Al-Isra wal Mi’raj a Gift
Exalted is He who took His Servant (Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) 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. Qur’an, 17:1
Al-Isra wal-Mi’raj, also known as the Night Journey of Ascension, is a miraculous journey of Prophet Muhammed(PBUH) that transcends the boundaries of time and space. It is believed to have occurred on the 27th of Rajab.
While many of us know the basic story that on the night of Al-Isra-wal-Mi’raj, the Prophet (PBUH) was transported from al-Masijid Al-Haram to Masjid- Al- Aqsa, from there to the heavens. It is in Al-Aqsa that he led the prophets in congressional prayer, becoming Imam’ ul-Ambiyah. And afterward, continuing his journey with angel Jibril (as), he traveled to one heaven at a time till his appointed meeting with Allah(SWT).
Historically, when the night journey and ascension took place, it was a period of intense hardship and grief for the Muslims. The Muslims had just come out of a three-year-long exile, during which they weren’t allowed access to food, water, or other necessities. So, they were just beginning to recover. But the exile had a toll on the health of his beloved wife, Khadijah(ra), who passed away that year, therefore becoming known as the Year of Sorrow (‘Aam-al-Huzn) Soon after Khadijah (ra), he lost his uncle Abu Talib, who had been a pillar of support for him.
The loss shock the Prophet (PBUH) deeply. It was also the same year that the Prophet (PBUH) was ridiculed and hurt by the people of Ta’if when he went to spread the message of Islam to them.
The miracle of Al Isra ’wal-Mi’raj shows us a glimpse of the infinite power and glory of Allah, what is beyond the unseen eye, and the dearness of the Prophet (PBUH) to Allah(SWT). Because the night of ascension can be seen as a beautiful, comforting gift from Allah (SWT) to Prophet Muhammed (PBUH).
For us as Muslims, it is a reminder that regardless of the hardships we go through, the reward from Allah (SWT) is a more beautiful one than we can imagine, and it will comfort us to our core.
For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Quran [94:5-8]
