مرحبا بكم في موقع مواقيت الصلاة

Origin of Muslim Prayer: Isra and Miraj

You’ve probably heard of the Isra and Miraj, two important events in Islamic history, but do you know how these fascinating episodes influence the Muslim daily prayers today?

These significant events, which involve a remarkable journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and ascension through the seven heavens, demonstrate the profound roots of Islam’s daily rituals.

This blog post will dive into the story of Isra and Mi’raj, demonstrating how crucial they were in establishing Salat as one of Islam’s Five Pillars. Get ready for an enlightening journey that will help you better understand this beloved faith tradition!

The Story of Isra and Mi’raj: The Miraculous Night Journey

Prophet Muhammad PBUH embarked on a miraculous night journey known as Isra and Mi’raj, ascending through the seven heavens, starting at Makkah, and passing through Jerusalem.

Al-Isra’: From Makkah to Jerusalem

The Al-Isra miracle starts with a strange trip from Makkah to Jerusalem. Prophet Muhammad PBUH went on this spiritual journey at a crucial turning point in Islamic history.

• This miraculous journey began by Prophet Muhammad PBUH at Makkah’s al-Masjid al-Haram.
• The Quraysh tribe, the Prophet’s family, and the community mocked and punished him.
• This period is called the Year of Sorrow (‘Aam al-Huzn), marked by the loss of his wife Khadijah (R.A), and his ancle and protector Abu Talib.
• The negativity reached a climax when the people of Ta’if heartlessly rejected him, inciting their children to stone him.
• According to a hadith, while Prophet Muhammad PBUH was in Mecca, the roof of his house was opened, and Angel Jibril (A.S) opened his chest and washed his heart with zam zam. He also poured a golden tray of wisdom and faith into his heart. Sahih al-Bukhari 349
• Angel Jibril (A.S) presented the Prophet with al–Buraq, a celestial being who accompanied him on his voyage.
• Significant stops along the way included Madinah (the Place of Emigration), Mount Sinai, where Allah SWT revealed His Torah to Musa (A.S), Bethlehem – the birthplace of ‘Isa (A.S), and finally a red sandhill where he saw Musa’s (A.S) grave.
• Finally, he arrived at al-Masjid al-Aqsa in Al-Quds or Jerusalem, where he led all 124,000 Prophets in prayer following two-rakaat prayers known as Tahiyyat al-Masjid. (Some scholars believe this happened before the ascension towards the heavens, and some say it happened after it, and Allah SWT knows best.)
• During this gathering at Masjid Al-Aqsa, notable discussions occurred on essential topics such as “the Hour” – a symbol of the end times – and Dajjal – the deceiving messiah according to Islamic eschatology.
• The Buraq was tied to the western wall of Al-Aqsa, indicating the completion of Al-Isra’s part before beginning with Al-Mi’raj – Prophet Muhammad PBUH’s ascension through seven heavens. Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3132

Al-Mi’raj: From Jerusalem through the Seven Heavens

The ascension of Prophet Muhammad PBUH (PBUH) from Jerusalem through the seven heavens during Al-Mi’raj is a central event in Islamic history and belief. Here’s an outline of this miraculous journey:

• Beginning at al-Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, the Prophet ascended with Angel Jibril (A.S) on a heavenly steed known as Buraq.
• Prophet Muhammad PBUH met Adam, the first Prophet, on the first level of heaven.
• Prophets Jesus (‘Isa) and Yahya met Prophet Muhammad PBUH in the second heaven.
• The ascension continued to the third heaven, where Prophet Joseph (Yusuf) encountered him.
• He met Idris, a prophet revered for wisdom and faith, in the fourth heaven.
• When Prophet Muhammad PBUH arrived in the fifth heaven, he interacted with Harun or Aaron, Moses’ brother.
• In the sixth heaven, he encountered Musa or Moses, who played a crucial role in establishing the five daily prayers for Muslims.
• At the final seventh level of heaven, he met Ibrahim or Abraham and was then taken into the Divine Presence of Allah SWT.
• Allah SWT initially commanded that Muslims pray 50 times a day, but after interactions between Prophet Muhammad PBUH and Musa, it was finally reduced to five daily prayers.
• After these meetings and receiving instructions about Salat (daily prayers), Prophet Muhammad PBUH descended back to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, marking the completion of his journey through the seven levels of heaven.

Reference: Sahih Muslim 164a

The Prophet PBUH Visited Sidrat-ul-Muntaha

He had the incredible opportunity to ascend to Sidrat-ul-Muntaha, often called the Lote Tree of the utmost boundary.

The sight before him was breathtaking: its fruits resembled the jars found near Medina, and its leaves were the size of elephant ears. Gabriel told him about this extraordinary tree, saying, “This is the Lote Tree of the utmost boundary.” (Sidrat-ul-Muntaha) (Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 3887)

He noticed four rivers flowing nearby at the time, two of which were hidden from view, and the other two were visible. Curious, he asked Gabriel about these two types of rivers. “The hidden rivers represent two rivers in Paradise,” Gabriel explained, “while the visible rivers refer to the Nile and the Euphrates.”

This extraordinary encounter left him speechless, and he couldn’t stop telling others about it.

 Sahih al-Bukhari 3887

The Visit to Bait Ul Ma’mur

He was then shown Al-Bait-ul-Ma’mur, also known as the Sacred House. Where 70,000 angels enter daily to worship Allah SWT, and after they come out, they never enter it again.

Then, in front of him were two containers filled with wine and honey. When given the choice, he chose the milk. At this moment, Gabriel commented, “this is the Islamic religion that you and your followers are following.”

This significant encounter left him with a deep understanding of his faith, and he recognized the importance of the Islamic religion for himself and his fellow believers.

Sahih Muslim 164a

Prophet Musa PBUH was correct

When Prophet Muhammad PBUH descended from the heavens after Allah SWT reduced the 50 prayers to only 5, Prophet Musa told him to bargain with Allah SWT for another prayer reduction because the Ummah would be unable to pray it. Prophet Muhammad PBUH responded that he was now embarrassed to negotiate for more.

Prophet Musa’s prediction proved correct, because we struggle to maintain five daily prayers, which could have been fifty.

Why do you think Prophet Muhammad PBUH negotiated a reduction in prayers with Allah SWT? He did this for us, but we don’t value his sacrifice or these prayers as much as we should.

The Scenes of Hell and Paradise

The Blessing of Allah SWT on this Ummah is that Prophet Muhammad PBUH was shown the views of Paradise and Hell so that he could later inform his people about them.

Returning Home: From the Seven Heavens to Makkah

The Prophet Muhammad PBUH’s journey from the Seven Heavens to Makkah marks the conclusion of the sacred event of Al-Isra’ wal-Mi’raj. Here is how the return unfolded:

• Angel Jibril (A.S) escorted Prophet (PBUH) back to Earth after both segments of his miraculous journey.
• They descended first at al-Masjid al-Aqsa before returning to al-Buraq.
• The next stop was the Ka’bah in Makkah, where their journey had begun.
• The Prophet (PBUH) returned to find his bed still warm, indicating that no earthly time had passed despite his celestial travels.
• He prepared himself to share this divine knowledge with others, his heart filled with wisdom and faith from everything he had witnessed.
• On his way back to Makkah, he met a caravan about to arrive at Makkah, and Prophet Muhammad PBUH described their condition to Quraish and informed them about the exact time of the caravan’s arrival.
• The Prophet (PBUH) accurately described several landmarks of Jerusalem to skeptics from the Quraysh tribe in what became known as “The Test,” proving he indeed made such an extraordinary journey.
• Despite some Quraysh tribe members’ initial skepticism, this incredible journey only strengthened belief among those already practicing the Islamic faith.

Reference: Al Raheeq Al Makhtum (The Sealed Nectar) – Chapter Isra And Mi’raj

The Significance of Isra and Mi’raj in the Context of Muslim Prayer

Isra and Mi’raj hold great significance in Muslim prayer as the spiritual journey inspired the command to perform five daily prayers.

The Command to Pray Five Times a Day

Allah SWT commanded Muslims to pray five times daily. Prophet Muhammad PBUH negotiated with Allah SWT to lower the daily prayer count from 50 to five. This remarkable event in Islamic history emphasizes prayer and reminds Muslims to pray throughout the day.

The importance of this obligation is understood by the fact that Allah SWT sent down all his commands through Jibreel A.S to the Prophet PBUH. But prayer was the only command for which Allah SWT called Prophet Muhammad PBUH above the seven heavens, SubhanAllah SWT!

Salah is a Gift

Salah was a gift from Allah SWT to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, which was one of the reasons it was a source of pleasure for him. But we never realize this because we, mostly, regard Salah as a duty rather than a gift.

The Spiritual Significance of Prayer

Prayer has enormous spiritual significance in the context of Isra and Mi’raj and Muslim beliefs. It is a direct way to connect with Allah SWT, seek His guidance, and find inner peace.

Muslims can express their gratitude, seek forgiveness for their sins, and pray for blessings. It is a type of spiritual discipline that instills mindfulness, humility, and sincerity in worshippers.

Bowing down in prayer represents submission to Allah SWT’s will and acknowledgment of His sovereignty. Prayer also serves as a reminder of Prophet Muhammad PBUH’s devotion to Allah SWT during his extraordinary journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and through the seven heavens.

Frequently Asked Questions about Isra and Mi’raj

The event of Isra and Mi’raj is a significant part of Islamic history and belief, often sparking many questions among Muslims and those interested in learning more about Islam. Here are some frequently asked questions about Isra and Mi’raj.

Conclusion

The origin of Muslim prayer, Isra and Miraj, holds great significance in the Islamic faith. Prophet Muhammad PBUH’s miraculous night journey from Makkah to Jerusalem and his ascension through the seven heavens serve as a spiritual reminder for Muslims to establish their five daily prayers.

In commemorating this event of Isra and Mi’raj, Muslims are reminded of the value of seeking spiritual fulfillment through prayer and developing a close relationship with Allah SWT.

FAQs

How do Muslims celebrate Isra and Miraj?

Muslims do not celebrate Isra and Mi’raj because Prophet Muhammad PBUH neither celebrated it nor commanded the believers to engage in such acts. So, whoever does it has participated in Biddah (Innovation), a grave sin.

What are some critical teachings derived from Isra and Miraj?

Isra and Miraj convey essential teachings within Islam, such as the importance of faith, unity among Muslims, devotion to prayer, humility before God, gratitude for blessings received, belief in unseen realities beyond human comprehension, and adherence to prophetic examples.

Why is understanding the origin of Muslim prayer significant?

Understanding the origins of Muslim prayer can help you appreciate Islamic beliefs and practices more fully. It explains how certain rituals have evolved due to profound experiences such as Isra and Miraj, which continue to shape contemporary expressions of faith for millions worldwide.