The event of the Miraj of the Prophet ﷺ is a great miracle in human history, in which Allah Almighty took His beloved Prophet ﷺ on a spiritual and physical journey from the earth to the heavens. This event is a manifestation of the high rank and status of the Prophet ﷺ as well as a display of Allah’s perfect power.
This momentous event occurred in the tenth year of Prophethood, which is referred to as “Aam al-Huzn” (the Year of Sorrow), as the Prophet ﷺ faced severe hardships and losses during that year.
Aam al-Huzn (The Year of Sorrow) and its Background:
- The Death of Khadijah (RA):
Hazrat Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her), the honorable wife of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his foremost supporter, was a great source of comfort for him. Her passing caused the Prophet (peace be upon him) profound grief.
Ibn Sa’d said:
كَانَتْ خَدِيجَةُ بِنْتُ خُوَيْلِدٍ وَزِيرَةَ صِدْقٍ لِلنَّبِيِّ ﷺ، آمَنَتْ بِهِ فِي وَقْتٍ لَمْ يَكُنْ فِي النَّاسِ غَيْرُهَا، وَوَاسَتْهُ بِمَالِهَا إِذْ حَرَمَهُ قَوْمُهُ، وَصَدَّقَتْهُ حِينَ كَذَّبَهُ النَّاسُ۔
(الطبقات الكبرى، ابن سعد)
Translation:
“Hazrat Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was the true companion of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). She believed in him when no one else did, supported him with her wealth when his people deprived him, and affirmed his truthfulness when others denied him.”
- The Death of Abu Talib:
In the same year, the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) uncle, Abu Talib, also passed away. After his death, the persecution by the Quraysh intensified.
- The Journey to Taif:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) traveled to Taif to invite its people to Islam. However, they responded with disrespect and threw stones at him, injuring him.
Ibn Kathir writes:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَشْكُو إِلَيْكَ ضَعْفَ قُوَّتِي وَقِلَّةَ حِيلَتِي وَهَوَانِي عَلَى النَّاسِ۔
(البدایة والنهایة، ابن کثیر)
Translation:
“O Allah! I complain to you of my weakness, helplessness, and insignificance before the people.”
The Significance and Wisdom of Mi’raj:
The Mi’raj was a miraculous event that manifested the greatness and exalted status of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the infinite power of Allah Almighty.
- The Expression of the Status of Prophethood:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) led all the prophets in prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque, which announced that he was the leader of all the prophets.
It is mentioned in a hadith:
فَصَلَّى بِهِمْ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ ثُمَّ رُفِعَ لِي السِّدْرَةُ الْمُنْتَهَى۔
(صحیح مسلم، کتاب الإیمان)
Translation:
“Then the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) led all the prophets in prayer, and then I was taken to the Sidrat al-Muntaha.”
- The Manifestation of Allah’s Power:
The Mi’raj is a demonstration of Allah’s perfect power, as it was a journey that took place in one night, from Mecca to Jerusalem and then through the seven heavens.
It is mentioned in the Qur’an:
سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَىٰ بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلًا مِّنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الْأَقْصَى الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ لِنُرِيَهُ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ۔
(سورۃ الإسراء: 1)
Translation:
“Glory is to the One who took His servant by night from Al-Masjid al-Haram to Al-Masjid al-Aqsa, the surroundings of which we have blessed, that we might show him our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the seeing.”
3. The Obligation of Prayer:
The greatest wisdom behind Mi’raj was the obligation of prayer (Salat). This event announced that the Ummah of Muhammad (peace be upon him) was being bestowed with a special form of worship, which is a gift of Mi’raj.
The Stages of Mi’raj:
There were two main stages of Mi’raj:
- Isra (The Journey from Al-Masjid al-Haram to Al-Masjid al-Aqsa):
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was taken from Al-Masjid al-Haram to Al-Masjid al-Aqsa by Angel Jibril (Gabriel) and the Buraq. - Mi’raj (The Ascension to the Heavens):
He (peace be upon him) was taken to the heavens and reached the Sidrat al-Muntaha, where he experienced the closeness of Allah Almighty.
Outcome and Message:
- Mi’raj is a manifestation of faith in the unseen and the perfect power of Allah.
- It conveys the importance and obligation of prayer for the Ummah.
- Allah Almighty comforts His Prophet during difficult times.
The Journey to Al-Aqsa and Leading the Prophets in Prayer
It consists of the journey from Al-Masjid al-Haram to Al-Masjid al-Aqsa, which was a physical and spiritual miracle for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This journey was not only a manifestation of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) greatness but also a sign of Allah’s power, beyond the understanding of any human being.
The Background and Importance of Isra:
The event of Isra took place on a night when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was facing immense trials and difficulties in Mecca. His heart was heavy with grief due to the passing of Lady Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) and his uncle Abu Talib, which had deeply affected him. In these circumstances, Allah Almighty sent His Prophet on a great spiritual journey to console him and declare the Prophet’s spiritual greatness.
The Journey of Isra:
Allah Almighty, under the guidance of Angel Jibril (Gabriel), made the Prophet (peace be upon him) ride on a steed called Buraq and took him on the journey from Al-Masjid al-Haram to Al-Masjid al-Aqsa. This steed, Buraq, was extremely fast and had no limits to its speed. During this journey, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was placed in such a spiritual and physical state that everything became possible for him, and he passed through numerous spiritual stations on this journey.
Leading the Prophets in Prayer at Al-Aqsa:
When the Prophet (peace be upon him) reached Al-Masjid al-Aqsa, all the prophets were gathered there. Allah Almighty commanded the Prophet (peace be upon him) to pray for all the prophets. The Prophet (peace be upon him) led the prayer for all the prophets, which made it clear that he is the leader of all the prophets, and his message of Prophethood is for all humanity.
It is mentioned in a hadith:
فَصَلَّى بِهِمْ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ ثُمَّ رُفِعَ لِي السِّدْرَةُ الْمُنْتَهَىٰ۔ (صحیح مسلم، کتاب الإیمان)
Translation:
“Then the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) led all the prophets in prayer, and then I was taken to the Sidrat al-Muntaha.”
The Wisdom of Isra:
- Leading All the Prophets:
The greatest message of Isra was that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is not only the greatest prophet of his time, but his message of prophethood completes the messages of all the previous prophets. His leadership in prayer announced that under his leadership, the mission of all the prophets had been fulfilled.
- Guidance for Muslims:
This journey demonstrated to Muslims that the guidance of the Prophet (peace be upon him) is global and that the welfare of all humanity lies in his leadership. The act of leading all the prophets in prayer further clarified that the guidance of the Prophet (peace be upon him) is for all nations.
- Manifestation of Allah’s Power:
Through this journey, Allah’s power was demonstrated. The journey from Mecca to Jerusalem in one night and the establishment of the Prophet’s leadership in prayer over all the prophets was a reality beyond human comprehension.
The Beginning of Mi’raj after Isra:
After Isra, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was taken on the journey of Mi’raj. This was the time when he ascended through the heavens and attained the honor of drawing closer to Allah. This journey of Mi’raj was not only a reflection of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) greatness, but it also highlighted the sanctity and majesty of Allah’s power.
Outcome and Message:
The event of Isra is a great message of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) greatness, the power of Allah, and guidance for the Ummah. This event not only highlights the spiritual elevation of the Prophet (peace be upon him), but it also teaches us that turning to Allah and the power of faith are what keep a person steadfast in times of difficulty. The event of Isra and Mi’raj serves as a sign for the Ummah that Allah always helps His Prophet and His servants, regardless of the circumstances.
Mi’raj – The Journey through the Heavens and the Ascent to Sidrat al-Muntaha
The next stage of the Mi’raj, after Isra, is the magnificent journey of Mi’raj, in which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was taken from Al-Masjid al-Aqsa to the heavens and then brought to Sidrat al-Muntaha. This was a physical and spiritual miracle in which Allah Almighty showed His beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) signs of His power.
The Beginning of Mi’raj:
After leading the prophets in prayer at Al-Masjid al-Aqsa, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was taken to the heavens. Angel Jibril (Gabriel) accompanied him, and the journey continued on the Buraq.
First Heaven:
In the first heaven, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) met Prophet Adam (peace be upon him). He welcomed him and congratulated him on the arrival of the best prophet from his descendants.
Second Heaven:
In the second heaven, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) met Prophet Isa (Jesus) (peace be upon him) and Prophet Yahya (John) (peace be upon him). They also welcomed him and offered their prayers.
Third Heaven:
In the third heaven, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) met Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) (peace be upon him), who was endowed with perfection in beauty. He too acknowledged the greatness of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Fourth Heaven:
In the fourth heaven, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) met Prophet Idris (peace be upon him), who was granted a high position in the Qur’an.
Fifth Heaven:
In the fifth heaven, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) met Prophet Harun (Aaron) (peace be upon him), a great prophet of the Children of Israel.
Sixth Heaven:
In the sixth heaven, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) met Prophet Musa (Moses) (peace be upon him). When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) moved forward, Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) wept and said, “A prophet will come from my nation after me, and his nation will enter Paradise in greater numbers than mine.”
Seventh Heaven:
In the seventh heaven, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) met Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (peace be upon him), who was leaning against the House of the Elevated Place (Bait al-Ma’mur). Bait al-Ma’mur is the place where angels perform Tawaf, and every day seventy thousand angels circle it, never to return.
Sidrat al-Muntaha:
After the seventh heaven, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was taken to Sidrat al-Muntaha. This is the place where the greatest signs of Allah exist, and even the angels cannot go beyond this point.
Closeness to Allah Almighty:
At this point, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was granted direct closeness to Allah Almighty. This moment is described in the Qur’an as follows:
فَكَانَ قَابَ قَوْسَيْنِ أَوْ أَدْنَىٰ (سورۃ النجم: 9)
Translation:
“Then he (the Prophet) was at a distance of two bow lengths or even nearer.”
The Gift of Prayer:
At this moment, Allah Almighty granted the Ummah of Muhammad (peace be upon him) the gift of 50 prayers. On the return journey, Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) advised that the Ummah would not be able to bear this burden. Therefore, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) repeatedly returned to Allah’s presence until the number of prayers was reduced to five, but their reward remained equivalent to fifty prayers.
The Wisdom of Mi’raj:
- The Greatness of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
Allah Almighty clarified the status of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by granting him His closeness. - The Gift of Prayer for the Ummah:
Prayer was made a means of closeness to Allah. - Spiritual Development:
This event proves that following the path of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is essential for attaining Allah’s love and closeness. - A Manifestation of Allah’s Power:
This journey is beyond the comprehension of human intellect and demonstrates Allah’s boundless power.
Outcome and Message:
The event of Mi’raj is a manifestation of faith, the greatness of Prophethood, and the power of Allah. It teaches us that prayer is the fundamental means of attaining closeness to Allah and gaining His knowledge. We should give importance to prayer in our lives and live in obedience to Allah.
The Return from Mi’raj and the Test of the Quraysh
After the miraculous journey of Mi’raj, Allah returned the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Masjid al-Aqsa to Makkah. This was a monumental spiritual and physical miracle, during which the Prophet ﷺ witnessed the great signs of Allah’s power and was gifted the obligation of Salah (prayer) for the Muslim Ummah. Upon his return, the Prophet ﷺ narrated this extraordinary event to the Quraysh of Makkah.
The Quraysh’s Amazement and Denial
When the Prophet ﷺ recounted his journey, explaining how he traveled from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa and then ascended through the heavens in a single night, the Quraysh reacted with disbelief and mockery. For them, the idea of such a physical journey in such a short time was unimaginable.
Some of the Quraysh leaders seized the opportunity to challenge the Prophet ﷺ, hoping to discredit him and shake the faith of his followers. They demanded:
“If you truly went there, describe Masjid al-Aqsa to us.”
The Prophet ﷺ’s Miracle
Allah supported the Prophet ﷺ by presenting a vivid vision of Masjid al-Aqsa before him. The Prophet ﷺ described its features in precise detail, including its doors, windows, and other specific characteristics. The Quraysh were left astonished as his description was entirely accurate.
The Prediction of a Caravan
Still seeking to test him, the Quraysh asked another question:
“If you truly made this journey, did you see any caravan on the way?”
The Prophet ﷺ replied:
“Yes, I saw such-and-such caravan at such-and-such place. It had this number of camels, and it will arrive in Makkah at this specific time.”
True to his words, the caravan arrived in Makkah exactly as the Prophet ﷺ had predicted. This was an undeniable miracle, yet many disbelievers stubbornly persisted in their denial.
The Faith of Abu Bakr al-Siddique (RA)
When the news of the Mi’raj reached Abu Bakr (RA), he responded without hesitation:
“If the Prophet ﷺ has said it, then it is undoubtedly true. I already believe in things greater than this—that he receives revelation from the heavens.”
This unwavering faith earned Abu Bakr (RA) the title of al-Siddique (the truthful and affirming).
A Test of Faith
The event of Mi’raj also served as a test of faith for the Muslims. Some whose faith was weak failed this test and turned away from Islam, while others remained steadfast, their belief in Allah and His Messenger ﷺ growing even stronger.
The Message of Mi’raj
- Allah’s Power: The Mi’raj showcases Allah’s boundless power and control over the universe.
- The Prophet ﷺ’s Greatness: By granting this miraculous journey, Allah highlighted the elevated status of His beloved Prophet ﷺ.
- The Gift of Salah: During Mi’raj, the Muslim Ummah was blessed with the obligation of Salah, a means of attaining closeness to Allah.
- A Test of Faith: Mi’raj served as a trial, separating true believers from those of weak faith.
Conclusion
The event of Mi’raj is not only a testament to the greatness of the Prophet ﷺ but also a profound lesson for the Muslim Ummah. It emphasizes the importance of faith in Allah’s omnipotence and the truth of the Prophet ﷺ’s message. Muslims are reminded to cherish and guard their Salah, the divine gift granted during this blessed journey.
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