Meraj

Meraj is a transliteration variant of Mi'raj, the Islamic term for the Night Journey and Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad. The word can refer to the event in its entirety or specifically to the ascent portion, depending on linguistic and regional usage. In several languages, Meraj is used to denote the concept of ascent or elevation.

In traditional Islamic sources, the journey is described as occurring in the early period of Muhammad’s prophethood. According to these accounts, he was transported from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, after which he was taken through the heavens, meeting earlier prophets and receiving the command to establish the ritual prayers for Muslims. The event is known collectively as Isra and Mi'raj. The details and chronology vary among hadiths and sira literature, and it is regarded as a miraculous event within the faith rather than a secular historical account.

Observance of the Night Journey varies among Muslim communities. Many mark the occasion on the date of 27 Rajab in the Islamic calendar, though practices and emphasis differ between traditions and regions. For some, the event highlights the authority of prayer and the spiritual ascent of the believer.

Etymology and usage: Meraj stems from the Arabic root related to ascent. In Urdu, Persian, Turkish, and related languages, Meraj is commonly used as a male given name, reflecting the meaning of ascent or elevation. The term may also appear in literary or cultural contexts as a transliteration variant of Mi'raj.