Isra and Miraj : The Miraculous Night Journey

“Glory be to the One Who took His servant Muḥammad by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque whose surroundings We have blessed, so that We may show him some of Our signs. Indeed, He alone is the All-Hearing, All-Seeing”. (Qur’an 17: 1)

In the Quran, Isra refers to the miraculous night journey undertaken by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from the sacred mosque in Mecca to the furthest mosque in Jerusalem, and then his ascension to the heavens (Mi’raj) where he received the commandment of prayer. This event is mentioned in Surah Al-Isra (chapter 17) of the Quran. Further, Prophet Muhammad pbuh received the commandment of prayer and the Last verse of Surah baqra. It serves as the basis for the Islamic tradition of five daily prayers. The event also serves as a reminder of the importance of prayer and the need to prioritize spiritual pursuits in daily life.The important aspect of this journey is Salaah which is compulsory on Ummah.

This journey was a spiritual and physical experience during which Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) saw Paradise and Hell, solidifying his conviction. It is a test of faith for believers to believe in the possibility of anything for the sake of Almighty Allah. This event is considered a test of faith for believers, as it demonstrates the power and majesty of Allah and the reality of the afterlife.

The story of Isra and Mi’raj, the night journey of Prophet Muhammad pbuh from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascension to heaven, is briefly mentioned in the Quran because the Qur’an primary focus is on conveying essential beliefs and principles, Hereafter, the revelation of the Quran which is guidance for mankind. It does not provide elaborate details on historical or narrative events. Instead, it refers to them briefly to reinforce and illustrate the broader teachings of the faith. When Prophet Muhammad pbuh already explained about the visit then there is no further details are necessary.

The Isra and Mi’raj event is one of the most significant events in Islamic history where Prophet Muhammad pbuh led the prayers with all prophets in the mosque of Jerusalem. The journey is also significant because it affirmed the Prophet Muhammad’s status as the final prophet, as he met with previous prophets such as Adam, Ibrahim, Moses, and Jesus pbuh during his journey.