Al-Isra wa al-Miraj — The Night Journey and Ascension

Al-Isra wa al-Miraj is the miraculous night journey and heavenly ascension of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), one of the most significant events in Islamic history. It occurred approximately one year before the Hijrah, during a period of intense hardship following the deaths of his wife Khadijah and his uncle Abu Talib. Allah says: "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" (Quran 17:1).

The Night Journey (al-Isra)

The Prophet was taken by the angel Jibril from al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca to al-Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem on al-Buraq, a heavenly riding creature. In Jerusalem, the Prophet led all the previous prophets in prayer, confirming his position as the seal of the prophets and the imam of all messengers. This event established the sacred connection between Mecca and Jerusalem, and affirmed al-Masjid al-Aqsa as the third holiest mosque in Islam. The Prophet said: "Do not set out on a journey except to three mosques: al-Masjid al-Haram, this mosque of mine (in Medina), and al-Masjid al-Aqsa" (Sahih al-Bukhari).

The Ascension (al-Miraj)

From Jerusalem, the Prophet ascended through the seven heavens, accompanied by Jibril. At each heaven, he met a prophet: Adam at the first, Isa and Yahya at the second, Yusuf at the third, Idris at the fourth, Harun at the fifth, Musa at the sixth, and Ibrahim at the seventh, who was leaning against al-Bayt al-Ma'mur (the Heavenly House) which seventy thousand angels visit daily and never return. The Prophet then reached Sidrat al-Muntaha (the Lote Tree of the Furthest Boundary), beyond which no creation passes, where he witnessed some of the greatest signs of his Lord (Quran 53:18).

The Gift of Prayer

During the Miraj, Allah prescribed fifty daily prayers for the Muslim ummah. On his descent, Musa advised the Prophet to return and ask for a reduction, as his experience with the Children of Israel showed that people could not bear so many prayers. The Prophet went back and forth between Allah and Musa until the prayers were reduced to five, retaining the reward of fifty. When the Prophet passed Musa the final time, Musa said to go back again, but the Prophet said: "I am too shy before my Lord" (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim). This narration demonstrates the tremendous value of the five daily prayers.

Reactions and Significance

When the Prophet informed the Quraysh of his journey the next morning, some mocked and disbelieved, while others apostatized. Abu Bakr immediately believed the account without hesitation, earning his title "al-Siddiq" (the Truthful Confirmer). The Isra and Miraj confirmed the Prophet's special status, the sanctity of al-Aqsa, the connection between all prophets, and the central place of prayer in a Muslim's life. The event is commemorated by Muslims as a reminder that Allah elevates His servants during their most difficult times.