How many prayers were initially made obligatory in Shab-e-Meraj?

The correct answer is 50.

The event of Isra wal-Miraj, commonly known as Shab-e-Meraj, remains one of the most miraculous and spiritually significant occurrences in the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Occurring in the tenth year of his prophethood, this journey from Makkah to Jerusalem and then to the highest heavens served as the occasion when the second pillar of Islam—Salah (prayer)—was formally established. While Muslims today observe five daily prayers, the initial divine decree commanded a total of fifty prayers every twenty-four hours.

The Divine Command at Sidrat al-Muntaha

During the culmination of the journey, the Prophet (PBUH) reached Sidrat al-Muntaha (the Lote Tree of the Farthest Boundary), a point beyond which no creation, including Angel Jibreel (AS), could pass. It was here, in the direct Presence of Allah, that the gift of Salah was bestowed upon the Ummah. Initially, the command was for fifty daily prayers. This high number underscored the importance of constant remembrance of the Creator and the spiritual elevation that prayer provides to the believer.

The Dialogue with Prophet Musa (AS)

As Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) descended from the heavens, he encountered Prophet Musa (AS) in the sixth heaven. Upon hearing that fifty prayers had been made obligatory, Prophet Musa (AS), drawing from his long experience with the Children of Israel, expressed concern. He advised that the Ummah of Muhammad (PBUH) would find such a heavy burden physically impossible to sustain. He urged the Prophet (PBUH) to return to Allah and request a reduction.

Following this advice, the Prophet (PBUH) returned to the Divine Presence multiple times. With each return, the number of prayers was reduced by five. This back-and-forth continued until only five prayers remained. Even at this stage, Prophet Musa (AS) suggested asking for a further reduction, but Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) replied that he felt too bashful before his Lord to ask again. He accepted the five prayers with total submission and gratitude.

The Divine Reward of Fifty

Although the physical number of prayers was reduced to five—Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha—a divine proclamation followed. Allah declared that while the number of prayers performed was five, the spiritual reward for each would be multiplied by ten. Thus, the believer who performs the five daily prayers with sincerity receives the reward of the original fifty. This reflects the "Sunnah" of Allah’s Mercy, where the burden on the human is eased, but the merit of the deed is preserved.

Theological and Legal Significance

This event is unique because, unlike other Islamic obligations like Zakat or Fasting which were revealed on Earth through the Angel Jibreel (AS), Salah was given directly to the Prophet (PBUH) in the heavens. This highlights its status as the "Miraj of the Believer." The history of its reduction from fifty to five serves as a reminder of the Prophet’s (PBUH) compassion for his followers and the flexibility within Islamic law to accommodate human capacity. Today, these five prayers serve as the spiritual backbone of a Muslim's daily life, maintaining a connection to the Divine that was forged during that miraculous night.