MEMORIZING ISRA AND MI'RAJ -- By: Shabrun Jamil (An Ordinary Man, Islamic Counselor at Religious Affair Ministry of Tangerang District)

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.
Assalamu'alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh.

Al-Hamdulillaah Wasshalaatu Wassalaamu 'Alaa Rasuulillaah Muhammad ibni 'Abdillaah
Wa 'Alaa Aalihii Wa Shahbihii Wa Man Waalah.

Ammaa Ba'du.


The Isra and Mi'raj are two parts of a miraculous journey that Prophet Muhammad  Shallallahu 'alaihi Wa Sallam took in one night from Mecca to Jerusalem and then ascended to The 'Arsh. Some of the Hadith scholars stated that the journey is believed to have taken place just over a year before Prophet Muhammad  migrated (Hijra) from Mecca to Madina, on the 27th of Rajab. Most of Muslims celebrate this night by offering optional prayers during this night, and in many Muslim countries, by illuminating cities with electric lights and candles.

Quran Surah Al-Isra verse 1  mentions that the Prophet  was taken from the Ka'bah to the mosque in Jerusalem, and specifies that the purpose of the journey was such that The Almighty Allah might "show him some of His signs". Beyond this, The Quran does not concern itself with any detail. However, according to Hadith reports, Jibril took the Prophet  at night from the Ka'bah to the mosque in Jerusalem on  Buraq (the vihicle used for the journey of Isra and Mi'raj). On reaching Jerusalem the Prophet  along with other Prophets offered Prayers. (Al-Nasa'i, Sunan, Kitab as-Salah, 'Bab Fard al-Salah wa Dhikr Ikhtilaf al-Naqilin). Jibril then took him to the heavens and the Prophet  met several great Prophets in different heavenly spheres. (See al-Nasa'i, Sunan, Kitab as-Salah, 'Bab Fard al-Salah').

Eventually, he reached the highest point in the heavens and was graced with an experience of the Divine Presence. The Prophet  on that occassion received a number of directives including Prayers of obligatory five times a day. (Al-Bukhari, Kitab Manaqib al -Ansar, 'Bab al-Mi'raj ; K. al-Tawhid, 'Bab Kallama Musa Taklima').  Afterwards, the Prophet  returned from the heavens to Jerusalem, and later on to the Holy Mosque in Mecca. Numerous reports on the subject reveal that the Prophet  was also enabled on this occasion to observe Heaven and Hell. (Al-Bukhari, Kitab as-Salah, 'Bab Kayfa Furidat al-Salah fi al-Isra' and Ibn Hisham, Sirah, vol. I, p. 404)

According to authentic reports, when the Prophet  narrated the incidents of this extraordinary journey the following day to the people in Mecca, the unbelievers found the whole narration utterly amusing. (Muslim, Kitab al-Iman, 'Bab Dhikr al-Masih ibn Maryam). In reality, even the faith of some Muslims was shaken because of the highly extraordinary nature of the account. (See Ibn Hisham, Sirah , vol. I, p.398 and al-Qurtubi, comments on verse 1 of the surah).

The incredible occurance of Isra and mi'raj has become the trial and measure of our faith in responding to the prophetic experience that we think is beyond the common sense of the people. By playing with our mind, we will be tempted not to believe in isra and mi'raj. But with the firmness of faith, we will increase the firmness of our faith.

SUBHAANAKALLAAHUMMA WA BI HAMDIKA ASYHADU ALLAA ILAAHA ILLAA ANTA ASTAGHFIRUKA WA ATUUBU ILAIKA.