Al-Isra wal Miraj 1

Isra’ wal-Mi’raj (The Night Journey and Ascension to Heaven)

    Al-Isra wal-Mi’raj is one of the great miracles Allah granted to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This miraculous journey took the Prophet from Makkah to Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa before his ascension to the heavens, all in one night.

The Year of Sorrow was a difficult year for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It was the year in which he lost his wife, Lady Khadijah, and his uncle, Abu Talib. It occurred around the tenth year of his prophethood. The Muslims also faced boycotts and persecution during this period, and some of the Prophet’s companions suffered greatly.

Al-Isra’ wal-Mi’raj is a miraculous event in which the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ witnessed great signs of Allah. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an, in Surah Al-Isra’ (17:1):

“Glorified be He (Allah) Who took His slave (Muhammad ﷺ) for a journey by night from Al-Masjid Al-Haram (in Makkah) to Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa (in Jerusalem), the neighbourhood whereof We have blessed, in order that We might show him (Muhammad ﷺ) of Our signs. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer.”

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَىٰ بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلًا مِنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الْأَقْصَى الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ لِنُرِيَهُ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ

Allah wanted to strengthen the Prophet Muhammad’s resolve and determination to face all forms of tyranny and injustice. This journey was a great honour bestowed upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. During this journey, the five daily prayers were prescribed.

The Journey of Al-Isra wal-Mi’raj to Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa

    The journey began with the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ travelling with the Angel Jibril (peace be upon him) from the Ka‘bah to Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa on the Buraq, which is described as being bigger than a donkey and smaller than a mule. Its stride reached as far as the eye could see. [Muslim]

The first stop was at a place called Taybah (Yathrib), the destination of the Prophet Muhammad’s migration, where Jibril asked the Prophet ﷺ to dismount and pray. The second stop was at Tur Sina (Mount Sinai), where the Angel Jibril and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stopped and prayed again. This was also the place where Allah spoke to the Prophet Musa (peace be upon him).

The Buraq continued its journey and stopped again at Bayt Lahm (Bethlehem), where they prayed two rak‘ahs. This is the place where the Prophet Isa (Jesus) was born.

    Finally, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ arrived in the holy city of Al-Quds (Jerusalem). The Prophet ﷺ entered the mosque, where Allah gathered all the Prophets, from Adam to ‘Isa (peace be upon them). Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stepped forward and led them all in prayer. After finishing the prayer, he greeted all the Prophets of Allah and spoke with ‘Isa and Ibrahim (peace be upon them) about the Hour.

Afterwards, the Prophet ﷺ said, “Then I came out, and Jibril (peace be upon him) brought me a vessel of wine and a vessel of milk. Then I chose the milk, and Jibril said, ‘You have chosen the natural state (Fitrah).’” (Muslim)

Then the next part of this incredible journey began: the Ascension!

Stay tuned to Jannat Al-Qur’an’s articles to learn more about what happened next!