The Islamic historical narrative includes Al-Isra wal Miraj as a fundamental event. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) embarked on a miraculous journey during Al-Isra wal-Miraj which started at Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and continued to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem where he was brought to meet Allah (SWT). The miraculous event shows Allah’s power and mercy while offering Muslims worldwide boundless spiritual knowledge.
Story of Al-Isra wal-Miraj
The Prophet found it difficult to accomplish Al-Isra wal-Miraj because it happened during a tough period of his life. Muslims refer to this year as the Year of Sorrow because the Prophet (SAW) lost his wife Khadijah (RA) and his uncle Abu Talib who were two of his most important supporters. The people from Quraysh in Makkah increased their attacks on the Prophet during his visit to Ta’if which resulted in his rejection and humiliation. During this difficult time Allah (SWT) blessed him with this miraculous journey to give him hope and reassurance.
What Took Place During Al-Isra Wal-Miraj?
The entire journey can be divided into two sections:
Al-Isra (The Night Journey): The Prophet (SAW) traveled from Makkah to Jerusalem during Al-Isra (The Night Journey).
Al-Miraj (The Ascendance): During Al-Miraj (The Ascendance) he ascended through the heavens to meet the Divine Presence.
In the Quran, Allah mentions this miraculous event in the following manner:
”Glory belongs to God who transported His servant during the night from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa, surrounding which we have blessed to reveal signs to him. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing.”(Surah Al-Isra: 17:1)
The Night Journey (Al-Isra):
As the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) slept near the Kaaba Jibreel (AS) appeared with Buraq the cosmic horse which travels faster than light. During the night journey Jibreel accompanied the Prophet (SAW) as they traveled together to Jerusalem to reach Mount Al-Aqsa.
Upon reaching the destination he found himself with other notable prophets including Ibrahim (AS), Musa (AS), and Isa (AS). Prophet Muhammad (SAW) led all the prophets in prayer marking his first prophetic action. He rose to become the leader of all messengers who was also called the final Prophet.
Masjid Al-Aqsa holds the position of Islam’s second mosque and was the original direction for prayers before Makkah became the Qiblah making it one of the three sacred mosques. Through his visit to this site, the Prophet (SAW) established its significance in both spiritual and historical spheres.
The Ascent to the Heavens (Al-Miraj):
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was taken on a spiritual journey starting in Jerusalem and stretching far above. This journey is known as Al-Miraj. It involves the Prophet ascending through the heavens. There he met various prophets with jaw-dropping experiences. Jibreel (AS) guided him through the seven heavens.
The first heaven consisted of Muhammad meeting Prophet Adam (AS), the father of humanity. In the second heaven, he met Prophet Isaiah (AS) and Yahya (AS). The third heaven is where he met the notoriously beautiful, Prophet Yusuf (AS). Muhammad (SAW) also met Prophet Idris (AS), Harun (AS), and Musa (AS) in the fourth, fifth, and sixth heavens. Musa was crying when why she met Muhammad because he understood that the followers of Muhammad (SAW) would drastically outnumber his followers.
In the seventh heaven, Muhammad met Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was resting on the Sidrat al-Muntaha tree, which marks the boundaries of human knowledge.
The Quran touches on the sights along this journey: “And he indeed saw him (Jibreel) at his other descent at the lottery tree of the utmost boundary. Near it is the Garden of Refuge.” (Surah An-Najm: 53:13 – 15)
Meeting with Allah (SWT)
After crossing the seventh heaven, prophet Muhammad (SAW) was blessed with a glimpse of Allah (SWT) which was beyond the seventh heaven. It was at this moment of encounter that he was bestowed the command of Salah for his people. First, it was ordained that fifty prayers needed to be done, however, after the prophet Musa (AS) suggested it, the prophet (SAW) always requested further reductions. Out of His infinite mercy, Allah (SWT) reduced it to five daily prayers, with the reward equivalent to fifty.
With God granting reducement of prayers from 50 to 5 Allah (SWT) highlighted the significance of direct contact with the Creator.
The Return to Makkah
The next morning Muhammad (SAW) began describing his journey to the people of Quraysh and returned to Makkah the same night, however many disbelievers mocked him claiming a sole person couldn’t cover such a distance in a single night.
However, Allah(SWT) wrought a miracle for Prophet Muhammad(SAW). When the Quraysh posed questions about Jerusalem, which had not been visited before by the prophet, Allah(SWT) allowed the prophet to have a glimpse of Masjid al-Aqsa, which enabled him to describe it in detail. This baffled even the pessimists.
One of the most durable beliefs was held by Abu Bakr(RA) who believed in what the prophet(saw) said without considering it from all angles. That is the reason why he got the title As-Siddiq(The Truthful One).
Lessons from Al-Isra wal-Miraj
For instance, the journey of Al-Isra wal-Miraj should carry timeless lessons for Muslims, such as:
Faith in Allah’s Power: While this event occurred, confirmed miracles were performed that seemed too incredulous to be fathomed by the human brain. Due to such happenings, the limitless nature of Allah’s miracles is demonstrated.
Importance of Salah: During this journey, Salah was the primary act of worship commanded for Muslims to follow. Salah is known to be the building block of a Muslim’s life. It serves as a moment to reconnect with Allah, which is a necessity daily.
Hope and Perseverance: A reminder that Allah’s aid is forever close. Muslims were granted this journey as a source of comfort in times of tribulation.
Quranic References to Isra and Miraj
The Quran refers to this miraculous journey at two specific locations. Surah Al-Isra (17:1):
“Glory be to Him who took His Servant by night from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa — the surroundings of which We have blessed so that We may show him some of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Listening, the Seeing.”Surah An-Najm (53:10-18):
“Then he came closer and descended and was at a distance of two bow lengths or closer. And He revealed to His Servant what He revealed. His heart did not lie about what it saw. So will you dispute with him over what he saw?”
These verses serve to document the journey as well as highlight the spiritual aspect of the event.
Contemporary Relevance of Meraj to a Muslim Life
The event Al-Isra wal-Miraj continues to remain a source of motivation and direction for modern Muslims. It encourages one to have faith during difficult times, seek the aid of Allah through the five daily prayers, and understand that all prophets came with the same message. Miracles of this sort serve as a reminder of Allah’s existence and power which knows no boundaries. It allows the believer to understand that Allah’s eternal assistance is always present for those who believe and trust Him.
Conclusion
The tale of Al-Isra wal-Miraj represents much more than a significant historical occurrence; according to this researcher, it illustrates the exceptional mercy, authority, and Fisdom of Allah (SWT) and serves as a spiritual odyssey. From the supper at night to the wondrous ascent through the heavens, the journey accentuates the preeminence of prayer in Islam and the special place of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The event serves as a continuous source of motivation for Muslims globally, reminding them to stay connected to Allah and have faith, hope, perseverance, and determination to withstand difficulties.