Al Isra' wal Mi'raj: The Night Journey and Ascension
- Musaib Hussain
- Feb 18, 2023
- 4 min read
A testament to the power of faith and the miraculous nature of Islam's history and teachings.
What is Al Isra' wal Mi'raj?
Al Isra Al Miraj, also known as the Night Journey and Ascension, or ‘Shab-e-Meraj’ is a significant event in Islamic history that commemorates the miraculous journey made by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Jerusalem and then to the heavens. It is observed on the 27th day of Rajab, the seventh month of the Islamic calendar. The story of the Al Isra Al Miraj is detailed in the Quran and Hadith and is regarded as a cornerstone of Islamic faith and spirituality.
The Al Isra Al Miraj took place in the year 621 CE, when Prophet Muhammad was 52 years old. He was in the city of Mecca at the time, where he was faced with increasing persecution and great adversity from the Quraysh leaders who opposed his message of Islam and His beloved wife and the first Muslim, Khadijah (RA), passed away. His uncle Abu Talib, who was one of his greatest supporters against the Quraysh also passed away during that period in what became known as the Year of Sorrow. He was also, cruelly rejected by the people of Ta’if around this time, who he had hoped to spread the message of Islam to. It was during this difficult time that Allah decided to honor the Prophet and give him the gift of this miraculous journey.
The Night Journey and Ascension
The journey began with the Prophet being transported by the angel Jibreel from the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca to the Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. This journey, known as the Isra, was completed in the blink of an eye and is accomplished on a winged creature known as Al-Buraq. Once in Jerusalem, The Prophet was greeted by other Prophets, including Mūsā, and led them in prayer and then began the next part of his journey.
“After the Prophet ﷺ was miraculously taken by night to the furthest mosque in Jerusalem, the people began to talk about it. Some of them renounced their faith and belief in him. They looked for Abu Bakr and they said, “Have you heard that your friend imagined he was taken by night to the sacred house?” Abu Bakr said, “Did he say that?” They said “Yes.” Abu Bakr said, “If he said it, then it is the truth.” They said, “Do you believe he went by night to the sacred house and returned before morning?” Abu Bakr said, “Yes. Verily, I believe something even more astonishing than that. I believe he has received revelations from heaven for everything he does.” For this reason, Abu Bakr was named the Truthful, al-Siddiq.”
Aisha (R.A)- from Dalā’il al-Nubuwwah of Bayhaqī 2/361
The second part of the journey, known as the Miraj, saw Prophet Muhammad ascend through the seven heavens, each one inhabited by a different prophet, Including Prophet Adam, Prophet Mūsā, Prophet Ibrahim, and Prophet Isa (peace be upon them all) and along the way, the Prophet encountered a number of different beings, including the Lote Tree and angels, and was granted many wondrous sights. He ultimately reached the highest level of Paradise, where the Prophet Muhammad had a divine vision of Allah, which was an extraordinary experience that no other human had ever had. During this vision, Allah gave him important instructions and revealed to him aspects of the Islam, including the five daily prayers.
What is the significance of Al Isra’ wal Mi’raj?
The Night Journey and Ascension holds great significance for Muslims as it represents the Prophet's spiritual journey and his devotion to Allah and it is also marked as a turning point in the life of Prophet Muhammad. It was during this journey that the Prophet was given the strength and inspiration to continue spreading the message of Islam despite the many challenges he faced.
For us as Muslims, the observation of Al Isra Al Miraj is a time to reflect on the importance of steadfastness in the face of adversity and to renew our commitment to living according to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is a time for prayer, reflection, and gratitude, and an opportunity to deepen our connection with Allah.
Celebrating Al Isra’ wal Mi’raj
The celebration of Al Isra Al Miraj varies in different parts of the world, but it is typically marked with special prayers, sermons, recitations of the Quran, or by engaging in acts of charity and kindness, and lectures on the significance of the journey. In some countries, there may be parades, while in others, it is a more solemn occasion. Regardless of how it is celebrated, the significance of the Al Isra Al Miraj remains the same, and it serves as a reminder of the power and mercy of Allah and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
In conclusion, the Al Isra Al Miraj is an important moment in Islamic history and a time for us to reflect on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and It is also, a time for prayer, reflection, and gratitude, and an opportunity to deepen one's connection with Allah. May Allah bless us all and grant us the strength to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad.
For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.
Quran [94:5-8]
