Isra & Miraj

Isra and Miraj are two events in the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as described in Islamic tradition.

Isra refers to the Prophet's miraculous night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem, during which he traveled on the creature Buraq, prayed at the site of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and ascended to the heavens to meet with Allah (SWT).

Miraj refers to the Prophet's ascension to the seven heavens, where he met with various prophets, including Adam, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, and was given various gifts and revelations from Allah (SWT). During the journey, the Prophet saw many wondrous sights and received the commandment of Salat, which is the five daily prayers.

The event of Isra and Miraj is considered one of the most significant events in Islamic history, and it is commemorated by Muslims around the world through various forms of celebration and remembrance. The event serves as a reminder of the miraculous nature of the Prophet's mission and his close relationship with Allah (SWT).

The Isra event

The Isra event refers to the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) miraculous night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem, which took place in the 10th year of his prophethood. The event is mentioned briefly in the Quran in Surah Al-Isra, and it is described in more detail in the Hadith literature.

According to the Hadith, the journey took place on a creature called Buraq, which was a heavenly animal that was white and larger than a donkey but smaller than a horse. The Prophet was accompanied by the angel Jibril (Gabriel) during the journey.

The journey started when the Prophet was asleep in the house of his cousin, Umme Hani. Jibril came to him and woke him up, and they started the journey towards Jerusalem. The journey was miraculous, and the Prophet traveled at great speed, covering vast distances instantaneously.

When the Prophet reached Jerusalem, he arrived at the site of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is considered the third holiest site in Islam. There, he led the other prophets in prayer, and then ascended to the heavens on the Miraj journey.

The Isra event is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it was a demonstration of the Prophet's closeness to Allah (SWT) and his miraculous nature as a messenger. It also served as a confirmation of the Prophet's status as the final prophet in the Abrahamic tradition. Additionally, the Isra event provided a link between Mecca and Jerusalem, which are both important sites in Islamic history.

Muslims commemorate the Isra event through various forms of celebration and remembrance, such as reciting Surah Al-Isra and performing the night prayer called Salat-ul-Isra. The event is also an important reminder of the Prophet's mission and his role in guiding humanity towards the path of righteousness.

The Miraj event

The Miraj event refers to the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) miraculous ascension to the heavens, which took place immediately after the Isra journey. The Miraj event is mentioned briefly in the Quran in Surah Al-Isra, and it is described in more detail in the Hadith literature.

According to the Hadith, the Prophet was taken to the heavens on a creature called Buraq, which was a heavenly animal that was white and larger than a donkey but smaller than a horse. The Prophet was accompanied by the angel Jibril (Gabriel) during the journey.

The Miraj journey involved several stages, each of which was marked by different experiences and encounters. In the first stage, the Prophet traveled through the seven heavens, each of which was more wondrous than the one before it. During his journey through the heavens, the Prophet met several prophets and angels, including Adam, John the Baptist, Jesus, Joseph, and Moses.

In the second stage, the Prophet reached the Lote Tree, which is the boundary of the seventh heaven. There, he met with Allah (SWT) and received various revelations and commandments. Allah (SWT) also showed the Prophet various sights and visions, including the gardens of paradise and the punishments of hell.

Meeting other Prophets

According to the Hadith literature, during the Miraj event, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) met several prophets in different heavens. Some of the prophets he met include:

1. Adam (AS) - in the first heaven.

2. John the Baptist (AS) and Jesus (AS) - in the second heaven.

3. Joseph (AS) - in the third heaven.

4. Idris (AS) - in the fourth heaven.

5. Aaron (AS) - in the fifth heaven.

6. Moses (AS) - in the sixth heaven.

7. Abraham (AS) - in the seventh heaven.

Meeting Allah

During the Miraj event, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was taken by the angel Gabriel (AS) to the highest levels of heaven, beyond the physical realm. There, he was honored with the opportunity to meet with Allah (SWT), who is the creator and sustainer of the universe.

The meeting between the Prophet and Allah (SWT) is described in various Hadiths, which provide some details about what transpired during the encounter. It is believed that the Prophet saw Allah (SWT) in a vision, and this was a unique experience that was granted only to the Prophet.

During the meeting, Allah (SWT) spoke to the Prophet and gave him various revelations and commandments. For example, it was during this encounter that Allah (SWT) mandated the five daily prayers, which are an integral part of Islamic worship. The Prophet also received many other revelations, some of which are contained in the Quran, Islam's holy book.

The meeting between the Prophet and Allah (SWT) is considered to be one of the most significant events in Islamic history. It demonstrates the Prophet's unique position as a messenger of Allah (SWT) and serves as a reminder of the close relationship that exists between Allah (SWT) and His chosen servants. The event also highlights the importance of spiritual purification and the pursuit of righteousness, as these are essential aspects of the Islamic faith.

During the Miraj journey, Allah (SWT) gave the Prophet the commandment of Salat, which is the five daily prayers that Muslims are obligated to perform. This commandment is considered a fundamental aspect of Islamic practice and serves as a reminder of the Prophet's closeness to Allah (SWT) and his mission to guide humanity towards the path of righteousness.

According to Quran

One of the most famous stories in the Quran is the story of Isra and Miraj, which recounts the miraculous night journey of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Jerusalem and then to the heavens.

The story is mentioned in Surah Al-Isra, Chapter 17, Verse 1 of the Quran:

"Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing."

This verse acknowledges the fact that Allah (SWT) took His Servant, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from the holy mosque in Mecca to the farthest mosque in Jerusalem during the night. In addition, it mentions the blessing of the surroundings of al-Masjid al-Aqsa, where the Prophet (PBUH) led the other prophets in prayer before ascending to the heavens.

According to Hadith

One of the most well-known Hadith narrations about the Isra and Miraj event is found in Sahih al-Bukhari, one of the most authentic collections of Hadith. The Hadith is narrated by Anas ibn Malik, one of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and is as follows:

"Abu Dhar (one of the companions of the Prophet) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) one day said to me: 'Do you know where the sun sets?' I replied: 'Allah and His Apostle know best.' He said: 'It sets in a spring of warm water (Hamiyah).' Then he (the Prophet) asked me: 'Do you know where it rises?' I replied: 'Allah and His Apostle know best.' He said: 'It rises from a place of warm water (Hamiyah).' Then the Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'On the night when I was taken on the Night Journey (Isra), I saw written at the gate of Paradise: "Welcoming to those who offer the morning prayer in congregation."' Then I was taken up to the first heaven and saw in it Adam (AS). Then I was taken up to the second heaven and saw in it Jesus (AS) and John the Baptist (AS). Then I was taken up to the third heaven and saw in it Joseph (AS). Then I was taken up to the fourth heaven and saw in it Idris (AS). Then I was taken up to the fifth heaven and saw in it Aaron (AS). Then I was taken up to the sixth heaven and saw in it Moses (AS). Then I was taken up to the seventh heaven and saw in it Abraham (AS). Then I was shown Al-Bait-al-Ma'mur (i.e. Allah's House)." Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 4295.

Here are some additional hadiths related to the story of Isra and Miraj:

Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 60, Hadith 226-245

Sahih Muslim, Book 1, Hadith 324-326

Sunan Ibn Majah, Book 5, Hadith 1273-1277

Sunan Abu Dawood, Book 8, Hadith 1420-1421

Jami' at-Tirmidhi, Book 47, Hadith 3425-3427

Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 16245

Sunan An-Nasa'i, Book 6, Hadith 674

The Miraj event is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it was a demonstration of the Prophet's closeness to Allah (SWT) and his miraculous nature as a messenger. It also served as a confirmation of the Prophet's status as the final prophet in the Abrahamic tradition. Additionally, the Miraj event provided the Prophet with various revelations and commandments that are essential to Islamic belief and practice.

Muslims commemorate the Miraj event through various forms of celebration and remembrance, such as reciting Surah Al-Isra and performing the night prayer called Salat-ul-Miraj. The event is also an important reminder of the Prophet's mission and his role in guiding humanity towards the path of righteousness.