Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Night Journey and Ascension to Heaven

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful:

 “Glory to Allah Who did take His servant for a Journey by night from the Sacred Mosque to the farthest Mosque, whose precincts We did bless, - in order that We might show him some of Our Signs: for He is the One Who heareth and seeth all things.” (17:1)

Israa and Miraj is a Muslim celebration commemorating a most unusual night in the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is celebrated on Rajab 27^th (Rajab is the seventh month in the Islamic calendar).

It is the blessed night when the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was spiritually transported to heaven and reached the highest stage of nearness to Allah Almighty which is beyond ordinary human comprehension.

The purpose of the Ascent was to confirm the high status of the Prophet of Islam, a position which, all Muslims believe, cannot be attained by any other human being. It is related that even Gabriel, the Angel who was accompanying the Holy Prophet remarked at one stage, “I am forced to stop here. I cannot go any further, but you O Messenger of peace and friend of the Master of the Worlds, continue your glorious ascent.”

Muslims believe that during Prophet Muhammad's brief stay in Jerusalem, he met all God's prophets and led prayer at a holy site. The story demonstrates the unity of humanity through prayer.

It is also related that the Holy Prophet continued his journey until he reached very close to the Throne of Allah Almighty and attained the utmost nearness to Him. After having drunk fully at the divine fountain of spiritual knowledge, he came down to impart the knowledge to mankind. It was on this journey, that five daily prayers were made obligatory upon Muslims.

On this Holy occasion, Jeeran bloggers have contributed in commemorating Israa and Miraj through their blogs.

Yasmeen, a blogger from Algeria, said in her blog “My Dear Muhammad (PBUH)”:

“This miracle left human minds puzzled, it divided Islam’s enemies into doubtful and believers until Allah Almighty’s saying came to enlighten the discord…”

Egyptian blogger Jana Hadi declared in her blog “When the Moon whispers”:

“During his journey Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) witnessed the rightful judgments to many atrocities committed by humans…”

Sadeer, from Syria, conveyed the many lessons from Israa and Miraj in his blog “General Information”:

“This Holy journey has revealed the great significance of Al-Aqsa Mosque for the Muslim nation…”

Jeeran blogger Zitawi declared in his blog “Religion and Mortal Life” that Jerusalem has been and will always remain Arab:

“It is an occasion we celebrate every year with resolve to guide us on the meaning and significance of Israa and Miraj to the aspirations of mankind, especially in our interfaith dialogue …”

Furthermore, Safaa Hamdi from Egypt said in her blog “A Whisper of Loyalty from the Heart of Safaa”:

“In this occasion Abu Baker Al-Sideeq is our role model in believing in the miracle of Israa and Miraj and that the five daily prayers were made mandatory upon Muslims on this night ...”

Shams, from Jordan, said in her blog “On the Margin”:

“Israa and Miraj was a consolation for the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) after the many difficulties he faced, it came to wipe all his sadness and take him away to a better world in its purest and most genuine forms …”

Another blogger from Jordan, Khaled, said in his blog “Freedom is our Path”:

“Muslims must become aware of the importance of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque to their religion, making this Holy Mosque one of the most precious possessions in the hands of Muslims …”

Ahmed Haleem said in his blog “Dar Al-Radwan to Memorizing and Reciting Holy Qur’an”:

“A divine gift to the Mohammedan nation from a sacred night journey …”

Youla, from Syria, pointed out in her blog: “Health and Life”:

 “To whoever says that the journey of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) occurred to him as a vision, namely a dream that involves the spirit without the body, we say: the physical journey as well as the spiritual journey occurred with both the spirit and body …”

Moroccan Ilham stressed in her blog “The Story of Israa and Miraj”:

“This Miracle has been proven in Qur’an and the Sunnah, thus, we must believe that Allah Almighty took his Prophet (PBUH) by night from Mecca to Jerusalem…”

Shahla, from Iraq, talked beautifully about this occasion in her blog “Whispers”:

“The Prophet (PBUH) was shown the end of all oppressors, he prayed for forgiveness for his nation and to be spared from such suffering …”

Rasha, from Morocco, said in her blog “Israa and Miraj”:

“The journey was a new test for Muslims for their faith and an opportunity for the Prophet (PBUH) to see the wonders of divine power, and find out about the unseen meanings of life …”

Saleh Said, an Egyptian blogger, said in his blog “Stolen Dreams”:

“Anas bin Malik -may Allah be pleased with him- said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: I was brought by the Buraq, which is an animal from the heavens, white and long, larger than a donkey but smaller than a mule, who would place its hoof at a distance equal to the range of vision …”

Jiji from Egypt said in her blog “Science and Faith”:

“The wall of Al-Buraq witnessed two miracles: the night journey and ascension of Muhammad (PBUH), to confirm the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque …”

Egyptian blogger Hilmi said in his blog “The Knowledge of Allah”:

“Was Israa and Miraj during the awakening of Muhammad (PBUH) or during his sleep? ... “

What a great incident in the Islamic history to remind you of!

In conclusion, it is our duty to urge all Muslims to make a resolution from today and renew and strengthen their faith in Allah and His Prophet (PBUH). I ask Allah Almighty to bless us with Heaven and forgiveness, and help us follow His teachings, His Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of His Messenger (PBUH).

Our greetings to all.