The Miraj Night: Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s) 's Heavenly Journey
A Journey Beyond Earthly Limits: Divine Lessons from the Night of Ascension
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Ya Imam-e-Zamaan, please grant us a drop from your ocean of wisdom . Ameen.
Ya Ali Madad.
Today, we will discuss a significant event in the life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.S). To help readers understand the topic comprehensively, this article is divided into two parts.
In the first part, we will explore the event of Mi'raj from a historical perspective, delving into its historical significance, Quranic references, and Hadith.
In the second part, we will reflect on the philosophical aspects of Mi'raj from the Ismaili perspective. This will include references to ginan, Farmans, and quotes from Ismaili dais, pirs, and scholars.
Let us begin with the first part of this journey into the Mi'raj.
The Miraj night is Islam's most extraordinary event and stands as the second greatest miracle after the Quran's revelation. The remarkable experience saw Prophet Muhammad (S.A.S) complete a journey that normally took months, all in a single night.
Prophet Muhammad (S.A.S) traveled from Makkah to Jerusalem and ascended through the seven heavens during this sacred night journey, known as Isra and Miraj. He met several prophets including Adam, Isa, and Musa while ascending, before reaching Sidratul Muntaha - the boundary beyond which none may pass. The Prophet (saw) experienced this extraordinary expedition during a time of intense hardship, after losing his wife Khadijah (ra) and his uncle Hazarat Abu Talib (A.S).
This piece will explore the profound details of this sacred journey. Readers will discover its historical significance, the sacred encounters experienced, and its lasting effect on Islamic practices, including how the five daily prayers became established during this momentous occasion.
Understanding the Night of Miraj
The sacred event of night journey in Islamic tradition has deep meaning and authentication worth exploring. Let's explore deeply into this sacred event to understand its significance in prophetic history.
Defining Miraj in Islamic Tradition
Miraj originates from the Arabic word meaning "ladder" or "instrument of ascension" [1]. This extraordinary trip took place around 621 AD and marked a significant moment in Islamic history [2]. Most Islamic scholars confirm that this trip was both physical and spiritual in nature [2].
Significance in Prophetic History
Prophet Muhammad(S.A.S)'s life witnessed this significant event during a critical phase. The spiritual experience came as a response to what Muslims call "the year of great sadness" [3]. The event led to establishing the five daily prayers. These prayers were originally set at fifty but were reduced to five through divine mercy [2].
Authentication of the Journey
Several reliable sources authenticate Miraj:
Surah Al-Isra (17:1) in the Quran mentions this journey directly [2]
Anas ibn Malik and Ibn Abbas provided two most reliable Hadith sources [2]
Authentic collections of Bukhari and Muslim contain detailed accounts [4]
Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s) gave precise descriptions of Al-Aqsa Mosque when asked about Jerusalem's details, though he had never visited it physically [3]. He accurately described caravans he saw on his return trip, which arrived exactly as he had predicted [3].
Abu Bakr earned the title "as-Siddiq" (the truthful one) by immediately accepting this miraculous trip, which had a significant effect on early Islamic history [3]. Scholars have different interpretations about whether the journey was physical, spiritual, or both [5].
The Journey Beyond Space and Time
The night of Miraj reveals one of the most extraordinary events that goes beyond earthly limits. This sacred trip surpassed all known laws of physics and what humans could understand.
Going Beyond Physical Limits
The Prophet Muhammad(s.a.s)'s remarkable trip from Makkah to Jerusalem in a fraction of time would normally take a month by caravan [2]. Of course, this shows how space and time's normal rules didn't apply during this predicted experience. The Prophet went beyond Jerusalem and rose through seven levels of heaven [2]. Each level showed unique divine signs.
Miraculous Ways of Travel
Al-Buraq, a celestial creature "larger than a donkey but smaller than a mule" [6], served as the main transport. This extraordinary being had amazing abilities:
It could step as far as its eyes could see [6]
It moved with lightning speed that defied physics [2]
Allah sent it specifically for this sacred trip [2]
Divine Signs and Wonders
The ascension brought many divine signs. At Sidrat al-Muntaha, a holy tree in the seventh heaven, Angel Gabriel stopped because he couldn't go further [2]. The Prophet (s.a.s) saw amazing celestial sights after his heart was cleaned with Zamzam water [2]. He noticed seas of light, darkness, and fire during his trip [2]. These experiences showed evidence of Allah's endless power and the special honor given to Prophet Muhammad on this blessed night.
Prophetic Encounters in the Heavens
The night journey reveals remarkable encounters between Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s) and previous messengers. Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s) and Angel Gabriel went through the heavens, and each level brought a meaningful meeting with earlier prophets [7].
Meetings with Previous Messengers
The ascension revealed these blessed prophets in sequence:
First Heaven: Adam, father of mankind
Second Heaven: Jesus and John the Baptist
Third Heaven: Prophet Joseph
Fourth Heaven: Prophet Idris
Fifth Heaven: Prophet Aaron
Sixth Heaven: Prophet Moses
Seventh Heaven: Prophet Abraham [7]
Conversations and Counsel
The prophets shared deep discussions about the Day of Judgment. Jesus spoke of his future return and the defeat of Dajjal [8]. The most effective conversation happened with Prophet Moses, who guided Muhammad to ask for a reduction in daily prayers. This exchange led to the establishment of five daily prayers [7].
Shared Wisdom Across Generations
These encounters helped build divine connections. Prophet Abraham's message struck a chord when he said, "Give my salam to your ummah and tell them that Paradise's soil is beautiful and luscious" [8].
The Prophet (s.a.s) witnessed angels in constant worship at Bayt al-Ma'moor [7]. He saw both paradise and hell, which revealed rewards for the faithful and consequences for sins like usury and backbiting [7]. These divine revelations showed sights that "no eye has ever seen, what no ear has ever heard, and what no mind has ever conceived" [7].
Modern Relevance of Miraj
The lessons from the miraj night continue to shape our spiritual experience in today's world. This miraculous event gives us profound guidance to navigate our modern lives [1].
Contemporary Spiritual Applications
Muslims worldwide observe the most important day of Miraj on the 27th of Rajab [1]. This event shows us that ease follows hardship and gives us hope and resilience for our daily challenges [1]. The night journey demonstrates Allah's boundless mercy and guidance, which helps us draw strength from its understanding.
Building Divine Connection Today
The Prophet (s.a.s)'s journey marked a spiritual elevation, and we can improve our devotion through regular worship [1]. Many scholars point out that prayer serves as our personal miraj - our daily ascension toward divine presence [10].
The story of miraj teaches us to keep our steadfast dedication in the face of modern challenges [11]. The Prophet (s.a.s) met previous messengers, and we find strength in our global Muslim community that supports each other's spiritual growth [11]. Regular prayer and devotion help us access deeper levels of spiritual connection [12].
Conclusion
The night of Miraj shows evidence of Allah's infinite power and mercy. It reveals how guidance comes during life's most challenging moments. Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s)'s extraordinary trip through the heavens reshaped Islamic practices and gave us the five daily prayers that now form the pillars of our faith.
Meeting previous prophets shows us how spiritual guidance exceeds time itself. Their wisdom stays relevant centuries later. These daily prayers help us maintain our own spiritual ascension. They strengthen our connection with Allah and bring peace to our modern lives.
Each prayer becomes our personal miraj - a chance to rise above worldly concerns and seek Allah's presence. This miraculous journey teaches us that steadfast faith helps overcome any challenge, just as Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s) did in his time of hardship.
You can stay connected and understand the Imamate and esoteric knowledge better. Subscribe now to receive more insightful articles and engaging podcasts. The lessons from this blessed night continue to guide believers. They remind us that spiritual elevation comes through sincere devotion and regular worship.
FAQs
Q1. What is the significance of the Night of Miraj in Islamic tradition? The Night of Miraj is considered one of Islam's most extraordinary events, second only to the revelation of the Quran. It marks Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s) 's miraculous journey from Makkah to Jerusalem and his ascension through the seven heavens, where he encountered previous prophets and received the commandment for the five daily prayers.
Q2. How did Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s) travel during the Night Journey? Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s) traveled on a celestial creature called Al-Buraq, described as larger than a donkey but smaller than a mule. This miraculous being could move at the speed of light, with its stride reaching as far as its vision could extend, allowing the Prophet to cover vast distances in an incredibly short time.
Q3. Which prophets did Muhammad (s.a.s) meet during his ascension? During his ascension through the seven heavens, Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s) encountered several prophets. He met Adam in the first heaven, Jesus and John the Baptist in the second, Joseph in the third, Idris in the fourth, Aaron in the fifth, Moses in the sixth, and Abraham in the seventh heaven.
References
[1] - https://www.soundvision.com/article/lessons-from-isra-and-miraj
[2] - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isra'_and_Mi'raj
[3] - https://www.islamicity.org/19343/the-significance-of-isra-and-miraj/
[4] - https://simplyislam.academy/blog/story-of-al-israh-wal-miraj
[5] - https://www.britannica.com/event/Miraj-Islam
[6] - https://muslim.sg/articles/isra-mi-raj-the-miraculous-night-journey-of-the-chosen-one
[7] - https://www.dar-alifta.org/en/article/details/1871/the-miracle-of-the-night-journey-and-heavenly-ascension-of-prophet-muhammad
[8] - https://arqadhi.blogspot.com/2015/11/022-night-journey-ascension-to-heavens-2_25.html
[9] - https://www.muslimpro.com/7-ways-islam-encourages-growth-in-modern-life/
[10] - https://www.islamicity.org/5845/isra-miraj-inspiration-from-the-celestial-night-journey/
[11] - https://anakbrunei.org/2023/02/17/five-lessons-we-can-take-from-isra-miraj/
[12] - https://resala-academy.com/isra-and-miraj/