Muslims around the globe are set to observe Laylat al-Miraj, a significant night in the Islamic calendar that marks Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) miraculous journey to the heavens.

Falling on the 27th of Rajab, the seventh month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Laylat al-Miraj is a time of deep reflection and spiritual connection for Muslims as they prepare for the holy month of Ramadan.

Laylat al-Miraj, translated as the "Night of Ascent," commemorates two key events in the Prophet's life: the Isra and the Miraj. The Isra refers to Prophet Muhammad's nighttime journey from Mecca to Jerusalem, while the Miraj describes his ascension from Jerusalem to the heavens. Together, these events underscore the profound relationship between the Prophet and Allah and offer inspiration to the Muslim community.

The Journey as Narrated in Islamic Tradition

Accounts of the Isra and Miraj are documented in the sources of hadith and the books of siyar (biographies of the Prophet). The narrations in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim provide vivid details of this miraculous event.

One night, while the Prophet was at the Kaaba in Mecca, the Angel Gabriel came to him. Some narrations describe the Prophet as being in a state of sleep or semi-wakefulness. Gabriel opened the Prophet's chest, cleansed his heart with Zam Zam water, and filled it with faith and wisdom. He then brought the Buraq, a heavenly creature resembling a white mule, to transport the Prophet from Masjid al-Haram in Mecca to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem.

At Masjid al-Aqsa, the Prophet led prayers and was presented with two cups by Gabriel: one filled with milk and the other with wine. Upon choosing the cup of milk, Gabriel remarked, "You have chosen the natural disposition." From there, the Prophet began his ascension to the heavens.

Ascension Through the Heavens

During the Miraj, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ascended through the seven heavens, meeting prominent prophets at each level. He encountered Adam, Jesus, Joseph, Idris, Aaron, Moses, and finally Abraham in the seventh heaven. Beyond the seventh heaven lies Sidrat al-Muntaha, a lote tree marking the boundary where no being, not even Angel Gabriel, could pass. However, the Prophet was granted permission to continue.

At this sacred point, Allah revealed several profound directives. Initially, the command for Muslims to pray 50 times a day was given. Upon descending, the Prophet was advised by Moses (AS) to request a reduction, as 50 daily prayers would be challenging for the community. After several intercessions, the number of obligatory prayers was reduced to five daily prayers, a cornerstone of Islamic practice today.

Additionally, the final verses of Surat al-Baqara were revealed to the Prophet during the Miraj, containing reassurances of forgiveness for those who do not associate partners with Allah.

Spiritual Significance and Observances

Laylat al-Miraj serves as a reminder of the Prophet’s spiritual connection with Allah and the responsibilities entrusted to the Muslim community. It also emphasizes the mercy and accessibility of Allah through prayer and forgiveness. Occurring approximately a month before Ramadan, Laylat al-Miraj is a time for Muslims to reflect on their faith, engage in prayer, and prepare for the holy month of fasting.

As Muslims around the world commemorate this sacred night, it stands as a testament to the Prophet’s unparalleled journey and the enduring message of Islam: faith, devotion, and the pursuit of spiritual elevation. (ILKHA)