Jenny Hunt
4 min
18th February 2023
Today is Isra Wal Miraj, which is an Islamic holiday in the Hirji calendar. It is the 27th day of Rajab, which is the seventh month, in the Hijri calendar.
What is Isra Wal Miraj?
Isra Wal Miraj, also known as the night journey, is a journey of two parts which the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is said to have made in a single night, as mentioned in the 17th chapter of the Quran. In the Isra part, Prophet Mohammad journeys to Jerusalem and leads other prophets in prayer; then ascends to heaven in the Miraj part where he is given instructions from God.
How do Muslims celebrate Isra Wal Miraj?
Muslims who choose to mark the occasion of Isra Wal Miraj do so with prayer, either at the mosque or in their home. They may also gather with friends and share food.
Is Isra Wal Miraj a public holiday in the UAE?
As per the UAE government’s official portal, Isra Wal Miraj is not mentioned as an official public holiday in the UAE in 2023. This means that employees working in the UAE are not entitled to a paid public holiday today.
When is the next public holiday in the UAE?
Eid Al Fitr, the celebration marking the end of Ramadan, will be the next public holiday in the UAE. As per astrological projections, Eid Al Fitr is expected to commence on Friday 21st April 2023 in the UAE, and will be subject to the sighting of the moon, as it is an Islamic holiday. According to the government’s announced public holidays for this year, Eid Al Fitr will be from 29 Ramadan to 3 Shawwal (4 days).
Check our recent blog post Countdown To Ramadan 2023 to help you prepare for doing business in the UAE and wider GCC region during the upcoming Holy Month.
What is the Hijri calendar?
The Hijri calendar, also known as the Islamic calendar, is a lunar calendar. It consists of 12 lunar months, which are typically 29 or 30 days; each starting when the crescent moon is sighted. The Hijri calendar year is therefore shorter than the Gregorian calendar (which is used in most parts of the world), with either 354 or 355 days.
Therefore, whilst Islamic holidays have a fixed position within the Hijri calendar, they appear to move forward by 10–12 days each year in the Gregorian calendar.
The 12 months in the Hirji Calendar are:
Muharram
Safar
Rabi-ul-Awwal
Rabi-ul-Thani
Jumada-l-Ula
Jumada-th-Thaniyya
Rajab
Shaaban
Ramadan (the Holy Month, month of fasting)
Shawwal (Eid Al Fitr is celebrated on the 1st day of this month)
Dhul Qadah
Dhul Hijja (Eid Al Adha is celebrated on the 10th day day of this month)
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Written by Jenny Hunt
Founder Gateway Group, Abu Dhabi & Dubai, United Arab Emirates
FORBES' Top 100 Most Influential Women In the Middle East