Israk and Mikraj is observed on the 27th day of the month of Rejab and it celebrates what is called, in translation, the miraculous Night Journey and the Ascension to the Heavens that our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw) had taken.
Why is Israk Mikraj important?
This journey is significant in the history of Islam because it was on this night that Allah (swt) had decreed upon the Prophet (saw) of the obligatory five daily prayers for Muslims. Thus, establishing the Second of Five Pillars of Islam.
The Miraculous Night Journey and Ascension to the Heavens
The journey has been told in two parts:
- Israk refers to Prophet Muhammad’s (saw) miraculous journey from Mekkah to Jerusalem done in a night and followed by,
- Mikraj refers to his ascension to the heavens.
Israk and Mikraj happened during a sorrowful time in the Prophet’s (saw) life where he experienced the passing of two significant people: his uncle Abu Talib – protector and ally, and his beloved wife Siti Khadijah (ra) – who was the first to embrace Islam and the financier of the Islamic movement when it was just beginning.
It was a journey of gift to Prophet Muhammad (saw) after having gone through grief and suffering on top of facing hardships from his tribe, the Quraisy, who had ridiculed and disrespected the Prophet (pbuh) and his followers. It was a gift from Allah (swt) to His Messenger to show him His Might and to comfort the Prophet (saw) that “for indeed, with every hardship [will be] ease.” (94:5)
Israk
It started with the angel Jibril (as) visiting Prophet Muhammad (saw) in Al-Masjid Al-Haram in Mecca and made the journey to Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem on Buraq (described as a heavenly steed that is bigger than a donkey but smaller than a mule) with just a few leaps.
It started with the angel Jibril (as) visiting Prophet Muhammad (saw) in Al-Masjid Al-Haram in Mecca and made the journey to Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem on Buraq (described as a heavenly steed that is bigger than a donkey but smaller than a mule) with just a few leaps.
Mikraj
There in Jerusalem, the angel Jibril (as) took the Prophet (saw), mounted on Buraq once again, to ascend to the heavens where he met with several great Prophets in different heavenly spheres and to the highest point where he was graced with the divine presence of Allah (swt).
On this occasion, the Prophet (saw) received the directive for prayers to be obligatory five times a day.
Reflecting on the lessons of Israk and Mikraj
The journey and the suffering that the Prophet (saw) endured prior to it teaches us that being patient through any hardship will be rewarded and that it will be met with ease soon.
Another important lesson to take in here is Islam is simple. Muslims are only required to pray five times daily and this is in due part of our Prophet Muhammad (saw) had asked Allah (swt) to reduce the number of daily prayers for his Ummah from 50 times a day to just 5. Isn’t that beautiful?
While you are here, let’s have a look at some shops that would benefit you in your journey as a Muslim.
1. Al-Muyassar Group
There is always room for improvement on how you read the Qur’an and AMG may be able to help.
🌐 Check them out at Instagram (@almuyassargroup)
2. five7one.bn
This shop offers pre-orders on Muslimah-friendly clothing that are not only comfortable, but they also carry ranges that are nursing-friendly.
🌐 Check them out at Instagram (@five7one.bn)
3. haadiya.bn
Haadiya.bn sells quality socks and hand socks for female Muslims to cover their aurat.
🌐 Check them out at Instagram (@haadiya.bn)