Miraaj And Intellect
Miraaj And Intellect
Shab e Meraj, also known as Al-Isra Wal-Miraj or the Night of Miraj, narrates one of the most miraculous events in Prophet Muhammad's صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم life. This extraordinary journey unfolded during a challenging period when the Prophet صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم faced unrelenting ridicule and oppression from the Quraysh, his own tribe. Enduring the loss of dear ones added to his emotional trials.
In Meraj un Nabi, he صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم traversed the entire universe, meeting Allah, witnessing both heaven and hell and encountering all Holy Prophets and Messengers. The night of Shab e Miraj occurred at midnight of Monday, the 27th of Rajab, around the year 621. This divine experience brought solace and strength during a time of adversity.
The importance of Shab e Meraj has always concerned Muslims. When the Prophet صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم went to Taif to spread the teachings of Islam, the people rejected him, treated him poorly, and even sent children to bother him, hoping he would leave the city. Despite the Prophet's صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم clear message, the people in Mecca refused to accept the concept of Tawhid.
Moreover, his best efforts, some close associates began to distance themselves. However, the Prophet's صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم unwavering spirit stayed strong. The time for acceptance came, but the Meccan unbelievers were still unwilling to embrace monotheism. Those who seemed supportive on the surface started causing separation.
Nevertheless, the Prophet's صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم spirit remained resilient. The clouds of sadness lifted when divine blessings appeared. He faced صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم numerous challenges, and the most precious gift from Allah, the "Miraj," brought relief.
The Israa and Miraj refer to, two parts of a miraculous journey that Prophet Muhammad took in one night from Makka to Jerusalem and then an ascension to the heavens.
· Israa – First part of the night:
The event began with the Angel Jibreel علیہ السلام leading the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم to a white beast named Al Buraq, marking the beginning of their extraordinary journey towards Masjid Al-Aqsa. Along the way, the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم made significant stops, offering prayers to emphasize the importance of these places.
These stops included Madinah, Mount Sinai, Bethlehem, and the grave of Prophet Moses علیہ السلام. At Isra Night which is the special night, our beloved Prophet Muhammad صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم was blessed with the special gift of fifty prayers by Allah Almighty, which was reduced to 5 daily prayers that we observed now and made compulsory for all Muslims.
· Meraj – Second part of the night:
The Prophet Muhammad صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم second Ascension journey starts from Masjid al-Aqsa and is dedicated to exploring the hidden signs of nature, bringing the joy of witnessing Allah. Upon reaching the destination, preparations for a welcoming reception were already finished. The Isra and Meraj journey is beautifully described, portraying the divine reception in the heavenly realm of Prophethood. The Hadith of Isra and Miraj narrated in Sahih Bukhari by Hazrat Anas Bin Malik رَحْمَۃُ اللہِ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہ from Shareek ibn Abdullah includes the following towards the end: “The Holy Prophet صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم approached Sidratul-Muntahaa and came so close to the Glorious Lord that there was a distance of two bows or even less between them.” [Bukhari Sharif]
It involves encounters with prophets, a joyous atmosphere with angels, the adornment of the universe, the splendor of celestial bodies, a cosmic celebration involving the moon and sun, the elegance of heavenly maidens, and the formation of sacred ranks for greetings.
All of these elements tell the extraordinary journey filled with love and affection for the esteemed Prophet. "Faizan-e-Meraj" is a book that explores the miraculous details and essence of Isra and Meraj, presenting the observations and revelations in an easily understandable manner.
· What is Shab e Meraj?
Meraj-un-Nabi, also known as Al-Isra' wal-Mi'raj or "the night of Shab e Miraj," recounts one of the most miraculous experiences granted to Prophet Muhammad صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم by Allah. Israa, an Arabic term, describes the Prophet's صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم extraordinary night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem, specifically to the location of al-Aqsa Mosque, as mentioned in Surah Al-Israa in the Quran.
So, when is Shab e Meraj? Well, every year on 27 Rajab Shab e Meraj, Muslims commemorate by engaging in prayers, and in many Muslim countries, special events are held. Shab e Meraj history holds great significance in Islamic tradition. These events, the Night Journey and Ascension, are considered crucial moments in the life of Prophet Muhammad صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم, both symbolically and historically. Spiritually, they illustrate the Prophet's role as Allah's chosen Messenger on Earth.
The Quran emphasizes that Allah selected Muhammad صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم as the final Messenger and entrusted him with spreading His message to humanity. During this remarkable journey, it is believed that the Prophet صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم traveled through the Heavens and Hell, receiving explicit instructions on how Muslims should live according to Islamic law.
The Meraj night is very important for Muslims. It had a big impact on our daily lives because on this night, the Prophet صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم was told to pray. This special journey reminds us of a spiritual world we can't see, but it's there for good believers. It also shows the strong connection between Allah and people.
Shab e Meraj importance reminds us that, despite our differences, we are all united in believing in one Allah and His message. It sets an example for how Muslims should live by Islamic principles, teaching us to stay humble and devoted to Allah, especially in tough times. These teachings show up in everyday Muslim life, like in prayer, charity, and helping the community. The journey reminds us that even though our paths may be different, our faith brings us together under one Allah.
It
shows how precious our relationship with Allah is. Understanding and reflecting
on this event reminds us of the importance of prayer, following Allah's
commands, and striving to be close to Him. The significance of Shab e Meraj in
Quran highlighted, specifically in Ayah 8 and 9 of Surah An-Najm, part 27.
Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ has stated: 'Then the Spectacle became
closer and came down in full view. So, the distance between the Spectacle and
the beloved was only two arms’ length, or even less.' [Translation from
Kanz-ul-Iman]
Meraj un Nabi is a journey of spirituality in which we should believe in Allah, the promise of Allah and get a glimpse of what Allah controls and what exists beyond where we live. With every hardship, there will be ease. This also reflects the beauty of having a pure intention and striving hard. A true friendship of hardships and unwavering faith in each other. The success that you seek calls you 5 times a day.
One major lesson of that miraculous event was that the system of the space and time is at the command of Allah the Almighty. On that night, the time and space were bridged for the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم as he traveled this auspicious journey to the heavens by the will of Allah the Almighty. The implications of the night journey cannot be overstated.
As Muslims, the night journey and ascension of Prophet Muhammad صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم, known as Al-Isra' wal-Mi'raj, holds great significance in our faith. It's a powerful reminder of the importance of our relationship with Allah. This event teaches us to value prayer, follow Allah's commands, and seek closeness to Him. Prophet Muhammad صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم played a crucial role in connecting us to these spiritual gifts and guiding us on how to be devoted servants of Allah.
Reflecting on Isra e Miraj encourages us to stay committed to Allah, be grateful for His mercy, and remember that He supports us in life's challenges. The event also serves as a spiritual model, showing us the journey to grow closer to our Creator. In times of difficulty, we find reassurance that Allah is always there for us as we strive to stay close to Him.
The events of Isra and Miraj are highly important in Islam and are celebrated annually by Muslims around the world in various ways. Isra e Miraj is considered a significant date in the Islamic Calendar. Families commemorate the miraculous night when the Prophet صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم ascended to the heavens and received blessings, including the obligation of the five daily prayers.
During Meraj night, Muslims increase their recitation of the Qur’an and Salawat (offering Shab e Meraj nawafil), adorn their homes and local mosques with lights, and gather to share food while hearing the story of the night journey.
The following day, everyone joyfully visits the mosque, prays, and listens to the Imam’s sermon, which details the events of that remarkable night. It's crucial to recognize that the weight of sins in the month of Rajab becomes even more significant, and the value of good deeds increases.
A believer in Allah Almighty is encouraged to speak kindly, practice patience in difficulties, and express gratitude in times of prosperity. Remembering this event involves seeking Allah's blessings, assisting the needy, and engaging in acts of kindness and goodness.
The greatest lesson we have learned from the journey of Meraj night is that we should obey, and pray toward Allah Almighty. We should learn the teaching and sunnah of Prophet Muhammad صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم to make our lives better and Akhirat best. To protect ourselves from the major and minor sins to participate and engage in the practice of Islamic teaching and to spread the values and teaching of the Prophet صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم to the Muslims and non-Muslims as well.
To believe that there is no god except Allah Almighty and Prophet صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم is his last prophet. We should never give up and stay strong during hard times pray and Sabar on those hard times, and always seek the right path towards Allah Almighty. One of the greatest lessons is that Salat is a very important part of our Muslims lives, never leave Salah in any situation and always show gratitude towards Allah Almighty.
The Meraj night is very important for Muslims, impacting our daily lives. On this special night, the Prophet صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم was told to establish Salaah (prayer). The Al-Isra' wal-Mi'raj journey is miraculous and significant for Muslims because it highlights Islam's connection to Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, Islam’s third holiest mosque.
During this journey, the Prophet صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم expanded visions into the future of Islam, its global spread, and his unique status with Allah. His eventual success and the spread of Islam worldwide show the journey's historical importance.
Every year, Dawat-e-Islami organizes a large gathering of Meraj un Nabi, especially at the International Madani Center in Karachi Pakistan. These events will continue globally, celebrating the Prophet's صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلَیْہِ و اٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم Night Journey.
