Significance of the Al-Isra’ and Al-Miraj: The Ascension to Heaven Exclusively of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)

Significance of the Al-Isra’ and Al-Miraj

The journey of al-Isra’ and al-Miraj (The Night Journey and Ascension) is one of the momentous events that took place at a very trying time in the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

The Period of Sorrow

In the tenth year after the first revelation of the Holy Quran, The Holy Prophet (PBUH) went through immense suffering and loss. His beloved wife, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid and His uncle and guardian Abu Talib had died. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was grief stricken.

It was after these events that Allah Almighty (SWT) granted His Servant an extraordinary favour.

The Journey Begins…To Holy Land of Jerusalem with Archangel Jibreel

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) settled at the Kaaba for a night’s rest because it was there He used to find solitude and solace. The Arch Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) appeared and tried to awaken the Holy Prophet (PBUH) by gently nudging his foot. Arch angel Jibreel kept trying until the Holy Prophet (PBUH) finally woke up.

Standing before the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was al-Buraq; the heavenly white winged animal. Al-Buraq was smaller than a mule and slightly bigger than a donkey. On arch angel Jibreel’s command; the Holy Prophet (PBUH) mounted al-Buraq and with a single leap, disappeared into the nearest horizon; with arch angel Jibreel by his side.

The first part of the night journey refers to Al-Isra’ – the journey to the Holy Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. At Jerusalem, Buraq descended at Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa where the Holy Prophet (PBUH) met a congregation of all Prophets before his time. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was asked to lead them in prayer; indicating that He is higher in status than the rest of the Prophets.

After the prayer ended, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was offered two bowls to drink. One contained wine while the other milk. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) chose to drink the milk; upon which arch angel Jibreel responded: “You chose milk in accordance to the purity of your nature. You have received guidance and your followers too. Had you chosen wine, your Ummah (followers) would have gone astray.”

The Ascension to Seven Heavens

The second part of the night journey is known as al-Miraj. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) astride the Buraq and along with arch angel Jibreel began to ascend through the seven heavens, meeting several great Prophets (Peace Be Upon Them All) of the yore along the way.

Heaven 1

In the first level of heaven, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) came across Prophet Adam (AS) in his celestial form. Both Prophets (Peace Be Upon Them All) exchanged greetings and the first Prophet declared that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was indeed the Messenger of Allah (SWT). 

Heaven 2

From there on, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) along with archangel Jibreel moved on to the second level of heaven, where He met Prophet Yahya (AS) (John the Baptist) and Hazrat Isa (A.S) (Prophet Jesus). They too testified to His Prophethood.

Heaven 3

In the third level of heaven, Allah’s Messenger (SAW) met Prophet Yusuf (AS) (Joseph) who greeted him.

Heaven 4

On the fourth level, He encountered Prophet Idris (AS) who is one of the oldest Prophets mentioned in the Holy Quran.

Heaven 5

On the fifth level of heaven, He met Prophet Harun (AS) (Aaron); the brother of Prophet Musa (AS) (Moses). Again it was reaffirmed that He was the Messenger of Allah (SWT).

Heaven 6

At the sixth level of heaven, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) encountered Prophet Musa (AS) (Moses) who made His declaration of faith and wept, saying that He was sad as a younger man had been assigned as a Prophet after him and His followers would enter heaven in far bigger numbers than his own.

Heaven 7

When the Holy Prophet (PBUH) reached the seventh level of heaven where He met Prophet Ibrahim (AS) (Abraham) who was resting against Al-Bayt Al-Ma’mur, a celestial House of Worship around which seventy thousand angels perform the tawaf (circumambulation) every day just like it’s done in Kaaba. He gave his testimony of faith.

After this, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was led to Sidrat Al-Muntaha - a large, enigmatic Lote tree in heaven that marks the end of the seventh heaven. The Lote tree marks the boundary where no soul had passed before.

“Near the Lote-tree beyond which none may pass.
Near it is the Garden of Abode.
Behold, the Lote-tree was shrouded (in mystery unspeakable!).
(His) sight never swerved, nor did it go wrong!
For truly did he see, of the Signs of his Lord, the Greatest!” ~ Surah An-Najm 53:14–18

The Throne of Allah (SWT) – The Five Obligatory Prayers

The final part of the journey is the most magnificent and greatest of all. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was taken to within a very close distance of the throne of Allah (SWT) Himself.

Allah Almighty (SWT) prescribed the number of obligatory prayers to five each day which became one of the pillars of Islam. Prophet Musa (AS) encouraged Him to seek a reduction to which the Holy Prophet (PBUH) explained that He felt ashamed to make such a request to Allah (SWT). At that moment, a voice declared:

“I have enforced My obligation and made it light for My servants. He who prays these five prayers will be rewarded as if he had prayed fifty. What I decree cannot be changed.” ~ Al-Bukhari

During descent, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) descended to Jerusalem and then back to Mecca. On the way back, they saw a caravan enroute to Mecca.

The Turning Point for All Believers

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) narrated the extra-ordinary journey to people in order to spread the message of Islam. However, Quraysh leaders refused to believe Him and called Him a madman. Even when the Holy Prophet (PBUH) told them about the passing caravan that He encountered on His journey back with exact details; the disbelievers still refused to believe.

The journey of al-Isra’ and al-Miraj is supposed to have taken place on the 27^th day of Rajab. However, what is important is not the date but the significance of the event.

For the believers, the journey of Al-Isra’ and Al-Miraj represent the Majesty of Allah (SWT) and the exemplary status of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) who journeyed across from one iconic Masjid to another, reached the boundaries of Lote tree and the throne of Allah (SWT) that no one has ever been before.

Lest we forget, Salat (the obligatory five prayers) was ordained by Allah (SWT) during the supernatural journey!