The Night of Isra and Mi‘raj is one of the most profound and spiritually significant events in Islamic history. It refers to the miraculous journey of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Jerusalem (Isra) and his ascension through the heavens (Mi‘raj) in a single night. This event is firmly rooted in the Qur’an and authentic Hadith, and it holds deep theological, spiritual, and moral meaning for Muslims around the world.
Rather than being a symbolic story, Islamic sources present Isra and Mi‘raj as a divine miracle, demonstrating Allah’s absolute power and honoring the Prophet during a period of hardship.
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Isra: The Night Journey from Mecca to Jerusalem
The first part of the event, Isra, is mentioned explicitly in the Qur’an (Surah Al-Isra 17:1):
“Glory be to Him who took His servant by night from Al-Masjid al-Haram to Al-Masjid al-Aqsa…”
According to authentic Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad was taken from the Kaaba in Mecca to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem riding a miraculous steed known as Buraq, accompanied by the angel Jibril (Gabriel). At Al-Aqsa, the Prophet led previous prophets in prayer, symbolizing his role as the final messenger and the unity of divine revelation.
Jerusalem’s inclusion in this journey highlights its central place in Islam, alongside Mecca and Medina.
Mi‘raj: The Ascension Through the Heavens
After Isra, the Prophet ascended to the heavens in the event known as Mi‘raj. According to Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, he passed through seven heavens, meeting earlier prophets at each level:
- Adam in the first heaven
- Isa (Jesus) and Yahya (John) in the second
- Yusuf (Joseph) in the third
- Idris in the fourth
- Harun (Aaron) in the fifth
- Musa (Moses) in the sixth
- Ibrahim (Abraham) in the seventh
This ascent culminated at Sidrat al-Muntaha, a boundary beyond which no creation may pass. There, the Prophet experienced closeness to Allah unlike any other human being.
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The Gift of Prayer (Salah)
One of the most important outcomes of Mi‘raj was the obligation of the five daily prayers (Salah). Initially prescribed as fifty prayers per day, this number was reduced to five, while retaining the reward of fifty — a mercy emphasized in authentic Hadith.
This makes Salah unique among Islamic obligations, as it was commanded directly by Allah, not through revelation on Earth. It highlights prayer as the spiritual connection between the believer and Allah, often described as the “Mi‘raj of the believer.”
Historical Context and Divine Wisdom
The Night of Isra and Mi‘raj occurred during the Year of Sorrow, following the deaths of the Prophet’s wife Khadijah (ra) and uncle Abu Talib, and after his rejection in Ta’if. Islamic scholars explain that this miracle served as divine comfort and reassurance, strengthening the Prophet’s resolve.
The event also tested faith. While many Quraysh mocked the story, Abu Bakr (ra) immediately affirmed it, earning the title As-Siddiq (the Truthful).
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Theological Significance in Islam
From an Islamic perspective, Isra and Mi‘raj affirm several core beliefs:
- Allah’s absolute power beyond physical laws
- The honor and status of Prophet Muhammad
- The importance of Jerusalem (Al-Aqsa) in Islam
- The central role of prayer in Muslim life
Mainstream Sunni scholarship holds that the journey occurred both physically and spiritually, based on Qur’anic wording and authentic Hadith narration.
How Muslims Observe the Night of Mi‘raj
While there is no obligatory ritual specific to this night, many Muslims commemorate it through:
- Voluntary prayers (nafl)
- Recitation of the Qur’an
- Reflection on faith and prayer
- Learning and teaching its meaning
Islamic scholars emphasize that the true lesson of Mi‘raj lies not in celebration alone, but in strengthening commitment to Salah and moral conduct.
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Conclusion: A Journey That Shapes Faith
The Night of Isra and Mi‘raj stands as a cornerstone of Islamic belief — a miracle that transcends time, space, and human limitation. Rooted in authentic Islamic sources, it reinforces faith, highlights the sanctity of prayer, and reminds believers that divine support often comes at moments of greatest hardship.
For Muslims, Mi‘raj is not only a historical event, but a living spiritual message — calling the heart upward, just as the Prophet was called to the heavens.
