Isra Miʿraj is among the richest and spiritually notable events in Islamic history. It is celebrated on the 15th of Ramadan because this day marks the miraculous night journey and ascension of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). That event is associated with the divine force, the faith, when there is no human limitation, and the spiritual unity between people and Allah. Isra Miʿraj is not just a historical event, but it has also provided a timeless guidance on how the believers can withstand, pray, and never give up. Having knowledge of the Isra Miʿraj is one of the ways to make Muslims re-establish the meaning of worship and have a deeper look at the ultimate goal of their spiritual path.
Meaning and History of Isra Mi’raj
Isra Mi’raj comes from two words in the Arabic language, that is, Isra (the night journey) and Mi’raj (the ascension). Based on Islamic culture, Isra Miʿraj occurred on one night when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was flown in the sky. On this night, in his homeland, he visited Masjid al-Haram, in Mecca, and was then flown to Masjid al-Aqsa, in Jerusalem, and then ascended to the heavens.
The event took place in a painful time of the Prophet when his wife Khadijah (RA) and uncle Abu Talib had died. Isra Miʿraj was Godly assurance and solace. The Prophet made a visit to the earlier prophets during the ascension to heaven, beheld the miracle of the heavens, and finally, it was at Sidrat al-Muntaha where Allah commanded the five daily prayers (Salah).
Traditionally, Isra Miʿraj solidified the holy role of Jerusalem in the Islamic religion and defined prayer as a personal connection between believers and Allah. This event is contained in the Quran ( Surah Al-Isra 17:1) and is also elaborated in the authentic Hadith and is hence a fundamental pillar of Islamic belief.
Spiritual Teachings of Isra Miʿraj
Strength of Faith without Logic
Isra Miʿraj is a reminder to the believers that God is mightier than human wisdom. True faith is having belief in Allah despite the logic of events.
Importance of Salah (Prayer)
The five daily prayers were one of the best results of Isra Miʿraj. This brings out Salah as the pillar of the spiritual life of a Muslim.
Patience During Hardship
Isra Miʿraj happened following a great personal loss of the Prophet. It teaches that miraculousness and heavenly assistance do come with delay and endurance.
Elevation in the Spiritual through Worship
The ascent is an indication that spiritual development is achieved through obedience, humility, and proximity to Allah.
Unity of Prophetic Message
The fact that Prophet Muhammad met earlier prophets in the Isra Miʿraj reiterates the fact that Islam is merely the same monotheistic message that has been preached throughout history.
Hope and Divine Mercy
The decline of prayers from fifty to five is an indication of the mercy and compassion of Allah to humanity.
Isra Miʿraj is something that motivates Muslims to have faith and stand firm in prayers so that they can be elevated spiritually despite the difficulties in life.
