The Mi’raaj

Event:
The Night
Journey &
Ascension

OCTOBER 6

Authored by: Misha Khalid

9-S

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The Miraculous Night Journey and
Ascension:

The Event of Mi’raaj, also known as Isra and Mi'raj, is one of the most significant and
miraculous occurrences in Islamic history. It refers to the night journey and ascension of
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), during which he was taken from Mecca to Jerusalem and
then to the heavens. This event is not only a spiritual experience but also a moment that
established some of the key aspects of Islamic worship, like the daily prayers (Salah). It is
described in the Quran and detailed further in hadith (traditions of the Prophet).

Isra the Night Journey:

Background and Context:

The Isra occurred during a particularly difficult time in Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) life,
often referred to as the "Year of Sorrow." This period was marked by the loss of his
beloved wife, Khadijah, and his uncle and protector, Abu Talib, two of his closest
supporters. Additionally, the people of Mecca had grown increasingly hostile to his
message of monotheism, and he faced constant opposition from the Quraysh tribe. In
this challenging time, the Isra and Mi'raj served as a divine reminder of Allah's support
and as a message of hope and encouragement for the Prophet.

The Journey Begins

The journey of Isra began in the city of Mecca at the Kaaba in Masjid al-Haram. The
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was awakened by the Angel Jibril (Gabriel), who informed
him that Allah had a great journey planned for him. According to tradition, the Prophet
was taken to the Kaaba, where his chest was opened and his heart was purified,
symbolizing his readiness for the spiritual journey he was about to undertake.

After the purification, the Prophet was presented with a special creature known as
Buraq. Buraq, described as a white, winged beast, was smaller than a mule but larger

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than a donkey and capable of covering great distances in a single stride. Buraq was the
Prophet's steed for the night journey.

The Journey to Jerusalem

With the guidance of Angel Jibril, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) rode Buraq from Mecca
to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. The Quran refers to this miraculous journey in Surah Al-
Isra (17:1):

"Glory to Him Who carried His slave by night from the Sacred Masjid
to the farthest Masjid, the precincts of which We have blessed, in order
that We might show him some of Our signs... (Surah Al Isra’, Verse:
1."

Though this journey covers a distance of about 1,200 kilometers (750 miles), the entire
trip was completed in an instant. This miraculous nature is a point of belief and faith for
Muslims, affirming the special status of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as Allah's chosen
messenger.

Significance of Jerusalem and Masjid al-Aqsa

Jerusalem holds great significance in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, and Masjid al-Aqsa
is considered one of the holiest sites in Islam. Before the direction of prayer (Qibla) was
changed to the Kaaba in Mecca, early Muslims prayed toward Jerusalem, reflecting its
spiritual importance.
Upon his arrival at Masjid al-Aqsa, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was greeted by all
the previous prophets of Allah, including Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), Prophet Musa
(Moses), Prophet Isa (Jesus), and others. In an extraordinary moment, Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) led them all in prayer, symbolizing his role as the seal of the prophets
and the final messenger in a long line of prophets sent by Allah. Due to this he was given
the title of Imam-ul-Anbiya.

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Event of Mi’raaj:
After leading the prayer at Baitul Muqdas (Masjid al-Aqsa) in Jerusalem during the event
of Isra, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) experienced the second part of the miraculous
journey, known as Mi'raj, which refers to his ascension to the heavens.
Following the prayer in Masjid al-Aqsa, Angel Jibril (Gabriel) guided Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH) to the heavens on Buraq and met many prophets on the way.

Meeting the Prophets in the Seven Heavens:

As Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) journeyed through the seven heavens, he met different
prophets who had come before him.
First Heaven: Meeting Prophet Adam: Upon entering the first heaven, the Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) was greeted by Prophet Adam (AS), the first human being and the
father of all mankind.
Second Heaven: Meeting Prophets Isa and Yahya: In the second heaven, the Prophet
met Prophet Isa his cousin Prophet Yahya both of whom were important figures in the
Abrahamic religions.
Third Heaven: Meeting Prophet Yusuf: The third heaven was home to Prophet Yusuf
(AS), who was known for his beauty and his trials of patience.
Fourth Heaven: Meeting Prophet Idris: In the fourth heaven, the Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH) met Prophet Idris (AS), known for his wisdom and piety.
Fifth Heaven: Meeting Prophet Harun: On the fifth level of heaven, the Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) met Prophet Harun (AS), the brother of Prophet Musa (Moses).
Sixth Heaven: Meeting Prophet Musa: In the sixth heaven, the Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH) encountered Prophet Musa (AS) (Moses), one of the greatest prophets in the
Abrahamic tradition.
Seventh Heaven: Meeting Prophet Ibrahim: The seventh and highest level of heaven is
where Prophet Ibrahim (AS) resided, leaning against the Al-Bayt al-Ma’mur.

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Sidrat al-Muntaha:
After passing through the seventh heaven, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was taken by
Angel Jibril Sidrat al-Muntaha (the remotest Lote tree in Paradise), where he saw the
Angel Jibril in his original form again. Allah has describe this in Holy Quran:

“And indeed he (Prophet PBUH) saw him (Jibril AS) at a second descent (i.e.
another time). Near it is the Paradise of Abode. When that covered the lote-tree
which did cover it! The sight (of Prophet PBUH) turned not aside (right or left),
nor it transgressed beyond the limit (ordained for it).”
(Surah-al-Najm, Verses:13-17)

The Holy Prophet PBUH was then presented before Allah. There Allah ordained fifty daily
prayers for him and all the Muslims which were later reduced to five daily prayers. When
the prophet went further a Caller was heard saying:

“I have imposed my ordinance and lighted the burden of my servants he who offers
these five years will be rewarded as if he had prayed fifty. What I ordain cannot
be change.”

During this miraculous event the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) saw the paradise
and the fire and how do people who wrong others were punished in hell. The night
journey raised a good deal of stir among the people and the disbelievers plied
Mohammed with all sorts of questions. They found it a suitable opportunity to mock the
Muslims.

Conclusion:
They pestered the Prophet with questions regarding the description of Masjid al Aqsa in
Jerusalem where he had never gone before and to the astonishment to all the Holy

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Prophet provide accurate information about it. He also told them about a caravan that
was reaching Makkah. It is narrated by Jabir bin Abdullah that he heard the Prophet
saying:

“When the people of Quraysh did not believe me (i.e. the story of my night journey)
I stood up in Al Hajr and Allah displayed Jerusalem in front of me and I began
describing it to them while I was looking at it.” (Sahih Bukhari)

The disbelievers then went to see Abu Baker and told him about this event. They
expected that he would not believe this story but he readily said:

“If he (the Prophet) says this then I verify it.”

It was on this occasion that he earned the title of As-Siddique (the Verifier of Truth).

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Significance of Al-Isra’ (The Night Journey)
1. Confirmation of the Prophethood of Rasulullah (PBUH):
- This miraculous journey affirmed the esteemed status of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
as the final Messenger of Allah, as he led all the previous prophets in prayer at the
blessed site of Masjid al-Aqsa

2. Spiritual Link between Mecca and Jerusalem:

- The event highlighted the deep spiritual connection between the sacred cities of
Mecca and Jerusalem, signifying the unity of all the Abrahamic faiths under the message
of monotheism.

3. Significance of Masjid al-Aqsa:

- Through the Prophet's (PBUH) visit to Masjid al-Aqsa, this holy site was elevated as
the third most sacred mosque in Islam, after the Kaaba in Mecca and the Prophet’s
Mosque in Medina.

4. Divine Comfort During a Time of Hardship:

- Al-Isra occurred during the Prophet’s (PBUH) Year of Sorrow," following the passing
of his beloved wife, Khadijah (RA), and his protective uncle, Abu Talib (RA). This journey
provided spiritual strength and divine reassurance to the Prophet (PBUH) during this
challenging period.

5. Manifestation of Allah’s Infinite Power:

- The extraordinary nature of the journey, accomplished in a single night, reflects
Allah’s omnipotence and transcends the limitations of time and space, reminding the
faithful of His infinite power.

6. The Gift of Salah (Prayer):

- During the ascension to the heavens (Mi'raj), the blessed command of Salah (daily
prayers) was bestowed upon the Ummah. Initially, 50 prayers were prescribed, but
through the mercy of Allah (SWT), they were reduced to five, while retaining the reward
of fifty prayers.

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7. Unity of Prophethood:
- The Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) encounters with the earlier prophets, such as
Prophets Adam, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa (peace be upon them), among others, symbolize the
continuation of the divine message from one prophet to another, underlining the
oneness of Allah's message throughout time.

8. Spiritual Elevation of Rasulullah (PBUH):

- The purification of the Prophet’s (PBUH) heart and his ascension through the heavens
symbolize the ultimate spiritual elevation. This journey serves as a reminder for all
believers to strive for closeness to Allah (SWT) through purity of heart and devotion.

9. Mercy of Allah (SWT):

- The reduction of the obligatory prayers from fifty to five is a manifestation of Allah’s
boundless mercy, demonstrating His compassion and understanding of human
limitations.

10. Test of Faith for the Early Believers:

- The event of Al-Isra was a test of faith for the Prophet’s (PBUH) companions. Those
who embraced this miraculous journey, especially Abu Bakr (RA), were rewarded for
their unwavering belief and sincerity.

11. Significance of Salah as a Connection to Allah (SWT):

- The night journey emphasized the central role of Salah, the most direct form of
communication between the believer and Allah (SWT), reminding the faithful of the
importance of maintaining this daily act of worship.

12. Elevation of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Status:

- By leading all the prophets in prayer and ascending to the divine presence of Allah
(SWT), Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) status as the Seal of the Prophets and the greatest
of them was further elevated.

13. Reaffirmation of Tawhid (Oneness of Allah):

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 - The entire journey reinforces the foundational message of Tawhid, that there is no
deity worthy of worship but Allah (SWT), the message consistently delivered by all the
prophets.

14. Strengthening Belief in the Hereafter:

- During the journey, the Prophet (PBUH) witnessed the rewards of Paradise and the
punishments of Hell, reaffirming the reality of the Hereafter and reminding Muslims of
their accountability for their deeds.

15. Inspiration for Steadfast Devotion:

- The Night Journey serves as an eternal source of inspiration for Muslims, motivating
them to remain firm in their faith and dedication to Allah (SWT), especially in times of
trial and tribulation.

In summary, Al-Isra and Mi'raj holds a deep and lasting significance in Islam, serving as
a reminder of Allah’s infinite mercy, the importance of Salah, and the unity of the
prophets. It is a profound event that continues to inspire faith and devotion among
Muslims worldwide.