What Is Al-Isra Wal Mi'raj (The Night Journey)?
Al-Isra wal Mi'raj is the miraculous night journey and ascension of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), believed to have taken place on the 27th night of Rajab. It is referenced in both the Qur'an and the Hadith, and many Islamic countries still mark the occasion with a public holiday, reflecting its significance as a turning point in the Seerah.
Why Did the Night Journey Happen During the "Year of Sadness"?
The night journey is understood to have been a gift to the Prophet (SAW) during what is known as the Year of Sadness, following the deaths of both Abu Talib and Khadija (RA) in the same period. This loss was a source of grief to the Prophet (SAW), and the night journey and ascension became a comfort to him at this time.
What Does the Qur'an Say About the Night Journey?
The journey began during the night. Surah Al-Isra describes it directly:
“Exalted is He who took His Servant 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.”
What Happened During Al-Isra (The Journey to Al-Aqsa)?
In the first part of the night, the Angel Jibreel (AS) came to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who then rode the Buraq, a heavenly creature, from Makkah (Masjid al-Haram) to Al-Aqsa Mosque in a matter of moments. There, he led the Prophets before him in prayer, cementing his place as the seal of all Prophets.
What Happened During Al-Mi'raj (The Ascension Through the Heavens)?
In the second part of the night, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) travelled through the seven heavens, meeting different Prophets as he ascended. After seeing the Baitul Ma'mur (a structure in the heavens built to replicate the Ka'bah), he reached Sidratul Muntaha, a special heavenly tree known as the Lote tree. It was here that he, and the believers with him, were given the obligation of the five daily prayers, which had initially been ordered at fifty.
Each time the Prophet (SAW) prepared to return to his people with this instruction, Musa (AS) advised him to ask Allah for a reduction, as fifty prayers would be a hardship for the Ummah. Upon reaching five, the Prophet (SAW) was reluctant to ask for any further reduction, and it was said that the number would remain at five, but that the reward would be that of fifty.
How Can the Night Journey Be Marked Today?
Appreciation for the month of Rajab and the night journey is often shown through an increase in good deeds, such as fasting, giving in sadaqah, or increasing in nafl prayers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Night Journey take place?
It is believed to have taken place on the 27th night of Rajab.
What is the difference between Al-Isra and Al-Mi'raj?
Al-Isra refers to the journey from Masjid al-Haram in Makkah to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, while Al-Mi'raj refers to the ascension through the heavens that followed.
How many daily prayers were originally commanded?
Fifty were initially ordered, reduced to five following Musa's (AS) advice, though the reward for the five was said to remain equal to that of fifty.
How do Muslims mark the anniversary of the Night Journey?
Many Islamic countries observe a public holiday, while individuals often increase in fasting, sadaqah and nafl prayers.
