Celebrating the Isra and Mi'raj

Question:
The questioner: Shaykh, may Allah preserve you, is this statement correct that the Muslims have a day in the month of Rajab to celebrate the day of their Arabi?

Answer:
The Shaykh: It is not correct. There is no celebration for the Isra and Mi'raj, because the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), to whom the Isra and Mi'raj occurred, did not perform this celebration. His noble Companions and the blessed generations did not do it either. These celebrations only became known after the blessed generations, among the later generations, when their practice and knowledge weakened. They attached themselves to these celebrations, spending time in them, eating and drinking, and indulging their desires. This is not from the religion. By Allah, it is not from the religion; rather, it is bid'ah (religious innovations) and newly invented matters, so it is not permissible. The Isra and Mi'raj is indeed a blessing from Allah and a sign among the signs of Allah, but the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) did not perform this celebration. He said (peace and blessings be upon him) meaning it is a rejected innovation. He said this is a newly invented matter that must be denounced and prevented. Celebrating the Isra and Mi'raj, celebrating the Mawlid, and the night of the middle of Sha'ban, all of these are bid'ah What is prescribed for Laylat al-Qadr is striving and worship, prayer. What is prescribed for it is standing in prayer on the night of Laylat al-Qadr. He did not say, "Hold a celebration for it." He said What is prescribed for it is standing in prayer, the tahajjud prayer. This is what is prescribed for it, not a celebration. And Allah the Exalted knows best, and may Allah send prayers and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and his Companions.