The Maricoulus night journey of prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
سُبْحٰنَ الَّذِیْۤ اَسْرٰى بِعَبْدِهٖ لَیْلًا مِّنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ اِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الْاَقْصَا الَّذِیْ بٰرَكْنَا حَوْلَهٗ لِنُرِیَهٗ مِنْ اٰیٰتِنَا١ؕ اِنَّهٗ هُوَ السَّمِیْعُ الْبَصِیْرُ
Holy is He Who carried His servant by night from the Holy Mosque (in Makkah) to the farther Mosque (in Jerusalem) whose surroundings We have blessed that We might show him some of Our Signs. Indeed He alone is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.
Surah 17 – Al-Israa – Ayah 1.
The event of Isra’ and Mi’raj is the miraculous night journey of Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him. that happened in in a small party of a single night. This miraculous journey is marked as an important milestone in the Islamic calendar. The journey of al-Isra’ and al-Mi’raj consists of the journey from Makkah to Baitul Maqdis (Jerusalem), which is known as al-Isra. and the ascension from Baitul Maqdis to the Heavens, known as al-Mi’raj.
This miraculous journey is believed to be both a physical and spiritual journey that Rasulullah peace be upon him had experienced. and it was unimaginable during his time. While there is no unanimous agreement by scholars and Muslim historians on the exact date that this event took place. and it is widely believed that this event had taken place on 27th of Rajab. just over a year before the emigration of Prophet Muhammad and his companions to Madinah. ( In Islamic language it is known as Hijrat).
Isra’ and Mi’raj hold great significance in the lives of believers. At that time, it served as a sign of the greatness of Allah and His majesty. It was known to be a miraculous event as it also ascertained the Prophethood of Rasulullah peace be upon him , beyond human comprehension. It was a period where the journey from Makkah to Jerusalem would usually take months to complete.
In fact, no other man was proven to have gone far and beyond the known universe. For The messenger “MUHAMMAD” peace and blessings be upon him to travel from Makkah to Jerusalem and Jerusalem to the Heavens in a part of night, and then return within a single night was beyond human comprehension.
It was a test of faith for the followers of of prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. and a display of Allah’s power and His grandeur. Allah . explained this journey in the Quran.
It is important to understand the circumstances and background that led to Isra’ and Mi‘raj. The episode occurred at a time when Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him was faced with trials and tribulations. His emotions were tested by the passing of two of the most beloved people in his life.
His uncle, Abu Talib, who was his ardent supporter and guardian when from the young, had passed on. and His beloved wife, Khadijah Razeyallahu Anha. who was the pillar of his life, the comfort of his eyes and heart, had also departed that same year.
Before the night of Isra and Mi’raj, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was resting in the Ka’bah in Makkah. During this peaceful moment, a miraculous event occurred. Three angels came to the Prophet ( peace be upon him). while he was in the Hateem (a semi-circular area beside the Kaaba) or near the Kaaba . The first angel was Jibril (peace be upon him), known as the messenger angel. The second angel was Mikail (peace be upon him), and the third was Israfil (peace be upon him). These angels approached the Prophet (peace be upon him) while he was lying down.
Jibril (peace be upon him) gently woke the Prophet (peace be upon him) and asked him to accompany him. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was then taken on a divine journey. The angels carried him to Jam Jam, Jibril (peace be upon him) performed a miraculous procedure, where he opened the chest of the Prophet (peace be upon him). This was done to purify his heart and prepare him for the heavenly journey that was about to take place.
Jibril (peace be upon him) took a golden vessel filled with zamzam water and poured it into the Prophet’s chest. He then removed his heart, cleansed it, and removed impurities impurities, strengthening the Prophet’s spiritual capacity. The act was both symbolic and practical—preparing the Prophet (peace be upon him) for the immense responsibility that lay ahead.
This purification was a critical moment, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) was about to experience the night journey (Isra) to the farthest mosque (Al-Aqsa) and ascend to the heavens (Mi’raj) to meet Allah from masjidul Aqsa . This event ensured that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was spiritually ready for this extraordinary experience and the divine revelations that would follow.
Once the chest was purified, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was ready for the Isra and Mi’raj, which would take him through unimaginable journeys of both earthly and heavenly realms. This event is one of the most significant in Islamic history, marking the deepening of the bond between the
Prophet (peace be upon him) and Allah .
As ALLAH says in Surah Al Isra verse number 1. Glory be to the One who took His servant by night from Al-Masjidel-Haram in Makkah to Al-Masjidel-Aqsa In Jerusalem. whose surroundings We have blessed, so that, We may show him some of Our signs. Indeed.
Allah is the All-Hearing and the All-Seeing.
According to Sahih Muslim, Anas ibn Malik (Razeyallahu Anhu) narrated.
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah bee upon him) was brought white a beast, which was called Buraq, and it would place its hoof at a distance equal to the range of its vision.”
(In Sahih Muslim, Hadith Number 164)
Al-Buraq was described as a white animal, larger than a donkey but smaller than a mule, that traveled as fast than light.
Every step it took reached the horizon.at a distance equal to the range of its vision.
Leading Prayers of Prophet “MUHAMMAD”at Al-Aqsa with all prophets.
When the Prophet (peace be upon him) arrived at Al-Aqsa. the-Buraq was tied to a post at Masjid Al-Aqsa during the time of the journey. and he meet all the previous prophets, including Adam , Ibrahim, Musa ,Isa, peace and blessings be upon them and many others.
The Angel Jibreel (peace be upon him) instructed Prophet Muhammad (Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him)to lead the congregational prayer as Imam. This act symbolized that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the leader of all prophets and the Seal of Prophethood.
Once the Prophet (Peace be upon him) had completed his prayer and performing Salam (greetings of peace) with the previous prophets, he was instructed to mount Al-Buraq again for the next phase of his journey. This moment marks the beginning of the Mi’raj, which takes place after the Isra (Night Journey). According to hadith. Jibreel guided the Prophet (Peace be upon him). during this part of the journey, leading him through the seven heavens. Where prophet “Muhammad” peace be upon him, experience different maricoulus stories during the Mira’j. Some stories Among them are, Hazrat (Aas Razeyallahu Anu )narrated the entire Hadith of the Ascension, in which he also mentioned that when the they reached the worldly Sky , he saw two rivers coming out of it. Then Jebriel (peace be upon him) took him to the sky and saw another river on which a palace of pearls and azurejad was built. When he touched the river, it immediately became pure mushkk. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) asked Jebriel (peace be upon him) what is this? Jebriel (peace be upon him) said, “This is Kawsar” which Allah has reserved for you. ” Anas (RA) continued the statement and said. Then prophet (peace be upon him ) was taken up to the seventh heaven. He saw prophet “Musa” soon prophet “Musa’said, “O Lord, I did not even think that anyone would be higher than me. Then he was taken higher, which no one knows except Allah, until he reached Sidra Al- Muntahi and The point of Sidratul Muntaha (also known as the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary) is a mystical and symbolic location mentioned in the Qur’an (Surah An-Najm, verse Number:14). It marks the limit of the heavens. beyond which no creation can pass. In this moment, when the Prophet (peace be upon him) reached Sidratul Muntaha, the angel Jibreel (peace be upon him ) stopped. He explained to the Prophet that this was the boundary beyond which even he could not proceed. Jibreel also clarified that this was a sacred place and that the Prophet (peace be upon him ) alone was destined to continue further on this journey to stand before Allah.
That Pity Of Our Prophet At Moment of Meeting with ALLAH.
When the Noble Messenger (Prophet Muhammad) drew closer to Allah than the span of two bows, a profound exchange of greetings took place between Allah and His Messenger. At that sacred moment, Allah said, “Peace be upon you, O Prophet,” and in response, the Messenger of Allah replied, “Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah.”
This beautiful supplication, which every Muslim recites in their daily prayers, carries a depth of meaning. It not only acknowledges the divine greeting but also extends that peace to all of the righteous believers. Through these words, the Prophet demonstrated his immense love and concern for his community. His response reflects a humility and an all-encompassing care, emphasizing that the blessings of peace are meant not just for him alone, but for every sincere servant of Allah. and Allah also gifted 50 times of prayers for each day, underscoring the immense honor and affection bestowed upon His Messenger and the entire community of righteous believers.
After that during his returned he meet prophet “Musa” and told him about fifty prayers being made obligatory then prophet Musa said, that your Ummah will not be able to pay for it) Musa (peace be upon him) kept returning and sending him to the Lord, until five prayers remained, but Musa (peace be upon him) still stopped and said, Muhammad.! I have experienced a lot, less than this on my Bani Israel. but they remained humble and stopped praying, and your Ummah is very weak compared to the Israel in terms of body, heart, ears and eyes, used to look at him for advice, and Jebriel (peace be upon him) did not consider it inappropriate. Finally, on the fifth occasion, when the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Oo Lord. my Ummah is also weak in body, heart, and hearing , so reduce your command for us.” Allah said, Muhammad.The order does not change, as I have made it obligatory in the Loh Mahfouz (it will remain the same). The reward of every good deed is fixed tenfold,
The during returning Home: From the Seven Heavens to Makkah.
The journey of al-Mi’raj ends with the Prophet , descending back to Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem and on his return home to Makkah, he saw various caravans on the outskirts and heading towards the city, which he would later describe to the people of Quraysh as proof that he had made this journey in less than a night. There were many who did not believe the Prophet and mocked him for making such a claim. The companions of prophet , however, never doubted this momentous event.
What We learn From This Story
Therefore, this story was a source of wonder and hope, as it continues to be for us today. On this night, the best of creation was given the honour of travelling to the heavens and was graced to meet the Divine Presence.
Considering its significance, it is important for us to commemorate this night journey by reflecting on the lessons and maximising our worship and good deeds. Prior to Isra’ Mi’raj, Prophet Muhammad had displayed great patience in the face of hardship, and It is Allah’s wisdom that He bestows His gifts and relief to be accompanied by hardships. May ALLAH GUIDE US TO GOODNESS
