Isra’ & Mi’raj: A miraculous night journey

Isra’ and Mi’raj represent a miraculous nocturnal journey undertaken by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, bestowing countless blessings upon his Ummah. Here is a recount of the events that transpired on that sacred night.

Before Isra’ and Mi’raj

Isra’ and  Mi’raj happened after the Year of Sorrow, a year in which Prophet Muhammad ﷺ faced so much sadness and numerous trials. Our Prophet ﷺ was tested with the passing of two of the most beloved people in his life: his uncle, Abu Talib, and his beloved wife, Khadijah (r.a).

Furthermore, he also faced tough challenges in his mission to spread the message of Islam. Having been rejected by the people of Quraysh, Prophet Muhammad went to Taif with the hope that more would accept the message. However, his hopes were shattered by the rejection, humiliation, and physical attacks from the people of Taif.

Amid all this loss, sadness, rejection, and humiliation, Allah s.w.t promises, “So, surely with hardship comes ease. Surely with hardship comes ease.”

True enough, Allah s.w.t gave Prophet Muhammad ﷺ one of the biggest blessings, “The Night Journey”, al-Isra’ and “The Ascension”, al-Mi’raj.

Al-Isra’: From Makkah to Jerusalem

“Glorified is the One Who took His slave by night from the Sacred Mosque (Grand Mosque of Makkah) to the Farthest Mosque (Masjid-ul-Aqsa in Jerusalem) whose surroundings We have blessed in order that we might show him Our Signs. Surely He is the Hearer, the Seer.”  (Surah Al-Isra, Verse 1)

On the blessed night of the Journey, Jibril came down and opened the roof of the Prophet’s house in Makkah, slit his chest, and washed it with Zamzam water. Then Jibril brought the tray filled with wisdom and faith and filled his heart therewith. Then he closed it, held him by his hand, and rose up. [Sahih Al-Bukhari]

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ further described his journey in this hadith, He ﷺ said, “Buraq was brought up to me. It was a white creature, a little larger than a donkey but smaller than a mule. It placed its foot at the end of the horizon. I mounted it. He took me to Bayt-ul-Maqdis (in Jerusalem). I tied it by the peg used by earlier Prophet’s. I entered the Mosque and offered two Rakaats (units) of (prayer). As I came out Jibril bought me two bowls: one of wine and other of milk. I chose milk. Jibril remarked: Your choice is in accordance with nature (Al-Fitrah).’ Then he took me to the heavens.” [Narrated by Imam Ahmad] other reports suggest that he prayed with the other Prophets before the ascension. Adam and all other Prophets who followed him were assembled and he led them in prayers. [Baihaqi]

Al-Mi’raj: The Ascension. From Jerusalem through the Seven Heavens

Allah s.w.t alludes to the event in Surah an-Najm verses 11 to 18:

 “The [Prophet’s] heart did not lie [about] what it saw. So will you dispute with him over what he saw? Indeed he saw him (the Angel) descend a second time at the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary [Seventh Heaven] near which is the Garden of Abode – while the Lote Tree was overwhelmed with Heavenly splendors. The [Prophet’s] sight never wandered, nor it overreach. He certainly ﷺ some of his Lord’s greatest signs.” 

From Al-Aqsa Mosque, Jibril a.s seeks permission for the doors of the first Heaven to open. He was asked about his identity and purpose by the gatekeeper. “It is Jibril,” he replied, “I have Muhammad (with me)”. 

The door opened and they began ascending, the Prophet ﷺ met the Father of humankind, Adam a.s, and greeted him with salam. Prophet Adam replied, “Welcome, O righteous son and righteous Prophet.” Then, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ & Jibril a.s ascended to the second Heaven, where he met Prophet Yahya a.s & Isa a.s. In the third, fourth, and fifth Heavens, he met with Prophet Yusuf, Idris & Harun a.s respectively. 

In the sixth Heaven Prophet ﷺ met Musa a.s, where he began to cry upon meeting Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and said, “This young man, who was sent after me, shall have a larger followers that will enter Paradise than my Ummah”, thus prompting further conversations afterward between the two prophets. 

And lastly, in the seventh Heaven, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was greeted by Prophet Ibrahim a.s with the same greeting as other Prophets “Welcome, O righteous son and righteous Prophet”. 

There is an interesting narration where Prophet Ibrahim a.s said, “O Muhammad, give my salam to your Ummah. inform them that the soil of Paradise is luscious, but it is empty. Its trees are planted through [uttering] ‘Subhanallah (Glory be to Allah)’: Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah)’: ‘La ilaha il Allah (There is no God but Allah)’: and ‘Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest).” [Jami’ At-Tirmidhi]

Some creations that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ saw during the Mi’raj

1. At the seventh Heaven, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ saw Sidratul Muntaha (The Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary), an overarching tree whose branches extend forth over a vast area, bearing delicious fruits with sweet scents & four rivers flowing at its base (two known as al-Kawthar and Salsabil).
2. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ met the angels who are the gatekeepers of the Heavens.
3. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ saw Al-Bayt al-Ma’mur which is equivalent to the Ka’abah on earth where 70,000 Angels pray for the first & the last time.
4. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ saw Jibril a.s in his original form. He ﷺ described, “He had 600 wings, blocking the horizon. Pearls and corals were emanating from his feathers.”

Divine Meeting with Allah s.w.t

The pinnacle of Al-Isra’ Wal-Mi’raj is the divine meeting between our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w and Allah s.w.t. Where the Prophet s.a.w described, “Then I was caused to ascend forth to a level whereby I could hear the Pen writing.” At this stage, it was only Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and Allah s.w.t on that level, without Jibril a.s.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ did not see Allah s.w.t directly but only saw his Veil, which is in the form of light. Prophet ﷺ stated in a Hadith which says, “His veil is light. If Allah were to lift this veil, the rays that emanate from His Face would destroy everything.” (Sahih Muslim, p96)

In this meeting with Allah s.w.t, Allah s.w.t obligated the prayer upon Muslims 50 times a day. Prophet ﷺ received the commandment and descended through the Heavens where he met Musa a.s and was asked, “What did your Lord reveal for your Ummah?” the Prophet ﷺ replied 50 times a day. Musa a.s replied,

“Return to your Lord and beg for reduction, for your people shall not be able to bear this burden. As I have put to test the children of Isra’il and tried them (and found them too weak to bear such a heavy burden).”

And thus, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ went back to Allah s.w.t and sought to lighten the burden of his Ummah, “O Allah, make things lighter for my Ummah.”

Allah s.w.t granted his request and reduced five prayers for him ﷺ to 45 a day. This back-and-forth process went on around 5 times until it was reduced to 5 times a day. Even so, Musa a.s advised the same thing, but this time, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “I have gone back and forth, and now I am embarrassed (to ask for more). But I am content and happy (with Allah’s command).”

MasyaAllah, how can we not be contented and happy, when Allah s.w.t said, “There are five prayers every day and night. O Muhammad, each being credited as ten (in rewards), so that makes fifty prayers.”

This divine meeting also signifies the importance of the 5 daily prayers. It is so important in the sight of Allah s.w.t that He summoned Prophet Muhammadﷺ to the Heavens in His divine presence to receive the blessing of prayer.

Returning with news

The next morning, Prophet s.a.w sat by the Ka’abah, where he was nervous and worried about what the people would say or if they would disbelieve him. 

By the will of Allah, of all people, the enemy of Allah, Abu Jahl, saw him in that state and asked, ‘What’s the matter?’ and the Prophet s.a.w began telling him about the events that happened the night before. Abu Jahl was shocked and mockingly asked, ‘And you are now here amongst us?’ Prophet s.a.w replied ‘Yes’.

Abu Jahl then gathered everyone, and said, ‘Tell your people what you just told me’. Upon sharing the news, some began clapping mockingly, some put their hands on their head in disbelief and others began laughing. (Ibn Kathir, al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah)

Everyone knew that Prophet s.a.w had never been to Al-Aqsa Mosque or Jerusalem. But someone from the Quraysh who had been to Al-Aqsa Mosque came forth and asked, ‘Can you describe it for us?’ 

Prophet ﷺ began describing the Al-Aqsa Mosque but missed some of the details of the surroundings due to the darkness of the night.

As he ﷺ grew in worry, with Allah’s help, he was shown Al-Aqsa Mosque right before his eyes until he could see everything. He then answered all questions with accuracy, and the Quraysh admitted that his description was correct.

This announcement certainly casted doubts even to those who believe. Several men went to Abu Bakr r.a and said, ‘Will you not go to your companion? He claims that he went on a night-journey last night to Jerusalem!” He responded, ‘And did he indeed say that?’ They said, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘If he said that, then he spoke the truth.” From thereupon, he became known as Abu Bakr As-Siddiq r.a – The Truthful. 

Abu Bakr’s steadfast faith serves as a powerful example, illustrating the profound trust and belief a true believer should place in the words of the Messenger of Allah. Reflecting on such impactful events not only provides inspiration but also guides us as we navigate life’s challenges. It is through prayer, the greatest gift bestowed upon His servants by Allah, that we can strengthen our connection with the Divine, deepening our spiritual journey.

Conclusion

Yearly, we are reminded of this eventful occurrence time and again, as a testament to prove Allah SWT’s magnificence, the Prophet SAW’s patience and perseverance as well as the attitude of believers. This major event is not only a celebration that should be commemorated as a mere tradition. Rather, it is yet another gift of replenishment to our soul, to remind us of the struggles of the Prophet SAW in his duties to the Ummah, and inspiring us to persist in goodness despite all trials and tribulations. 

Isra’ and Mi’raj is an opportunity and stepping stone and a prelude to the impending major events; most particularly Ramadan, and yet another chance for us to embark towards goodness, enhance our spirituality and revive the love for Allah SWT and His Prophet SAW before we reach the golden month of Ramadan. 

May Allah SWT accept our deeds in Rajab, Syaaban and Ramadan, and grant us the Taqwa of the pious.