Customary Practices of the Night of the Mi‘raj

Question

(a) Here in Africa there is an established custom, treated as binding, that on the night of the Mi‘raj at the time of ‘isha people are gathered by special announcement and invitation, and a sermon, sweets, prayer and nafl prayers are arranged. Is this kind of binding observance and arrangement legislated (mashru‘) anywhere in the Sacred Law, and will the one who does not accept this obligation be a sinner? (b)

Answer

(a) This binding observance and arrangement is without proof; it is a bid‘a and contrary to the Sacred Law. Whoever does not accept this obligation is not a sinner; rather, the one who stops it is rewarded. (b) On this night no prayer in particular, apart from the daily prayers, is sunna or legislated. (c)

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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