The Night of Isra and Mi’raj: An In-Depth Look
The Night of Isra and Mi’raj (الإسراء والمعراج) is not only a cornerstone of Islamic belief but also a momentous event that highlights the spiritual journey and ascension of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This miraculous event is celebrated and revered by Muslims worldwide.
The Isra: The Night Journey from Mecca to Jerusalem
The Night of Isra and Mi’raj (الإسراء والمعراج) is not only a cornerstone of Islamic belief but also a momentous event that highlights the spiritual journey and ascension of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This miraculous event is celebrated and revered by Muslims worldwide.
The Mi’raj: The Ascension to the Heavens
After the prayer in Jerusalem, the Prophet embarked on the Mi’raj, his ascension to the heavens. Accompanied by the archangel Jibril جِبْرِيل (Gabriel), he traversed through the seven levels of heaven, meeting different prophets at each level. This journey symbolizes the elevation of consciousness and the potential of human spiritual ascent. In the first heaven, he met Adam (آدم), the second featured Yaḥyā ibn Zakariyā ( يحيى بن زكريا also known as John the Baptist) and Īsā ibn Maryam (عِيسَى ٱبْنُ مَرْيَمَ – Jesus), the third Yūsuf ibn Yaʿqūb (يوسف ٱبن يعقوب also known as Joseph), the fourth Idris (إدريس), the fifth Hārūn (هارون also known as Aaron), and in the sixth heaven, he encountered Mūsā ibn ʿImrān (موسى ابن عمران – Moses). Finally, in the seventh heaven, he met Ibrahim (إِبْرَاهِيْمُ – Abraham).
The Ultimate Encounter and the Gift of Salah
At the culmination of the Mi’raj, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was graced with the Divine Presence of Allah. During this encounter, he received the commandment of the five daily prayers (Salah) for his Ummah, reduced from the original fifty prayers after Moses urged him to request a reduction for his followers.
Quranic Verses and Hadiths on the Event
Quranic Verses on Isra and Mi’raj
Surah Al-Isra (17:1): سُبْحَـٰنَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَسْرَىٰ بِعَبْدِهِۦ لَيْلًۭا مِّنَ ٱلْمَسْجِدِ ٱلْحَرَامِ إِلَى ٱلْمَسْجِدِ ٱلْأَقْصَى ٱلَّذِى بَـٰرَكْنَا حَوْلَهُۥ لِنُرِيَهُۥ مِنْ ءَايَـٰتِنَآٓ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْبَصِيرُ English: “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 (53:13-18): وَلَقَدْ رَءَاهُ نَزْلَةً أُخْرَىٰ عِندَ سِدْرَةِ ٱلْمُنتَهَىٰ إِلَيْهَا يَنتَهِى ٱلْجِبْرِيلُ وَكَانَ عِندَهَا جَنَّةُ ٱلْمَأْوَىٰ إِذْ يَغْشَى ٱلسِّدْرَةَ مَا يَغْشَىٰ مَا زَاغَ ٱلْبَصَرُ وَمَا طَغَىٰ لَقَدْ رَأَىٰ مِنْ ءَايَـٰتِ رَبِّهِ ٱلْكُبْرَىٰ English: “And he certainly saw him [Gabriel] 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.”
Hadiths Reflecting on Isra and Mi’raj
- Prophet’s Journey to Masjid Al-Aqsa: “The Prophet was transported from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque…” (Bukhari).
- The Ascension: “Then I was made to ascend to the heavens…” (Muslim).
- Meeting with Prophets: “I met Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, and they discussed the Hour…” (Tirmidhi).
- The Gift of Salah: “Fifty prayers were first enjoined upon my followers in a day and a night, but it was reduced to five prayers…” (Bukhari).
- Witnessing Heaven and Hell: “I saw paradise and hell. I saw them (the dwellers of paradise) in their forms…” (Muslim).
Observing the Night of Isra and Mi’raj
Muslims commemorate this night through increased worship and reflection. Engaging in extra prayers, reciting Quran, and pondering over the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are common practices.
Commemorating the Night at Masjid Al-Ikhlas
On the Night of Isra and Mi’raj, Masjid Al-Ikhlas invites the community to partake in special prayers and Quran recitations. The Masjid remains open for those seeking to reflect on this profound journey and its implications for their faith.
Conclusion: A Night of Spiritual Enlightenment
The Night of Isra and Mi’raj serves as a reminder of the Prophet’s journey and the deep spiritual connections in Islam. It’s a time for Muslims to seek closeness to Allah and reflect on the profound lessons of this miraculous event.
FAQs:
⦁ What significance does the Night of Isra and Mi’raj hold in Islam?
It commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s miraculous journey and ascension, highlighting his role in the Islamic faith and the commandment of the five daily prayers.
⦁ When is the Night of Isra and Mi’raj observed in 2024?
It is observed on the 27th day of Rajab, falling on the night of February 8, 2024.
⦁ What activities are encouraged on this night?
Muslims are encouraged to engage in prayers, Quran recitation, and reflection on the Prophet’s journey.
⦁ Is Masjid Al-Ikhlas hosting special events for this night?
Yes, Masjid Al-Ikhlas will be open for extended worship and contemplation, providing a serene environment for community members to commemorate this sacred night.
