“The Israa and Miraj refer to, two parts of a miraculous journey that Prophet Muhammad took in one night from Makka to Jerusalem and then an ascension to the heavens”.
“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.
Prophet Muhammed PBUH, All in all, he is the Praised, the Muhammad, the Ahmad, the Messenger, the Prophet, the Inspired, the King, the Saviour, the Redeemer, the Shining star of humanity, the Refuge of the orphans, slaves and widows. He is the restorer of Monotheism; he is the glory of humanity, the great and humble servant of His Master, ALLAH, Who fashioned him with all supreme characteristics of greatness and majesty. He became the illuminated light of the guidance for the decaying humanity.
“Say (to them, O Messenger): “If you indeed love God, then follow me, so that God will love you and forgive you your sins.” God is All-Forgiving, All-Compassionate”. (Qur’an 3 : 31)
Today, Prophet Muhammad PBUH is no more between us but his respect and love would always reside in our hearts. His legacy, his advice, and his message would always be a shining light for us. Do take heed of his last sermon of Prophet as a personal development resource – understand the words and live by its message.
This Sermon of the Prophet pbub is the sermon for Ummah, it is Zaad-Rah (provision for our life journey)for us which contained much guidance and instructions on many issues. The Prophet pbuh gave this sermon in front of a large gathering of people during Hajj.
This sermon was delivered on the Ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, 10 A.H. ( 623AD) in the Uranah valley of Mount Arafat in Mecca. It was the occasion of annual rites of Haj. It is also known as the Farewell Pilgrimage.
After praising and thanking Allah the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) began with the words:
1 ▪︎ “O People! Lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore, listen carefully to what I am saying and take these words to those who could not be present here today.”
2 ▪︎ “O People! just as you regard this month, this day ,this city as sacred ,so regard the life and property of every Muslim a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that he will indeed reckon your deeds.”
3 ▪︎ “Allah has forbidden you to take usury, therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital is yours to keep .You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequality. Allah has judged that there shall be no interest and that all interest due to Abbas Ibn ‘Aal-Muttalib be waived.” 4 ▪︎ “Every right arising out of homicide in pre-Islamic days is henceforth waived and the first such right that I waive is that arising from the murder of Rabiah ibni al-Harithiah.”
5 ▪︎ “O men! the unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calendar in order to make permissible that which Allah forbade, and to prohibit what Allah has made permissible. With Allah the months are twelve in number. Four of them are holy, there are sucessive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumada and Shaban.”
6 ▪︎ “Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will be able to lead you astray in big things so beware of following him in small things.”
7 ▪︎ “O People it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well never to be unchaste.”
8▪︎ “O People! listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers, fast during month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat .Perform Haj if you can afford it.”
8 ▪︎ “All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a White has no superiority over a Black nor a Black has any superiority over a White except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly.”
9 ▪︎ “Do not therefore do injustice to yourselves. Remember one day you will meet Allah and answer your deeds. So beware, do not astray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.”
10 ▪︎ “O People! No Prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore O People! and understand words that I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray.”
11 ▪︎ “All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly.”
13 ▪︎ “O Allah, be my witness, that I have conveyed your message to Your people.”
As part of this sermon, the prophet recited to them a revelation from Allah, which he had just received, and which completed the Quran, for it was the last passage to be revealed:
” This day the disbeliever’s despair of prevailing against your religion, so fear them not, but fear Me (Allah)! This day have I perfected for you, your religion and fulfilled My favor unto you, and it hath been My good pleasure to choose Islam for you as your religion”. (Surah 5, Ayah 3)
The sermon was repeated sentence by sentence by Safwan’s brother Rabiah R.A, who had powerful voice, at the request of the Prophet and he faithfully, proclaimed to over ten thousand gathered on the occasion. Towards the end of his sermon, the Prophet asked “O people, have I faithfully delivered unto you my message?” A powerful murmur of assents “O Allah! yes!”arose from thousands of pilgrims and the vibrant words “Allahumma Na’m,” rolled like thunder throughout the valley. The Prophet raised his forefinger and said: “O Allah bear witness that I have conveyed your message to your people.”
“O, Allah! I beg You for that which incites Your Mercy and the means of Your forgiveness, safety from every sin, the benefit from every good deed, success in attaining Jannah and deliverance from Fire.”
Insight! 