The Isra and Mi'raj Journey of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
The journey of Isra and Mi'raj is one of the most miraculous and significant events in the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It carries many lessons and spiritual moments that have deeply influenced Islamic history and faith. This journey was a divine gift to the Prophet during a difficult period in his life, serving as a source of reassurance and a sign of his esteemed position with God.Isra: The Night Journey from Mecca to JerusalemThe event of Isra and Mi'raj occurred after the death of Prophet Muhammad's beloved wife, Khadijah, and his uncle, Abu Talib, in what is known as the Year of Sorrow. During this challenging time, Allah provided the Prophet with a miraculous escape. According to various narrations, the Prophet was either sleeping or in a state of meditation near the Kaaba or in the house of Umm Hani when Angel Jibril (Gabriel) came to him, accompanied by a heavenly mount called Al-Buraq. This creature was described as white, larger than a donkey, smaller than a mule, and capable of covering vast distances in a short time.The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ mounted Al-Buraq and, under the guidance of Jibril, embarked on a journey to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. This marked the first stage of the journey, known as Isra. Upon reaching Jerusalem, the Prophet had the honor of leading all the previous prophets in prayer at Al-Aqsa. This event signified the Prophet Muhammad’s role as the final prophet and a unifier of all previous revelations.Mi'raj: The Ascension to the HeavensFollowing the Night Journey, the second phase of the journey began—Al-Mi'raj, or the ascension to the heavens. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, accompanied by Jibril, ascended through the seven heavens, with Jibril requesting permission to enter each one. In every heaven, the Prophet met various prophets from past generations, each welcoming him with great honor and respect.The First Heaven: Meeting Prophet AdamIn the first heaven, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ met Prophet Adam, the father of humanity. Adam warmly greeted the Prophet and acknowledged his prophethood. The Prophet also saw the souls of people surrounding Adam—some joyful and others in torment. This marked the beginning of the Prophet’s vision of the different fates awaiting people in the afterlife.The Second Heaven: Meeting Prophets Yahya and IsaIn the second heaven, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ met Prophet Yahya (John the Baptist) and Prophet Isa (Jesus), both prophets from the Children of Israel. They too welcomed the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and showed their deep respect for him.The Third Heaven: Meeting Prophet YusufIn the third heaven, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encountered Prophet Yusuf (Joseph), known for his great beauty and wisdom. The Prophet admired Yusuf's beauty, which had been given to him in abundance.The Fourth Heaven: Meeting Prophet IdrisIn the fourth heaven, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ met Prophet Idris, a prophet known for his piety and knowledge, and whom Allah raised to a high place. Idris also greeted the Prophet and acknowledged his unique mission.The Fifth Heaven: Meeting Prophet HarunIn the fifth heaven, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ met Prophet Harun (Aaron), the brother of Prophet Musa (Moses). Harun was loved by his people for his kindness and gentle nature.The Sixth Heaven: Meeting Prophet MusaIn the sixth heaven, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ met Prophet Musa. This meeting was particularly significant as Musa is one of the greatest prophets in history and had experienced great trials with the Children of Israel. Musa wept after meeting the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, explaining that he wept because more people from the Prophet’s nation would enter Paradise than from his own.The Seventh Heaven: Meeting Prophet IbrahimIn the seventh heaven, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ met Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), the father of the prophets. Ibrahim was leaning against the Al-Bayt Al-Ma'mur, a celestial house around which the angels continuously perform Tawaf, and it is said to be the heavenly counterpart of the Kaaba on Earth. This meeting was particularly significant, as Ibrahim is regarded as the spiritual ancestor of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the Muslim community.The Vision of Heaven and HellDuring the journey of Mi'raj, Allah granted the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ the opportunity to witness both Paradise and Hell. These visions served as a warning and reminder to people about the consequences awaiting them based on their deeds in this world. The Prophet ﷺ saw the people of Paradise enjoying its eternal pleasures, with varying degrees of bliss according to their righteous actions.The People the Prophet Saw in ParadiseThe Prophet saw groups of people in Paradise who were enjoying its blessings, including:The martyrs who fought for the sake of Allah: They were moving freely in Paradise, relishing the rewards promised by Allah.The truthful and the righteous: These individuals were in a state of joy and peace, surrounded by angels and light.Those who fulfilled their trusts and acted with honesty: The Prophet saw them in high ranks, living in absolute contentment and joy.The People the Prophet Saw Being Punished in HellThe Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also saw people being punished in Hell for their misdeeds, including:Those who consumed usury (riba): The Prophet ﷺ saw individuals with swollen bellies suffering in torment, representing those who engaged in usurious transactions during their earthly lives.Adulterers and fornicators: The Prophet ﷺ witnessed men and women being punished in gruesome ways, symbolizing their indulgence in unlawful relationships.Liars and gossipers: These individuals were being tortured by their tongues, representing the harm they caused through their false speech and slander.The Command to Establish PrayerOne of the most significant events of the Mi'raj was the divine command to establish prayer. When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ reached Sidrat al-Muntaha, the farthest point in the heavens, he approached Allah, where he was given the command of Salah (prayer). Initially, fifty prayers were ordained for the Muslim community, but upon descending and meeting Prophet Musa, Musa advised the Prophet to ask Allah for a reduction, as he knew from experience that people would struggle to maintain such a burden.The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ returned multiple times to Allah, each time receiving a reduction in the number of prayers, until they were reduced to five daily prayers, with the reward of fifty. This event highlights the central importance of prayer in Islam, symbolizing the direct connection between the believer and Allah.The Return to MeccaAfter completing the Mi'raj, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was returned to Al-Aqsa Mosque and then to Mecca. Although the journey was miraculous and beyond human comprehension, the Prophet narrated the details of it to the people of Mecca. Many doubted him, but the believers, particularly Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq, wholeheartedly accepted the account. Abu Bakr earned the title "Al-Siddiq" (the truthful one) because of his immediate and unwavering belief in the Prophet's words.Lessons and Takeaways from Isra and Mi'rajThe journey of Isra and Mi'raj carries numerous profound lessons and takeaways:A spiritual experience: The journey emphasizes the special relationship between Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and Allah and affirms his status as the final and greatest of the prophets.Patience and faith: The journey served as a comfort to the Prophet during a time of great personal loss and hardship, reaffirming his mission and the promise of divine support.The importance of prayer: The command to establish prayer during the Mi'raj highlights its central role in the life of every Muslim, signifying the direct link between the individual and their Creator.ConclusionThe journey of Isra and Mi'raj was a miraculous and spiritual experience that carried profound meaning for Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the entire Muslim community. It was not merely a historical event, but a divine experience that demonstrated the elevated status of the Prophet and the essential message of Islam. Through this journey, Muslims are reminded of the significance of faith, prayer, and the eternal consequences of their actions in this life.