Isra wa Mi’raj

Praise be to Allah

Summary: Isra wa Mi’raj, the miraculous night journey and ascension of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, is a pivotal event in Islamic tradition. It consists of two parts: the journey from Mecca to Jerusalem (Isra) and the ascension through the heavens (Mi’raj). This event underscores the divine nature of the Prophet’s mission and establishes the importance of Salah.

Detailed Answer:

Isra wa Mi’raj began with the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ being taken from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca to the Farthest Mosque in Jerusalem in a single night. From Jerusalem, he ascended through the seven heavens, meeting various prophets and witnessing the wonders of Paradise and the torments of Hell. During this journey, Allah prescribed the five daily prayers for Muslims.

Hadith Evidence:

• The Quran mentions the journey in Surah Al-Isra (17:1): “Glory be to the One Who took His servant ˹Muhammad˺ by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque whose surroundings We have blessed, so that We may show him some of Our signs. Indeed, He alone is the All-Hearing, All-Seeing.”
• Various hadiths describe the details of the Prophet’s meetings with previous prophets and the prescription of Salah. For instance, Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim both narrate the journey and the interactions during Mi’raj.

Additional Insight:

The event of Isra wa Mi’raj highlights several key aspects of Islamic faith:

1. Faith in the Unseen: The miraculous nature of the journey emphasizes the importance of believing in the unseen.
2. Centrality of Salah: The five daily prayers were ordained during this journey, underscoring their importance.
3. Unity of Prophethood: Meeting various prophets signifies the continuity and unity of the prophetic mission across different times and communities.

To gain a deeper understanding, consider exploring the following lectures:

• Hamza Yusuf – The Night Journey (Al Isra Wal Miraj)
• Mufti Ismail Menk – Isra-Wal-Miraj
• Nauman Ali Khan – Playlist on Isra wa Mi’raj
• Yasir Qadhi – Lecture on Isra wa Mi’raj

Conclusion:

Isra wa Mi’raj is a cornerstone of Islamic faith, demonstrating the miraculous nature of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s journey and the divine origin of Salah. This event is celebrated and remembered for its deep spiritual significance and its impact on the daily lives of Muslims.

And Allah Knows Best