Isra Wal Miraj is believed to be the night in which Prophet Muhammad ﷺ embarked on a miraculous journey, from Mecca to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, & ascended to the seven stages of heaven – an event today Muslims all over the world commemorate.
The Night Journey, also known as Shab e Miraj, Isra, and Miraj or Al Isra wal Miraj, is observed on the 27th day of the month of Rajab (7th month of Islamic Calendar). Shab e Miraj literally translates to The Night of Ascent.
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It was when Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was first given the five prescribed daily prayers. He also led the other Prophets in prayer and met some of them. Many extraordinary sights were witnessed by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ on this journey.
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Israa is an Arabic word referring to Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ miraculous night journey from Makka to Jerusalem - specifically, to the site of al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem - as referred to in Surah Al-Israa in the Quran.
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This miraculous journey of Miraj took place in two parts. First, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ went from Makkah (Kaaba) to Jerusalem (Masjid Al-Aqsa) and then he ﷺ ascended to the heavens by the will of Allah.
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The night started off with the leader of all Angels Jibrael (Gabriel) (A.S.) appearing before the Prophet ﷺ Subsequently, he took him ﷺ from the Masjid Al-Haram (Kaaba) to the Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. This part of the Prophet's ﷺ journey is mentioned in Quran:
"Glory to (God) who took his servant (Muhammad) for a journey by night from al-Masjid al-Haram (in Mecca) to al-Masjid al-Aqsa (in Jerusalem), whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing." The Holy Quran, 17:1
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The mode of transportation used for this commute in the middle of the night was an animal, similar to a horse, called Al-Burraq which was sent by Allah from Paradise.
After riding the heavenly ride Al-Burraq, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ reached Masjid Al-Aqsa from Masjid al-Haram in just a second. On reaching Masjid Al-Aqsa he ﷺ realised that all the other Prophets, who came before him, were already present there.
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These Prophets include Abraham (A.S.), Jesus (A.S.), Moses (A.S.), and all other Prophets. Over here Muhammed ﷺ led all of the Prophets in two Rakat prayers.
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After that two cups were brought to the Prophet Muhammed ﷺ One was filled with wine & the other with milk. He ﷺ looked at them & chose the milk. Angel Gabriel (A.S.) said to him ﷺ
'Praise be to Allah Who has guided you to the Fitrah (purity & innocence)' (An-Nasai: 5657)
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In the second part of Isra and Miraj, Jibrael (A.S.) took Prophet Muhammed ﷺ to the heavens. Through his ascension, Prophet Muhammed ﷺ stopped by all seven layers of the heaven/sky. Prophet Muhammed ﷺ met the following great Prophets in each heaven:
1. Prophet Adam (A.S.)
2. Prophet Isa (A.S.) & Prophet Yahya (A.S.) [Jesus & John]
3. Prophet Yusuf (A.S.) [Joseph]
4. Prophet Idris (A.S.) [Enoch]
5. Prophet Haroon (A.S.) [Aaron]
6. Prophet Musa (A.S.) [Moses]
7. Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) [Abraham] (Ref: Sahih Bukhari: 3207)
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Prophet Muhammed ﷺ was shown Al-Bait Al-Mamur (Allah's House on top of all heavens) Angel Gabriel (A.S) told him:
'This is Al Bait-Al-Mamur where 70,000 angels perform prayers daily & who attends it never will never be able to again attend this blessing' (Sahih Bukhari 3207).
Although this journey has religious significance in Islam, Prophet Muhammed ﷺ never celebrated it nor did he ever instruct his Ummah to celebrate it. However, we can commemorate this great event by asking Allah for His blessings, helping the needy and by doing good deeds.
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To mark Al Israa Wal Miraj, Muslims offer optional prayers throughout the night. In some parts of the world, candles are lit and special lights are shone to signify Mohammad’s (PBUH) journey.
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Muslims mark Isra’a Wal Mi’raj as one of the most important Islamic histories to commemorate. That is why it is considered as a national holiday in some Muslim countries May the holy occasion of Isra Wal Mi'raj bring you and your loved ones peace and prosperity.
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