Isra' Mi'raj is among the most extraordinary events in Islamic history, showcasing the miraculous journey of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). This night journey began at Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, extended to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, and culminated in the heavens with the divine meeting with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). Beyond its miraculous nature, this event is rich with lessons for us as Muslims, providing guidance in our daily lives.

Qur'anic Evidence and Hadith on Isra' Mi'raj

The Qur'an references this miraculous event in Surah Al-Isra:

"Glory be to Him who took His servant by night from Masjid al-Haram to the Masjid Al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him some of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing." (Surah Al-Isra: 1)

A narration from Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) adds further insight:

"While I was at the Kaaba, a being came to me, split open my chest, and washed it with Zamzam water. Then my heart was filled with faith and wisdom before I was brought the Buraq to commence my journey." (Bukhari & Muslim)

Lessons and Wisdom from Isra' Mi'raj

This event imparts profound teachings for Muslims, including:

1. The Strength of Faith
2. Isra' Mi'raj was a test of belief. For those steadfast in their faith, this journey affirmed the greatness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and His Messenger (ﷺ). For the doubters, it became a reason to falter. It reminds us to hold firm to faith, even in the face of challenges.
3. The Centrality of Salah (Prayer)
4. During this event, the command to pray five times a day was given directly by Allah. This underscores the irreplaceable significance of Salah in the life of a Muslim. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

"Prayer is the pillar of the religion. Whoever establishes it, establishes the religion, and whoever abandons it, demolishes the religion." (Bayhaqi)

1. Resilience Amid Trials
2. Occurring after the Year of Sorrow, when the Prophet (ﷺ) lost his beloved wife Khadijah and his uncle Abu Talib, this journey served as divine solace. It shows that after hardship comes ease, and Allah’s mercy always prevails.
3. The Status of Masjid al-Aqsa
4. The journey emphasizes the sanctity of Masjid al-Aqsa, a blessed place in Islam, reminding us of our responsibility to honor and protect it.
5. The Distinction of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
6. This event showcased the high status of the Prophet (ﷺ), as he led other prophets in prayer during his ascension and was given unparalleled closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).

Relevance of Isra' Mi'raj Today

In commemorating Isra' Mi'raj, Muslims are called not merely to celebrate but to reflect and act upon its lessons:

1. Deepen Your Salah: View it as a direct connection to Allah and strive for focus and sincerity.
2. Strengthen Your Faith: Recognize Allah’s signs in your life and stay resilient.
3. Promote Unity: Just as the Prophet (ﷺ) united with past prophets, we should strengthen bonds within the Muslim Ummah.

Recommended Supplication on the Night of Isra' Mi'raj

"O Allah, make us steadfast in prayer, patient in trials, and ever closer to You in faith and worship."

Let us use this occasion to rekindle our commitment to faith and emulate the exemplary character of the Prophet (ﷺ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) bless us to internalize and act upon the profound lessons of this miraculous event. Ameen.