The Isra and Mi’raj, also known as the Night Journey and Ascension, is one of the most miraculous and significant events in the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It took place in a single night, around the year 621 CE, and is described in both the Qur’an and Hadith literature. This miraculous journey consists of two parts: Isra, the Prophet’s journey from Mecca to Jerusalem, and Mi’raj, his ascension to the heavens.
The Isra (Night Journey to Jerusalem)
The event began when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was in Mecca, during a particularly difficult time in his life. He had recently lost his beloved wife Khadijah and his uncle Abu Talib, two of his greatest supporters. The Quraysh, who were opposed to his message, intensified their persecution of him and his followers. It was during this period of grief and hardship that the Isra and Mi’raj occurred, offering the Prophet both spiritual strength and divine support.
One night, the Prophet was visited by the angel Jibril (Gabriel), who brought a special winged creature known as Buraq. Buraq was described as a white animal, smaller than a mule but larger than a donkey, capable of carrying the Prophet across vast distances at incredible speed. With Jibril as his guide, the Prophet mounted Buraq and was taken from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
When the Prophet arrived in Jerusalem, he was greeted by a gathering of all the past prophets, including Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, who had come to honor him. There, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) led them in prayer, signifying his role as the final and greatest of the prophets. This gathering symbolized the unity of the prophetic message and the continuity of monotheism from the earliest prophets to the final revelation.
The Mi’raj (Ascension to the Heavens)
After completing the prayer at Al-Aqsa, the second part of the journey began. This part, known as the Mi’raj (Ascension), was a journey from earth to the highest realms of the heavens. The Prophet was taken by Jibril from Jerusalem up through the seven heavens, each one more magnificent than the last.
As they ascended, the Prophet met various prophets in each of the seven heavens:
First Heaven: He met Adam, the father of humanity, who greeted him warmly.
Second Heaven: He met Jesus (Isa) and John (Yahya), both cousins who were also prophets.
Third Heaven: He met Joseph (Yusuf), renowned for his beauty and his story of patience and forgiveness.
Fourth Heaven: He met Enoch (Idris), a prophet praised for his piety and wisdom.
Fifth Heaven: He met Aaron (Harun), the brother of Moses and a great leader of the Israelites.
Sixth Heaven: He met Moses (Musa), who wept after seeing the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as he realized that the followers of Muhammad would outnumber his own.
Seventh Heaven: He met Abraham (Ibrahim), the father of monotheism, who greeted the Prophet as his spiritual descendant.
Beyond the seventh heaven, the Prophet was brought to the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary (Sidrat al-Muntaha), a place of indescribable beauty and splendor, marking the boundary between the created world and the divine realm. It was at this point that Jibril told the Prophet he could not go any further, as no one, not even the angels, could cross into the divine presence.
At this point, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was brought into the presence of Allah. It was during this direct communication with Allah that the five daily prayers (Salah) were established as an obligation for the Muslim community. Initially, fifty prayers were prescribed, but upon the Prophet's descent, he was advised by Moses (Musa) to return to Allah and ask for a reduction, as fifty prayers would be too difficult for the believers to perform. After several back-and-forth requests, the number of daily prayers was reduced to five, with the reward of fifty.
This part of the journey, the Mi’raj, symbolizes the Prophet’s unparalleled closeness to Allah, his role as a mediator between Allah and humanity, and the spiritual significance of Salah, which connects the believer directly to the Creator.
Return to Earth and the Reaction
After the Mi’raj, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was returned to Jerusalem, and from there, he traveled back to Mecca on Buraq. The entire journey, though miraculous, took place in a single night.
The next day, the Prophet began sharing the details of his journey with the people of Mecca. Many of the Quraysh, already skeptical of his message, mocked him and ridiculed the story, considering it impossible that such a journey could take place in one night. However, when the Prophet described specific details of Jerusalem, a place he had never physically visited before, his description was accurate, convincing some that the journey had indeed occurred.
One of the most remarkable reactions came from Abu Bakr (RA), the Prophet’s closest companion, who upon hearing the story immediately believed it without hesitation. This unwavering faith earned him the title of As-Siddiq (the truthful, the one who confirms the truth).
Spiritual and Symbolic Significance
The Isra and Mi’raj is a significant event with both spiritual and symbolic meanings. It represents:
The Prophet’s Connection to All Previous Prophets: By leading them in prayer, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was affirmed as the final prophet, completing the message that had been brought by previous prophets.
The Establishment of Salah (Prayer): The five daily prayers were established during this journey, highlighting their central role in the lives of Muslims. Salah is not just a ritual; it is a spiritual connection with Allah, a direct link that was gifted to the Prophet on this night.
A Test of Faith: The Prophet’s journey served as a test of faith for the early Muslim community. Those who believed in the event demonstrated their deep trust in the Prophet and his message, even when faced with mockery and doubt.
The Power of Divine Help: The miraculous nature of the journey came at a time when the Prophet was experiencing great personal loss and external opposition. It served as a reminder that Allah’s support is always present, even during the most difficult of times.
Jerusalem as a Holy Site: The Prophet’s journey to Al-Aqsa Mosque emphasizes the spiritual significance of Jerusalem in Islam. It became the first Qibla (direction of prayer) before it was changed to the Kaaba in Mecca, solidifying its status as one of the three holiest sites in Islam.
Conclusion
The Isra and Mi’raj is a reminder of the Prophet Muhammad’s special status, his close relationship with Allah, and the unique spiritual gifts bestowed upon him. It also serves as a powerful example of faith, prayer, and perseverance. Muslims commemorate this miraculous journey every year on the 27th night of Rajab, remembering the profound lessons of spirituality, devotion, and the importance of prayer in maintaining a connection with Allah