Lailat al-Miraj | Isra and Miraj
The Night Journey of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) The Beginning:
Another name for this event is Lailat al-Miraj, which means “the Night Journey and Ascension of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).” It is one of the most magical and amazing events in Islamic history. This amazing story isn’t just about a journey; it’s also about a truly spiritual experience full of God’s wisdom, mercy, and inspiration. It marks a turning point in the Prophet’s work and has lessons for all believers that will last forever.
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The Time of Trouble and Sadness
These events happened around the year 621 CE, just one year before the Hijrah (the journey to Madinah). It happened during one of the worst times in the Prophet’s life, which Muslims call Aam al-Huzn, which means “the Year of Sorrow.”
The Prophet (PBUH) lost two very important people in his life very quickly. Khadijah (RA), his beloved wife, died, leaving him with a deep void in his heart. Soon after, his uncle Abu Talib also died. He had kept him safe from the Quraysh’s attacks. Without their help, the people of Makkah were even more mean and hostile toward the Prophet. During this time of emotional pain and exhaustion, Allah (SWT) gave him a miraculous trip that would make his faith stronger and lift his spirit.
The Isra: A Trip from Mecca to Jerusalem
The trip started at night in Makkah at the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). The Qur’an talks about this amazing event:
“Glory to Him who took His servant by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him Our signs.”
He is, in fact, the One who hears and sees.(17:1) in Surah Al-Isra
Lailat al-Miraj | Isra and Miraj
Real stories say that the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) visited the Prophet while he was resting near the Ka‘bah. He had his chest opened, and the pure water of Zamzam washed over his heart. This was a way of cleaning him for what was to come. Then Jibreel brought him a special being from heaven named Buraq. It was a white horse that could go faster than any living thing on earth. The farther away Buraq could see, the faster it could walk.
Al-Aqsa Mosque
The Prophet (PBUH) got on Buraq and quickly traveled with Jibreel from Makkah to Bayt al-Maqdis in Jerusalem. A trip that would normally take weeks was finished in just a few moments by Allah’s will.
As soon as they got to Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Prophet (PBUH) tied Buraq and went inside to pray. When he got there, he was met by Adam, Ibrahim (Abraham), Moses, Jesus, and other prophets who had been called together by Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) led them all in prayer, which was a sign of his role as the last prophet and leader of all prophets. It was a beautiful reminder that all words from God come from the same place and have the same goal: to lead people to worship only Allah.
The Miraj: The Ascension to the Heavens
Lailat al-Miraj | Isra and Miraj: The Miraj, or going up to heaven, came after the trip at night. Angel Jibreel led the Prophet (PBUH) through the seven heavens again after he was raised from the dead in Jerusalem. There were new people to meet and deeper lessons to learn on every level of heaven.
In the first heaven, he met Prophet Adam (AS), who welcomed him with the love of a father.
He met Prophets Isa (Jesus) and Yahya (John the Baptist).
in the second heaven. They both welcomed him with open arms.
In the third heaven, he met Prophet Yusuf (Joseph), who was the most beautiful and patient person he had ever met.
In the fourth, he met Prophet Idris (Enoch), who was known for being very smart and wise.
In the fifth, he met Prophet Harun (Aaron), who is Musa’s brother.
Sixth, he met Prophet Musa, also known as Moses. Moses would soon play a big part in what would happen.
He met Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) in the seventh heaven, where he was lying down near Al-Bayt al-Ma‘mur, a heavenly Ka‘bah where angels pray all the time.
Each prophet showed great love for Muhammad (PBUH) and recognized that he was the Seal of the Prophets. These gatherings were a sign that all divine prophets were one and that faith was passed down from Adam to Muhammad (PBUH).
The Meeting with Allah and the Gift of Salah
Lailat al-Miraj | Isra and Miraj: The Prophet (PBUH) went to the highest level and arrived at a place called Sidrat al-Muntaha, which means “the Lote Tree at the very edge of creation.” No angel or person could go past this. That’s where the Prophet met the Divine Presence of Allah Almighty in a way that no one can understand.
During that holy meeting, Allah gave him Salah, which are the daily prayers, which are one of the best gifts to all people. At first, Allah told followers to pray fifty times a day. As the Prophet went down, he met Musa (AS), who told him that his following would not be able to handle fifty prayers. The humble Prophet (PBUH) went back to Allah several times and asked for fewer prayers each time. Eventually, Allah only required five prayers a day, with a gift of fifty.
This gift of mercy shows how kind Allah is to His creation. This also shows how important Salah is—not as a chore, but as a spiritual link between a believer and God, a daily memory of this amazing ascension.
The Prophet’s Vision of Paradise and Hell
Lailat al-Miraj | Isra and Miraj: While the Miraj was going on, the Prophet (PBUH) caught glimpses of both Jannah (Heaven) and Jahannam (Hell). He saw how beautiful Paradise was, which was set aside for the good, and how painful Hell was for people who had rejected God’s love. Not only did these visions show what would happen in the next life, but they also reminded people of Allah’s kindness and fairness.
The Trip Back to Makkah
Following this amazing trip, the Prophet (PBUH) was taken back to Jerusalem and then to Makkah, all in the same night. His story was told to the Quraysh the next morning. A lot of them laughed at him and told him it was impossible. But when he talked about specific things about Jerusalem that he had never seen before, people who had been there confirmed that he was right.
“If Muhammad said it, then it must be true,” Abu Bakr (RA) said right away. This was one of the most beautiful times. His strong faith and trust won him the name As-Siddiq, which means “the Truthful One.”
Spiritual Lessons and Significance
But the Night Journey and the Ascension were more than just amazing events meant to amaze. They had deep meaning for all Muslims. These are some of the most important things we can learn:
Trust in Allah’s Power: The trip shows us that Allah can do anything. In a moment, he can make anything possible happen.
Why Salah Is Important: Every believer goes on a spiritual journey called miraj five times a day. This gets their heart closer to Allah.
Prophets and Messages: All of them came with the same message: to honor only Allah and live a good life.
Hope Amid Hardship: In hard times, there is hope: the Prophet’s darkest times were followed by his greatest ones. Our lesson is that after every hard time, there is ease.
Faith Beyond Reason: When we truly believe, we often have to trust in things we can’t see or fully understand, just like Abu Bakr (RA).
Conclusion: Lailat al-Miraj | Isra and Miraj
In the history of Islam, the night of Isra and Miraj is one of the most beautiful and important events. It was more than just a trip through space. It was a path of faith, patience, and getting closer to Allah. It was the best way to respect the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and it gave the Muslim Ummah Salah, which is the key to spiritual success.
For Muslims, Lailat al-Miraj is a warning that Allah’s kindness is always close, even when things are hard. It shows us how to get through hard times, keep our faith strong, and stay linked to our Creator. We remember that holy night every time we stand in prayer. It was a night when heaven and earth came together and Allah praised the Prophet (PBUH) as His beloved Messenger.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It presents a summary of the Islamic understanding of Lailat al-Miraj (Isra and Miraj) based on authentic sources from the Qur’an and Hadith, as well as traditional scholarly interpretations. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and respect for Islamic teachings, readers are encouraged to consult qualified scholars or trusted Islamic references for deeper study or religious rulings (fatwas).
All Qur’anic verses and narrations are provided in translation for clarity, and meanings may vary slightly depending on interpretation. The content is written to inspire reflection and learning, not to issue legal or theological judgments.
FAQ: Lailat al-Miraj | Isra and Miraj
Q1-What does Lailat al-Miraj mean?
A-Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) miraculously went on a trip through the night and rose to heaven. This event is also called Lailat al-Miraj, Isra, and Miraj. On this blessed night, Allah (SWT) took the Prophet from Masjid al-Haram, the most important mosque in Makkah, to Masjid al-Aqsa, the most important mosque in Jerusalem. He was then raised through the heavens to meet his Lord. This event is very important to Muslims and reminds them of how powerful, kind, and loving Allah is toward His Prophet.
Q2-When did Isra and Miraj happen?
A-The journey occurred approximately in 621 CE, approximately one year prior to the Hijrah (migration) to Madinah. It occurred during a challenging period in the Prophet’s life — the Year of Sorrow (Aam al-Huzn) — when he mourned the loss of his esteemed wife Khadijah (RA) and his safeguarding uncle Abu Talib (RA). During this time of mourning, Allah (SWT) bestowed this divine journey upon His Messenger to offer him fortitude and solace.
Q3-What does “Isra” mean?
A-This word refers to the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) trip from Makkah to Jerusalem at night. There is a verse in the Qur’an (17:1) that talks about this: “Glory to Him who took His servant by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him Our signs.” He is, in fact, the One who hears and sees.
The Prophet (PBUH) went on this trip on a holy horse called Buraq, which was led by the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). He led all the prophets who came before him in prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Q4-What does “Miraj” mean?
A-The word “Miraj” means “ascension” in Arabic. After the trip to Jerusalem, the Prophet (PBUH) was taken to the seven heavens, where he met different prophets, such as Adam, Jesus, Moses, and Abraham (may peace be upon all of them). The last place he went was to Sidrat al-Muntaha, also known as the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary. This is where he met Allah Almighty.
Q5-What was the Prophet’s (PBUH) unique gift during Miraj?
A-The order for Salah (the five daily prayers) was the best gift that came during this miraculous trip. At first, Allah (SWT) told people to pray fifty times a day. Following Prophet Musa’s (AS) advice, the Prophet (PBUH) went back several times to ask Allah to make things easier for his people.
Q6-During the Miraj, did the Prophet (PBUH) see Heaven and Hell?
A-Yes. Prophet (PBUH) saw views of both Jannah (Heaven) and Jahannam (Hell) while he was being taken up. As he looked, he saw that Paradise would be beautiful and full of benefits for good people, and Hell would be scary for people who didn’t follow Allah’s instructions. I learned a lot about what happens when bad people do bad things and about how fair and kind Allah is.
Q7-How long did the whole trip last?
A-The entire journey, from Mecca to Jerusalem, through the skies, and back, took place in a single night. Even though it was an amazing journey that no one could have imagined, Allah (swt) made it possible for His beloved Messenger, a sign of His mighty power.
Q8-What did the people of Makkah do when the Prophet (PBUH) told them?
A-Most of the Quraysh didn’t believe the Prophet (PBUH) when he told them about his trip at night. They made fun of him and said it was impossible. But when he talked about parts of Jerusalem that he had never seen, people who had been there confirmed that what he said was true.
Abu Bakr (RA), his best friend, believed him right away, saying, “If Muhammad said it, then it must be true.” He was called As-Siddiq, which means “The Truthful One,” because he had a strong faith.
Q9-Why is it important for Muslims to remember Lailat al-Miraj?
A-Laylat al-Mi’raj is of great importance to Muslims because it shows the importance of Allah’s mercy and guidance, even in difficult times.Furthermore, it emphasizes that prayer is our own Mi’raj—a daily opportunity to grow spiritually and draw closer to Allah.
Q10-What can Muslims do today to celebrate this blessed night?
A-To celebrate Lailat al-Miraj, Muslims can pray, worship, and think about Allah all night long. People are urged to do things like read the Qur’an, offer voluntary prayers (nafl), bless the Prophet (PBUH), and make dua (supplications). Thinking about the story and what it means helps build faith and appreciation for Allah’s kindness.
Q11-Why is Lailat al-Miraj important from a spiritual point of view?
A-Even when things look the worst, faith can bring light. This is what Lailat al-Miraj is all about. Believers are told that Allah’s mercy is always close, just like the Prophet (PBUH) was given this journey after going through a lot of pain. If you pray, wait, and believe in Allah, every hardship can bring you closer to God and make you more spiritual.