The Al Isra and Al Miraj is simple yet great lesson for humanity that goes through trials and tribulations, and only those who patiently wade through the struggles of life have the final victory.
Al Isra and Al Miraj are the two parts of a night journey that, according to Islam, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) took during a single night around AD 621. In Islam, it signifies both a physical and spiritual journey.
Al Isra and Al Miraj, which falls on the 27th day of the month of Rajab, the seventh month in the Islamic calendar, refers to a miraculous nighttime journey undertaken by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in two parts, first from Mecca to Jerusalem, and from Jerusalem to the heavens on the horse named 'Buraq' during AD 570–632.
In the holy Quran Surah al Fath, verse 4:L, it is said, "He who brought down the tranquillity in the hearts of the believers to increase faith with their faith and God are the soldiers of the heavens and the earth, and Allah is All-Knowing, Wise".
"The divine night journey and the ascent of the Prophet, and the revelation of Salat coincide with the night, and within Islam, it signifies both a physical and spiritual journey. During this day and night, households commemorate this major incident in Islamic history by telling the story of how the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was visited by two archangels while he was asleep, who purified his heart and filled him with knowledge and faith," says Abdul Aziz al Ghafri, representative of the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs.
It urges the followers to engage more in prayers and prostration, saying, 'prostrate and come closer.'
"It is the journey of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Masjid ul Haram to Masjid ul Aqsa while Miraj is the ascension along the seven skies till the limit stipulated by the Almighty and history has it that he spoke to Allah Almighty at the end of the journey," said Abdul Ghaffar al Wafi, an Islamic scholar.
"It is the simple message that 'with every hardship, there will be ease' as is said in the fifth Aayay in Sura 94, which holds great relevance in today's world where a simple disappointment is a reason for extremes in life," adds Al Wafi.
The historic, yet miraculous journey occurred when the Prophet faced intense hardship and pain. The Quraysh, his tribe, and his family constantly ridiculed, humiliated and oppressed the Prophet and his followers. That was also when the Prophet lost his beloved wife, Khadijah and his uncle Abu Talib, who was his protector and ally.
The Prophet was given a wonderful and comforting gift after going through so much grief and suffering. He was transported to the 'Sacred Sanctuary' through the skies and ultimately into the 'Divine Presence', the source of all comfort and hope.
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