Introduction:
“Glory be to (Allah) who took His servant for a journey by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque whose precincts we have blessed, in order that We might show him some of Our Signs: for He is the one who Hears and Sees.” (Quran, 17:1).
The above verse refers to Prophet Muhammad’s (s.a.w.w) miraculous night journey to the Mosque of Baitul Muqaddas, Jerusalem (referred to as “Isra”) and from thence to the Seventh Heavens and unto Sidratul Muntaha or “the Lot Tree of the farthest limit in Paradise” (53:14) (referred to as “Miraj”).
When did it happen?
The first Miraj happened in Makkah, on the 27th night of Rajab one or three years before Hijrah. The Prophet (s.a.w.w) was in the house of Umm Hani when the Arch Angel, Jibraeel, came with a heavenly ride, Buraq, which had the features of half horse, half human. The Prophet (s.a.w.w.) first visited the Mosque of Baitul Muqqadas, and then proceeded towards Heavens, ending at the farthest point of heavenly creation, termed Sidratul Muntaha. During the course of his journey, he visited all the Seven Heavens and saw the wonders of Creation that none had ever seen, or will ever see or experience. He met all the prophets of the past at various stations. All took place in less than a day; when he returned, his bed was still warm from his prior night’s sleep.
According to the traditions from Ahlul Bayt (A.S.) and the thinking of the majority of Muslims, Miraj was a physical experience. It was NOT a dream or a spiritual vision. Those who believe that Miraj was only a spiritual experience depend on two sources: Bibi Aiysha and Muawiya. Bibi Ayisha went in the house of the Prophet in Medina after Hijra. The incident of Miraj happened in Makkah. She herself must have been day dreaming when she narrated this tradition! Muawiya was still a polytheist when Miraj took place. He is therefore a source that can be best rejected as being frivolous.
Significance of this Event:
When Masoomeen were asked as to why the Prophet (s.a.w.w) was called upon to go through this journey, they gave the following explanations:
- To grace those places where he went by his physical presence;
- To let him have a physical knowledge of the creations for which he was Mercy of Allah, so that when he talked about them, he did it with complete knowledge, having visited them physically.
One thing that really happened at this juncture was the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) was formally told that he would have one day to proclaim Imam Ali (a.s) as his immediate successor, i.e., the Wilaya of Imam Ali was proclaimed in the Heavens, and the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) was instructed to prepare his Ummah for that. As for the gift that he brought for his Ummah, it was the daily prayers, the Salaat.
For the followers of Ahlul Bayt, the belief that Miraj was a physical experience is an integral part of their faith.
Miraj celebration:
This occasion is celebrated by fasting in those Islamic circles that have so far remained immune from Wahhaby “virus”. Special prayers have been recommended by Masoomeen on the night and day of Miraj-THE OF BESAT. Also fasting on this day of BESAT is highly recommended.