The story of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his night journey (Isra) and ascension (Miraj) to the heavens - in the Quran

The story of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his night journey (Isra) and ascension (Miraj) to the heavens is mentioned in the Quran in Surah al-Isra and Surah al-Najm. According to the story, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was transported from Mecca to Jerusalem in one night by the angel Jibreel (Gabriel). From Jerusalem, the Prophet ascended to the seven heavens, where he met with the prophets of old and spoke with Allah. He was also shown the wonders of paradise and hell. The story of Isra and Miraj is considered one of the most significant events in Islamic history and is celebrated annually by Muslims around the world.

According to the Quranic account, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was resting in the Kabah when the angel Jibreel (Gabriel) appeared before him and led him outside. There, he mounted a winged horse-like creature named Buraq and was transported to the Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem.

Upon arrival, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) led the other prophets in prayer and then ascended through the heavens, meeting with the prophets Adam, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus along the way. The Prophet was then led to the presence of Allah where he was given guidance and instructions for his followers. He also saw various wonders of paradise and hell, and he was shown the different levels of heaven.

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) then returned to Mecca the same night, and many of the people there did not believe his story, causing great controversy among the people. However, those who accepted the Prophet's story believed that it was a miracle from Allah and a validation of his prophethood.

The night journey and ascension of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) holds great significance in Islamic tradition, as it represents the elevation of the Prophet to the highest spiritual and physical level attainable by a human being, and the divine validation of his prophethood. The event is celebrated annually by Muslims around the world as Isra and Miraj.

There are two verses in the Quran that mention the Prophet Muhammad's (SAW) night journey and ascension to the heavens. These are:

Surah Al-Isra, verse 1:

"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."

Surah An-Najm, verses 13-18:

"And he certainly saw him in another descent

At the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary - near it is the Garden of Refuge -

When there covered the Lote Tree that which covered [it].

The sight [of the Prophet] did not swerve, nor did it transgress [its limit].

He certainly saw of the greatest signs of his Lord."

The story of the Prophet Muhammad's (SAW) night journey and ascension to the heavens, also known as Isra and Miraj, is mentioned in two verses in the Quran. The first verse states that Allah took His servant from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa to show him of His signs. The second verse describes the Prophet's vision of the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary and the greatest signs of his Lord that he saw during his ascension. This event is considered a major miracle in Islamic tradition and holds great significance in the faith.