from the grind of 2026 life.
Navigating the Day: A Quick Guide
If you have Muslim friends or colleagues and you want to be respectful, a simple "Happy Laylat al-Miraj" works, though it’s more common to say "Kandiliniz Mübarek Olsun" (in Turkish) or simply acknowledge the spiritual importance of the night.
Actionable Steps for Today:
- Check the Local Timing: If you’re planning to visit a mosque or a Muslim-owned business, be aware that many people will be heading to evening prayers (Isha) around 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM.
- Try the Food: If you are near a Middle Eastern bakery, look for special sweets. In South Asia, halwa and baskets of fruit are often shared with neighbors.
- Read the Source: If you’re curious about the theology, look up Surah 17 (Al-Isra) in the Quran. It’s surprisingly short given how much history and tradition grew out of it.
- Reflect on the Message: Even if you aren't religious, the core theme of the Miraj is about the human capacity to transcend current struggles and reach for a higher state of being. That’s a pretty universal vibe for a Saturday in January.
The night concludes with the final prayer, and as the 27th of Rajab ends at sunset tomorrow, the focus will shift toward the upcoming month of Shaban—the final "countdown" month before Ramadan begins.
Today is a bridge. It’s the moment the spiritual season really starts to ramp up. It reminds us that even in a world of high-speed internet and 2026 tech, there’s still room for the ancient, the miraculous, and the quiet moments of prayer.