Rajab-Isra & Miraj
Introduction
Life of Prophet Muhammad SAW before Isra and Mi’raj
Role Of Khadija RA in Prophet Muhammad SAW's Life
The Heavenly Journey
What Is Isra?
What Is Mi'raj?
The Mercy Of Allah
Lessons from Isra and Mi’raj
Reminder from Isra and Mi'raj
Conclusion
Introduction
Allah SWT Has Declared Four Months To Be Sacred Which Are Dhul Qa’dah, Dhul Hijjah, Muharram, And Rajab.This sacredness was observed by the pre Islamic Arabs and was continued by Rasul Allah SAW in the following words:
O People! Time Has Gone Back To How It Was
At The Time Allaah Created The Heavens And The Earth.
A Year Has Twelve Months, Four Of Which Are Sacred, Three Consecutive,
Dhul-Qi’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, And Rajab,
Which Comes Between Jumaadaa And Sha’baan.â€
Good deeds and acts of obedience are dearer to Allah SWT during these months and their reward is multiplied. The month of Rajab is most famous for the incident of the night journey and ascension of Prophet SAW to the heavens, in Arabic known as Al-Isra wal Mi’raj. The exact date of this journey is unknown, however all Islamic scholars are in agreement that it took place in the month of Rajab.
Al-Isra Refers To Prophet SAW’s Journey To Jerusalem
Where He Led All The Previous Prophets In Prayer,
And Mi’raj Refers To His Journey To The Heavens
This miraculous journey is very significant and has a direct impact on daily lives of Muslims as it was during this journey that our Prophet SAW had the glimpses of wonders of paradise and torture of hellfire, along with the gift of Salah (obligatory prayers) which was granted during this journey.
Apart from these, there are many other lessons that we can learn from it.This miraculous journey is very significant and has a direct impact on daily lives of Muslims.
It Was During This Journey That Our Prophet SAW
Had The Glimpses Of Wonders Of Paradise And Torture Of Hellfire,
Along With The Gift Of Salah (Obligatory Prayers)
Which Was Granted During This Journey.
Life of Prophet Muhammad SAW before Isra and Mi’raj
In order to fully grasp the significance of this journey, we should appreciate the circumstances leading to this miraculous trip, try to understand its implications on the life of the Prophet SAW and subsequently of the whole ummah.
According To The Majority Of Reports,
The Journey Took Place Roughly About Nine Years
After The Beginning Of Revelation.
These were not easy times for Prophet SAW for despite devoting all his time inviting people towards Islam, only a handful had responded to his call. Leaders of Makkah were brutal in their retaliation tactics against Islam and their torture of Prophet’s companions was a source of constant agony for him SAW.
During This Time, Prophet SAW Had Two Main Supporters
His Wife, Khadijah RA Who Was A Source Of
Constant Moral And Financial Support For The Prophet
And His Uncle Abu Talib, Who Although Never Embracing Islam Himself
Was The Source Of Protection For Prophet SAW Within The Community.
Khadija RA passed away during this year shortly followed by Abu Talib which snatched emotional as well as physical support from Prophet SAW. It is important to elaborate on the role of these two people in Prophet SAW’s life to feel the full impact of suffering our beloved Prophet went through.
Role Of Khadija RA in Prophet Muhammad SAW's Life
Khadija RA was a pillar of support for Prophet SAW during the first years of revelation. She was the first woman who embraced Islam, and gave her unconditional, unquestioning and unwavering support to the Prophet in his attempt to spread the message. She was a very noble and dignified person and Prophet SAW often turned to her for wisdom and advice; He SAW often relied on her insight and opinions, which time and time again proved to be true.
She Also Was A Source Of Moral, Emotional,
And Financial Support For Her Husband.
It is a known fact that she was one of the wealthiest business-owners in the arabian peninsula when she married prophet saw, and that she subsequently spent all her wealth in the path of allah swt to the point she passed away without anything in her possession.
So Outstanding Was Her Moral Character
That Before She Passed Away,
She Received The Glad Tidings Of Her Abode In Paradise.
Very Few People In The History Of Islam
Have Received Such High Spiritual Status.
Therefore, it is not hard to imagine what a devastating impact her death had on the life of Prophet SAW. It left a void in him that no one was able to replace; even years after her death, the Prophet SAW used to grieve over her loss.
The death of Khadija RA was shortly followed by the death of Abu Talib. With no one left to support the Prophet and grant him protection, Quraysh tribe was free to persecute him SAW and the Muslim community as never before.
He SAW Was All Alone Emotionally, And Broken Financially
At This Point He Had No Means Or Status In Society
He Was Devoid Of Emotional Support
And His Attempts To Spread Islam Bore No Results.
Prophet SAW visited the nearby city of Taif to preach the message of Islam and to seek asylum from the Meccan oppressors, but he was mocked, attacked and chased out of town.
Ridiculed by society and labelled a liar, possessed, and a madman, he was all alone during these difficult trials and tribulations. It is not hard to understand why this turbulent period of his life was referred to as the Year of Sadness or ‘Aam al Huzn.
The Heavenly Journey
It was during these trying times, when circumstances had reached such low levels, almost beyond normal human endurance, that Allah SWT sent Angel Jibrael to invite the Prophet SAW to the most wondrous journey that anyone on earth had ever been to.
The Trip Was A Mercy And Support From Allah,
To Let Him SAW Know Who
The Real Director Of Events Was, In Order To
Ease His Suffering And To Reveal Things
Which Prophet SAW Had Believed In His Heart,
But Never Seen With His Eyes.
Much of the details of the journey are so stupendous that it requires total and utter faith. None of us will ever see even a fraction of what the Prophet SAW witnessed. For example, we all believe in the existence of angels however none of us have ever seen them. Similarly, all Muslims believe in paradise and hellfire, without having seen these places.
Based on our understanding of physics, the concept of someone traversing the seven heavens and conversing with unseen beings defies all known logic; therefore it has been debated whether this journey actually took place, or whether it was a mere vision. This is where the reality of faith in the unseen comes in.
We Need To Remind Ourselves That Our Creator
Is The Inventor Of All Things.
He Can Create Life Out Of Nothing;
He Created The Galaxy In Its Complex And Perfect Order;
He Created The Smallest Bacteria
With Such Perfection Down To Its Miniscule Details
That We Cannot Ever Replicate.
Therefore, we must remember that things such as physics, dimensions, space, time and distance are creations of Allah, and by His Supreme command all these laws can be changed and suspended. Isra and Mi’raj transcended all these concepts as we understand them on earth.
Therefore, The Majority Of Scholars Believe
That This Journey Happened Physically,
With The Body And Soul Of The Prophet SAW.
What Is Isra?
Prophet SAW was standing near the Ka’bah one night when Angel Jibrael approached him with a beast described as being an animal between a mule and a donkey called Burraq.
Its speed was such that its hooves would touch where his eyes gazed. This part of journey known as Isra or the night journey took place between Mecca and Jerusalem.
Burraq bore Prophet SAW on its back and in an instant transported him to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, a journey that at that time took 40 days. Here, at the third holiest site in Islam, Prophet SAW led all the Prophets in prayer.
Prophet SAW was able to recount the details of this journey, the place, building, and even the caravan that was on its way from Jerusalem, perfectly; this not only verified his claims and discredited the Quraysh mockery, but also strengthened Muslims in their faith.
What Is Miraj?
From Masjid Al-Aqsa, Prophet SAW went to the second part of his journey known as Mi’raj or ascension to the heavens.He SAW, accompanied by Jibrail AS ascended from heaven to heaven and was introduced to some previous prophets of Allah including Adam AS, the father of all mankind; Isa and his cousin Yahya; Yusuf; Idris; Harun and Musa, peace and blessings of Allah be upon them all.
On The Seventh Heaven, Prophet SAW Saw Al-Baytil-Ma'mur,
A Building That Is Identical Of The Holy Ka’bah In Makkah,
And Is Situated Exactly On Top Of The Earthly Ka’bah.
At Any Given Time There Are 70,000 Angels
Making Tawaf Around It,
A Practice That Will Last
Till The End Of Time.
There, Prophet SAW met and exchanged greetings with his father and the friend of Allah, Ibrahim AS.
At Al-Baytil-Ma'mur, Prophet SAW was offered a cup of wine and a cup of milk and was asked to choose between the two. Prophet SAW chose milk and at this Jibrail remarked that Prophet SAW had chosen fitra, nature, over artificial and thus he and his followers will be on the natural religion of Islam.
Prophet SAW Witnessed The Magnificence Of Paradise
Which Is Promised To The Followers Of Truth
He SAW Was Also Shown Hellfire And
The Horrific Tortures Which Await
Those Who Perpetrate Corruption On Earth.
He SAW related to us the tortures specific to some crimes such as backbiting, adultery, usurping the money of orphans and eating riba; things that we commonly indulge in and need to be warned against in strictest words.
Finally, Prophet SAW Ascended To Sidrat Ul Muntaha
The Boundary Beyond Which No One Can Cross
At This Point, Angel Jibrail Parted
From Prophet SAW And
He SAW Went On Alone To Meet His Lord
Allah SWT
It is not known in which form the Prophet SAW beheld Allah SWT. There is speculation on whether Prophet SAW saw Allah in His true form or whether he saw the light of Allah. However, such details do not make a difference in the overall lesson and wisdom that we can gain from Isra and Mi’raj.
What Is Important However Is That
During This Meeting,
The Ummah Of Muhammad SAW
Was Given Gifts Of Mercy
Previously Unknown
To Any Nation.
The Mercy Of Allah
Prophet SAW received three gifts which displayed the mercy of Allah during Isra and Mi’raj.
Salah (prayer):
Prior to Isra and Mi’raj, salah was known in a different form than what Muslims observe. The form of salah as we know today was revealed to the Prophet during his meeting with Allah SWT beyond the seventh heaven. Originally it was prescribed to be observed fifty times a day for Muslims.
On his return from Sidrat ul Muntaha, Prophet SAW passed by Musa AS who persuaded him that his followers would not be capable of fulfilling this task and to ask Allah for reduction. Prophet SAW returned to Allah a few times and each time it was reduced by 10 in number until Allah ordained five prayers during the day and equalled them in reward to fifty. Thus, the second pillar of Islam was established in the heavens.
End of Surah Al-Baqarah
The final verses of Surah al-Baqarah illustrate the mercy of Allah and a gift to all believers, and were revealed during Isra and Mi’raj:
"To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth. Whether ye show what is in your minds or conceal it, Allah calls you to account for it. He forgives whom He pleases, and punishes whom He pleases, for Allah has power over all things.
The Messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one (of them) believes in Allah, His angels, His books, and His apostles."We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of His apostles."
And they say: "We hear, and we obey: (We seek) Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the end of all journeys." On no soul does Allah place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns. (Pray:) "Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; our Lord! Lay not on us a burden Like that which You did lay on those before us; Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear.
Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Protector; Help us against those who stand against faith.†(2: 284—286)
Forgiveness
During Isra and Mi’raj, Allah SWT promised that He will forgive the sins of true believers even if they are major sins.
As Long As A Believer Doesn’t Associate
Anything With Allah,
He Is Promised Forgiveness
From His Lord SWT.
Lessons from Isra and Mi’raj
Isra and Mi’raj holds a lesson for every believer until the Day of Judgment. It is a milestone in the journey of Iman for every believer; to believe in the unseen and to have faith that Allah is sufficient for us.
Through Isra And Mi’raj,
The Followers Of Prophet Muhammad SAW
Have Been Given A Glimpse
Of What Awaits Them In The Hereafter,
And What Exists In The Dimensions Beyond Our Own.
We should remember that this journey happened at a time of extreme adversity during the Prophet’s life and despite all the hardships, he remained steadfast and patient. Although the circumstances around him were shaking, his faith was never shaken; hence he was rewarded with this wonderful journey.The lesson for us is that
Whenever We Are Facing Adversity
Feeling Weak, And Oppressed
And All Our Means Have Been Cut
We Should Go Back To Allah
Rely On Him Alone
Have Faith, And Be Patient.
The believer relies totally and utterly on Allah and no one else, and deals with his situation in the way that was taught to him by Prophet Muhammad SAW. We overcome our calamities and tribulations by going closer to Allah, by crying to Him SWT and surrendering ourselves totally to His will, while at the same time believing that whatever is happening is the best for us.
We Have To Remember At All Times That
We Are In This World Which Is A Testing Ground.
Allah Constantly Tests Us,
And Our Belief And Practice Is Reflected
By The Way We Deal With These
Tests And Tribulations.
In the face of oppression, the Prophet SAW dealt with his oppressors with kindness, mercy and forgiveness.
While It Is Easy To Be Generous To A Generous Person,
And Kind To Other Kind People;
The True Test Of Our Character And Faith
Is When We Are Able To Treat Our Oppressors
With Kindness And Generosity,
In The Manner Demonstrated By The Prophet SAW.
Thus, a true believer does not let oppression by others bother him; neither does he get angry with the situation or circumstances. He demonstrates absolute self control to the point he does not even raise his voice in anger.
We Have Been Taught By The Prophet SAW
That When We Are Oppressed,
We Should Not Retaliate
But Instead Remain Silent
And Only Turn To Allah For Help.
Reminder from Isra and Mi’raj
Instead of questioning our situation, we should always question ourselves about what Allah expects from us;
Before We Experience Victory,
We Will Be Tried.
We should remain focused and decide which path to take while keeping our ultimate goal of reaching jannah in mind. This will prevent us from straying from the right path when we are tested.
If we understand Islam, we will understand that no situation is too tough for us to handle as believers. We should face all situations with patience and contentment while relying on Allah to show us the solution.
Isra And Mi’raj Is Not A Fiction,
It Is An Experience And Journey
That All Of Us Should Spiritually Perform.
When Allah showed Prophet SAW the extent of His power and command, he SAW came back more calm and reliant on Allah; and this is what he SAW communicated to his followers.
The Lesson In It For Us Is That
Muhammad SAW’s Lord Is Our Lord
Time, Space And Distance Are All His Creations
Similarly Paradise And Hellfire
Are Not Abstract Concepts
But Real Places Which Physically Exist
And One Of Them Is Our Final Destination.
We have been given sufficient descriptions of each to decide for ourselves which path we should take, and Allah has shown his infinite mercy and compassion to help us choose the right path.
Compared To The Nations Of
The Previous Prophets And Messengers,
It Is Clear That The Nation Of Prophet Muhammad SAW
Has Been Showered With More
Mercy And Compassion Than Any Other.
Allah has lightened the burden on us, and multiplied the rewards of our deeds. No other nation has enjoyed this extent of forgiveness and forbearance from Allah SWT. In fact, such is the mercy of Allah on the followers of Prophet Muhammad SAW that He SWT has gone on to explain the process of recording of our deeds. The Messenger of Allah SAW said that Allah, the Glorious said:
"Verily, Allah Ta'ala has ordered that the good and the bad deeds be written down. Then he explained it clearly how (to write):
He who intends to do a good deed but he does not do it, then Allah records it for him as a full good deed, but if he carries out his intention, then Allah the exalted, writes it down for him as from ten to seven hundred folds, and even more.
But if he intends to do an evil act and has not done it, then Allah writes it down with him as a full good deed, but if he intends it and has done it, Allah writes it down as one bad deed." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Conclusion
Is this not proof of Allah’s boundless generosity to us, and sufficient encouragement for us to remain strong in the path of Allah? Most of all we have been given Salah, the most intimate way of worshipping and communicating with Allah which none of the previous nations were blessed with.
Therefore, Regardless Of When Isra And Mi’raj
Actually Took Place, We Should Celebrate It
And The Real Celebration Is To Honour
The Message And Purpose Of The Journey
And To Live According To The Lessons
It Holds For Us.
by~Daee Ahmed Moait
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