In our Muslim homeschool, we have been teaching the children about Al Isra’ wal Mi’raj – The Night Journey!
Using a fun and engaging craft activity, the kids have learnt the events of that auspicious night and your children can too!
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Significance of Rajab in the Islamic Calendar
Al Isra’ wal Miraj took place in the Islamic calendar month of Rajab.
Rajab is one the the four sacred months in the Hijri calendar, and is of great importance in Islam.
Related: Islamic Calendar for Children
It is reported that the Prophet (pbuh) would recognise the beginning of Rajab by saying,
اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا في رَجَبٍ وَ شَعْبَانَ وَ بَلِّغْنا رَمَضَانَ
Allahumma barik lana fi Rajabin wa Sha`ban wa ballighna Ramadan
“O Allah bless us in Rajab and Sha`ban and enable us to reach Ramadan!”
Rajab is said to be one of the keys to success in Ramadan.
Related: 5 Easy Ramadan Activities for Children
Imam Abu Bakr al-Warraq said: “In the month of Rajab you sow the seeds, in Sha`ban you irrigate them and in Ramadan you reap the harvest.”
One of the most momentous nights in Rajab, and perhaps ever in the history of creation, is Laylatul Miraj – The Night Journey!
On a side-note: If you’re looking for a resource to teach young children about the Hijri calendar, I would recommend the Islamic Months Book by Shade 7 publishing.
The Story of the Night Journey
On this incredible journey, Prophet Muhammad travelled from Mecca to Jerusalem on the Buraq. Ascending the heavens, he met eight prophets in the seven heavens. Each prophet greeted Prophet Muhammad with, “Welcome, O’ pious Prophet and pious brother!” (Bukhari)
Finally he stood in the presence of the Divine, and after going back and forth between Allah and Prophet Musa (as), he was ultimately given the command of the five daily prayers.
If you are unfamiliar with the story, you can find retelling of it on YouTube to play to your children … like THIS ONE!
You can also read about it HERE on the Muslim Hands website.
Once your children have become familiar with the story, it’s time to get crafty and recreate the Prophet’s (pbuh) journey with this Miraj Ladder!
Isra wal Miraj Activity
To teach our children about the Night Journey – Laylatul Miraj, we chose a hands-on craft project that kids of all ages could take part in.
This Miraj Ladder, helps to visually depict the journey our beloved Prophet (pbuh) took. It shows his journey from the Masjid al-Aqsa, Jerusalem through the seven heavens, and into the presence of Allah (swt).
Miraj Craft Supplies
For this Islamic art project you will need the following:
- Watercolour Paper (A4 or larger)
- Watercolour Set
- Coloured string or thin ribbon
- Black Permanent Marker
- Hole-punch
- Thin cardboard (e.g. old cereal box)
- Scissors
- Clear sello-tape
Steps for Lailat al-Miʿraj Activity
1. Begin by setting out nine separate sheets of watercolour paper
2. Paint each sheet a separate colour using your watercolours. You may want to do a rainbow or an ombre effect, or just allow your children to choose!
Use this as an opportunity for your children to learn about mixing colours. It’s so much fun!
Allow the paint to fully dry before moving onto the next step.
3. Take your cardboard and cut it into a rectangular shape. This is the template you will be using for the rungs of the ladder. We choose to round the edges of our rectangles, but feel free to get creative with your own design!
4. Draw around your template on each of the coloured papers. You may wish to do a few extras in case the children make mistakes in future steps.
5. Cut out these rectangular rungs carefully with scissors.
6. Place the rungs of the ladder in the order and, using a permanent marker, write the following in Arabic or English.
- Allah
- Ibrahim
- Musa
- Haroon
- Idris
- Yusuf
- Yahya and Esa
- Adam
- Masjid al-Aqsa
For young children, I would advise you allow them to write it in pencil first, in case they make a mistake, before using the permanent markers.
7. Using your hole-punch, make two holes on either end of each rectangle.
8. Thread the string/ribbon through these holes, carefully piecing together your Miraj ladder.
This is a great opportunity for young children to develop their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Seeing it all come together at this stage is so much fun!
9. Finish by tying the ends into a neat bow, and securing the string at the back of each rung with clear selo-tape.
There you have it! A finished Miraj Ladder for your children to display and enjoy!
Simplify it further!
If your pressed for time and want to make this craft even easier to do:
- Use coloured card for the rungs of the ladder, instead of painting.
- Write the names for your children, and simply ask them to put them in order.
- Glue the rungs of the ladder to a large piece of paper, instead of threading them onto string.
Related: How to Teach the 99 Names of Allah to Children
The miracle of the Miraj is perhaps second only to the Miracle of the Quran itself!
What an incredible opportunity we have as parents to share it with our children!
With fun activities like this, you can help your children to form strong connections to the Seerah of the Prophet (pbuh) and the Islamic tradition.
If you decide to try this craft with your children, make sure you take a photo and share it on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #ourmuslimhomeschool, so that I can see it!
Praying you all have a beautiful and successful Rajab.
Peace and Love,
