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In the name of Allah, all praise belongs to Him, and peace and blessings be upon His beloved Messenger, Prophet Muhammad
What is Al-Isra’ wal-Mi’raj?
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Exalted is He who took His servant (Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing.”
(Surah Al-Isra’, 17:1)
In another verse, Allah says:
“While he (Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) was on the highest horizon, then he drew near and came closer, until he was two bow lengths away or even nearer. Then Allah revealed to His servant what He revealed.”
(Surah An-Najm, 53:7–10)
These verses remind us of one of the most amazing miracles in Islamic history: the Night Journey (Al-Isra’) and Ascension (Al-Mi’raj) — a journey that gave strength to the Prophet ﷺ and shows us how much Allah honors His messengers.
📖 What Do “Isra’” and “Mi’raj” Mean?
Isra’ means to travel at night. In this miracle, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ traveled from Makkah to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem in one night.
Mi’raj means to ascend or rise up. From Jerusalem, the Prophet ﷺ was taken up through the heavens — all the way to the presence of Allah above the seven heavens.
🌟 Why Did This Happen?
At that time, the Prophet ﷺ was going through very difficult days. He had lost two of the most beloved people in his life — his wife Khadijah and his uncle Abu Talib. This year was so sad that it became known as the “Year of Sorrow”.
He also went to a city called Ta’if to invite people to Islam, but instead of kindness, they threw stones at him and mocked him.
So Allah, in His great mercy, gave the Prophet ﷺ a special gift: the journey of Al-Isra’ wal-Mi’raj — to comfort his heart and strengthen his soul.
Allah reminds us in Surah Ash-Sharh (94:6):
“Indeed, with hardship comes ease.”
🕌 The Story of the Night Journey
Although the exact date is not confirmed, the journey happened during this time of grief.
It began in Makkah, in the house of Umm Hani.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The roof of my house opened, and the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) came down.” (Bukhari)A special animal called Al-Buraq was brought — faster than lightning, white in color, larger than a donkey but smaller than a mule.
The Prophet’s heart was purified with Zamzam water so he could bear the spiritual experience.
He rode Al-Buraq to Masjid al-Aqsa, where he led all previous prophets in prayer — from Adam to Isa (Jesus) peace be upon them all.
