The journey of Miraj, derived from the Arabic word "urooj," meaning ladder, consists of three
main parts: Isra, Miraj, and Araj. One night, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was at his cousin
Umm Hani's house when Angel Jibrael came from roof and awoke him. The Prophet mentioned
that this was the fourth time in his life that his heart was dissected but first was washed with
Zamzam water and filled with faith, wisdom, and strength. After cleansing and filling his heart,
Jibraeel sealed it, making the Prophet spiritually prepared for what lay ahead. Jibrael brought
Burraq(a white winged horse-like animal, smaller than a mule and bigger than a donkey) ,and took
the Prophet to Masjid al-Aqsa. This is all mentioned in quran in bani israeel surah which states:
“Glory be to the One who took His servant (Prophet Muhammad) by night from the Sacred Mosque
(al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca) to the Farthest Mosque (al-Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem), whose
surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the seeing."
During the journey, the Prophet saw a woman representing worldly distractions, but Jibrael
warned him not to be swayed.
Upon reaching Masjid al-Aqsa, Jibraeel tied burraq their and all previous prophets were
assembled here. It is said in one of hadith that "When the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings
be upon him, arrived at Bait al-Maqdis (Al-Aqsa Mosque), he saw the assembly of prophets gathered for
him. He thought perhaps Ibrahim (Abraham) or Adam would lead, but Jibraeel took his hand and put
him forward until he led them in two rak'ahs of prayer. This was an honor granted to him, establishing
his position as the leader and seal of all the prophets." He earned the title "Imam al-Anbiya." Jibrael
then presented vessels of milk, wine, and water, and the Prophet chose milk. The Angel said;
"You have been guided by the fitrah". This part of the journey is called Isra.
The Prophet then ascended through the heavens by climbing the ladder (Mi'raj), accompanied by
Jibraeel, meeting different prophets on each level: Hazrat Adam on the first, Hazrat Yahya and
Isa on the second, Hazrat Yusuf on the third, Hazrat Idris on the fourth, Hazrat Haroon on the
fifth, Hazrat Musa on the sixth, and Hazrat Ibrahim on the seventh. The Prophet saw Bait al-
Ma'mur, the Kaaba of Angels, and as mentioned in the hadith, upon inquiring about it, the Prophet
learned that 'Seventy thousand angels perform tawaf around it every day, and they never return, but a
new group comes after them.'"
, Prophet Muhammad experienced a direct encounter with Allah, where Allah gifted the Prophet the
last two verses of Surah Baqarah and the command of five daily prayers (Salah) for his followers.
Originally, fifty prayers were prescribed, but upon the advice of Musa (who suggested that fifty would be
too difficult for the Prophet’s followers), Prophet Muhammad repeatedly returned to Allah to ask for a
reduction, ultimately bringing it down to five daily prayers, which Allah accepted with the reward of
fifty. The Prophet was shown Heaven and Hell before returning to Jerusalem, then to Makkah,
where his bed was still warm and the water of wudu was still flowing.
The next morning, Allah commanded the Prophet to narrate this event to the pagans of
Makkah. They mocked him, but Abu Bakr (RA) affirmed his belief, earning the title "Al-Siddiq."
The Prophet provided detailed descriptions of Jerusalem and predictions about two caravans,
both proving accurate, yet many pagans still rejected his message.
importance
The event of Miraj was a significant and miraculous journey in Islamic history, providing great comfort to
the Prophet Muhammad. After losing his beloved wife, Khadija, and his supportive uncle, Abu Talib, and
facing rejection from Taif, this journey showed him that Allah had not abandoned him, offering him
strength and reassurance.
During Miraj, the Prophet (PBUH) was honored to lead the previous prophets in prayer, affirming his
esteemed role as the Seal of Prophets. Allah also gifted his followers the five daily prayers,enabling
muslim to communicate with Allah. Secondly, the event demonstrated the special protocol for a special
guest as the Prophet was honored in a unique way, with angels and divine interactions. The Prophet
(PBUH) was also shown Paradise and Hell firsthand, providing him with a powerful testimony of the
afterlife. In addition, the direct revelation of the last verses of Surah Al-Baqarah occurred, offering
guidance and reassurance to the believers. It was a miraculous event as within a very short period of
time Prophet travelled to Al- Aqsa mosque and to the seventh heaven, all this is beyond human
comprehension.
