Lailat al Miraj : Night Journey of Muhammad (PBUH)

Lailat al Miraj: Because those who do not believe are obviously ignorant of the life of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), miracles do occur. These miracles are best attested to by Islamic history. Lailat-al-Miraj, the night of the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) ascent to the heavens, was one of the greatest marvels of his day. It was a physical trip in addition to a spiritual one. Lailat-al-Miraj’s voyage represents the Prophet’s (PBUH) majesty and significance in Allah’s (SWT) eyes.

Another name for this miraculous night is “Isra and Miraj,” which refers to two stages of the adventure. Isra, which translates to “walking in the night,” refers to the first portion of the Prophet’s (PBUH) journey from Mecca to Jerusalem. After visiting the Holy Prophet (PBUH), Angel Jibrael was transported on “buraq,” the prophets’ horse, to Masjid-al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. Allah (SWT) confirms the veracity of this travel in the Quran as well:

“Glory be to Him Who took His devotee (Muhammad) one night from Masjid-al-Haram (in Makkah) to Masjid-al-Aqsa (in Jerusalem), whose vicinity We have blessed, so that We may show him some of Our signs: undoubtedly He is the One Who is the Hearer, the Observer.” (Quran 17:1)

The second portion of the journey is referred to as Miraaj, which translates to “ladder” and refers to the ascension of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) into Heaven. Following his journey from Jerusalem to Paradise on his horse “Buraq,” the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encountered many of the prophets who had come before him, including Adam (AS), Musa (AS), Ibrahim (AS), Isa (AS), Yusuf (AS), Yahya (AS), and many more. He also explored all seven levels of paradise.

When Jibrael arrived at Sidra-tul-Muntaha in the seventh heaven, a tree that represents the beginning of Allah’s (SWT) habitation and the absolute end of heaven, he stopped since it was forbidden for him to enter and allowed the Prophet (PBUH) to pass. Here, our beloved Prophet (PBUH) had the chance to speak and meet the Almighty. On this night, the Prophet (PBUH) achieved an unprecedented level of intimacy with Allah (SWT).

daily prayers at this same period. Unfortunately, Allah (SWT) reduced the number of prayers from 50 per day to five after our Prophet (PBUH) advocated for the sake of his ummah to make it easy for them.

Muhammad (PBUH) was informed by Allah (SWT) that every Muslim should pray fifty times a day. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mentioned Allah (SWT) to reduce the number of supplications when Musa (AS) revealed to him on his way back that fifty petitions was too much. At the Prophet’s (PBUH) request, Allah (SWT) lowered the required number of prayers to five, yet Musa (AS) continued to believe they were excessive.

In another section of the Quran, Allah (SWT) also mentions a few thoughts on the Lailat al Miraj:

When he reached the highest point above the horizon, he got so near to the Prophet that he was only two arms’ lengths away. Then, through Gabriel, Allah revealed to His servant what He had revealed. The prophet’s heart did not question what he seen. Then how can you argue with him about what he saw, O pagans? At the Lotte Tree at the most extreme limit in the seventh heaven, which is close to the Garden of Eternal Residence, he undoubtedly witnessed the angel descend a second time while the Lotte Tree was overtaken by heavenly glory! The sight of the prophet never strayed or went too far. He undoubtedly witnessed some of the most significant signals from his Lord. (Quran 53:7–18)

The Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) remarkable journey to the heavens served only as a statement of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) elevated stature in the Islamic world and a testament to the crucial role he played in the eyes of Allah (SWT) and His creation.

The exact date of this expedition is still unknown, though, as no Sahih hadith provides a definite evidence of its existence. Although Islamic scholars do not formally acknowledge this date, it is believed to have happened around the 27th of the Islamic month of Rajab, close to the Prophet’s visit to Taif and the Hijra season.

Lailat al Miraj bears witness to the boundless majesty and might of Allah (SWT) as well as His connection to His creation. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was sent by Allah (SWT) to bless His creation and serve as a model for all people to aspire to. Miraj Night serves as a test of humanity’s faith and exhorts people to trust in the veracity of everything that Allah (SWT) is and everything that He alone is capable of.

Every Muslim worldwide places a great deal of importance to Lailat al Miraj, where the ascension of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is commemorated and its ultimate goal is recalled. It is regarded as one of the Almighty’s most revered miracles, given only to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).