The Night Journey and Ascension, known as Isra and Mi‘raj, is one of the most profound events in Islamic history. In a single night, Allah honored Prophet Muhammad ﷺ with a miraculous journey from the Sacred Mosque in Makkah to Al-Aqsa Mosque of Palestine, and from there through the heavens.
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The story of Isra and Mi’raj is one of the most remarkable events in Islamic history. It is a journey that connects the earth with the heavens and the physical world with the spiritual one. This event took place about one year before the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ migrated from Mecca to Medina, during one of the most difficult periods of his life. Even today, centuries later, this story continues to inspire believers with its deep meaning, powerful imagery, and timeless moral lessons.
This was not just a journey of distance. It was a journey of faith, patience, leadership, and divine closeness. Through Isra and Mi’raj, Muslims received guidance that still shapes their daily lives.
The Beginning of the Night Journey
One quiet night in Mecca, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was near the Kaaba. At that time, he was about 52 years old and had spent more than a decade calling people to the message of Islam. He had faced rejection, insults, and hardship. Many of his closest supporters had passed away, and the pressure from the leaders of Mecca was intense.
On this night, the Angel Gabriel came to him with a divine mission. Before the journey began, a special purification took place near the Well of Zamzam. The Prophet’s chest was opened, and his heart was washed and filled with faith, wisdom, and patience. This purification symbolized spiritual readiness for a journey unlike any other.
To carry him, a special creature named Buraq was brought. Buraq was described as a white animal, smaller than a mule and larger than a donkey. It could travel with incredible speed, covering vast distances in moments. This same creature had carried earlier prophets, showing the unity and continuity of God’s message.
From Mecca to Al-Aqsa Mosque
The first part of the journey is called Isra. During this phase, the Prophet traveled from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Palestine, all in one night.
Along the way, he stopped at several important places. He paused at Medina, which would later become his home after migration. He stopped at Mount Sinai, where Prophet Moses spoke with God. He also stopped at Bethlehem, the birthplace of Prophet Hazrat Isa (علیہ السلام). These stops highlighted the shared spiritual history of the prophets and the connection between their missions.
When the Prophet reached Palestine, he entered the sacred area of Al-Aqsa Mosque. There, an extraordinary gathering took place. All the prophets sent by God before him were present. The Prophet Muhammad led them in prayer, symbolizing his role as the final messenger and the unity of all prophetic teachings.
After the prayer, Angel Gabriel presented three vessels to him: one with water, one with milk, and one with wine. The Prophet chose the milk. Gabriel told him that he had chosen the natural path, known as fitrah, which represents purity, balance, and the true nature of humanity.
The Ascension to the Heavens (Mi’raj)
The second part of the journey is called Mi’raj, the ascension through the heavens. From Palestine, the Prophet began his ascent through the seven heavens, guided by the Angel Gabriel.
At each level of heaven, they were stopped by angels who asked who was seeking entry. After Gabriel introduced the Prophet, the gates were opened, and he was warmly welcomed.
In the first heaven, the Prophet met Adam, the first human being. Adam was shown observing the souls of his children. He smiled when he saw the righteous and felt sorrow for those who had gone astray.
In the second heaven, he met Prophet Yahya and Prophet Isa. They greeted him with kindness and prayers.
In the third heaven, he met Prophet Joseph, whose beauty was described as radiant, like the full moon among the stars.
As the journey continued, the Prophet met other great messengers. He met Idris, known for his wisdom. He met Aaron, who was loved by his people. He met Moses, who had led his people through great trials. In the seventh heaven, he met Prophet Abraham, resting near the Bait al-Ma’mur, a heavenly house of worship visited daily by countless angels.
Lessons Shown Through Powerful Images
During the Mi’raj, the Prophet was shown many symbolic scenes. These scenes were not meant to frighten but to teach clear moral lessons.
He saw people who were harvesting crops that grew back immediately. These represented those who give charity sincerely and are rewarded many times over.
He saw people with extremely heavy heads, symbolizing those who were careless about prayer and ignored their spiritual duties.
He saw people carrying heavy loads and still adding more, representing those who accepted responsibilities and trusts they could not fulfill honestly.
He was also shown severe punishments for major social sins. These included consuming the wealth of orphans, dealing in usury, spreading gossip, and harming others through words or actions. These scenes emphasized justice, responsibility, and care for society’s most vulnerable members.
The Greatest Meeting and the Gift of Prayer
The journey reached its highest point at Sidrat al-Muntaha, the Lote Tree of the Farthest Boundary. This is the limit of all created knowledge. Beyond this point, even Angel Gabriel could not go further.
The Prophet Muhammad continued alone into the divine presence. This moment represents the closest any human has come to God.
During this meeting, several commands were given, the most important being the obligation of daily prayer. At first, fifty daily prayers were prescribed. On his return, the Prophet met Moses again, who advised him that this would be too difficult for his community.
The Prophet returned to God multiple times, requesting a reduction. Finally, the number was set at five daily prayers. God declared that although they were five in number, they would carry the reward of fifty. This showed God’s mercy and care for humanity.
The Return and the Test of Belief
Before dawn, the Prophet returned to Mecca. When he shared the story the next morning, many people mocked him. They argued that traveling to Palestine and back in one night was impossible.
This moment became a serious test of faith for the early Muslims. Some doubted, while others stood firm. Abu Bakr, the Prophet’s close companion, immediately believed him. He said that if the Prophet said it happened, then it must be true, as he already believed in the revelation coming from the heavens.
To answer the skeptics, the Prophet described Al-Aqsa Mosque in detail, even though he had never visited it before. Travelers later confirmed that his description was accurate. He also gave precise details about a caravan he had seen on the way back, including a missing camel and a water container he had used. When the caravan arrived, everything he said was confirmed.
Conclusion
The journey of Isra and Mi‘raj is a powerful reminder that Allah is always close, even in the hardest moments of life. This miracle came at a time when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was facing deep pain, loss, and rejection. Through this journey, Allah honored him, strengthened his heart, and showed him that hardship is never the end of the story.
Isra and Mi‘raj teach us that faith is not limited by what we can see or understand. True belief means trusting Allah, even when something feels beyond human logic. The journey also reminds us that all prophets shared one message: worship Allah alone, live with honesty, and care for others.
The greatest gift of this night was prayer. Salah is not a burden but a direct connection between the believer and Allah. It was given in the heavens to show its importance and its power to bring peace, discipline, and spiritual strength into our daily lives.
Above all, this event teaches patience, hope, and closeness to Allah. Just as Allah raised His Prophet ﷺ in the darkest time, He also lifts the hearts of those who remain sincere, patient, and firm in their faith. Isra and Mi‘raj continue to guide believers toward light, purpose, and trust in Allah’s wisdom.
Source: Surah Al-Isra (17:1), Surah An-Najm (53:1–18) & Sirat Ibn Hisham (based on Ibn Ishaq)
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