Miʿrāj (معراج‎) - The Ascension of Prophet Muhammad

Miʿrāj (معراج‎)

Definition

Miʿrāj (معراج‎) – Literally meaning “an ascent” in Arabic, the term refers to the miraculous night journey and ascension of Prophet Muhammad to the heavens, as detailed in Islamic tradition. It is often referred to alongside Isrā (الإسراء), the nocturnal journey.

Etymology

The word Miʿrāj (معراج‎) is derived from the Arabic root “ع-ر-ج” which means “to ascend” or “to rise.” In Turkish, the term is similarly used as Mirac.

The Event

The Miʿrāj is understood to have occurred in the twelfth year of Prophet Muhammad’s prophethood during the Islamic month of Rabīʿu ʾl-Awwal. The journey started from the sacred mosque in Mecca (Masjid al-Ḥarām - المسجد الحرام‎) to the farthest mosque in Jerusalem (Masjid al-Aqsā - المسجد الأقصى‎).

Qur’anic Reference

The only direct reference to this event in the Qur’an is in Sūrah Al-Isrāʾ (17:1):

<p>&ldquo;<em>Praise be to Him who carried His servant by night from the Masjid al-Ḥarām (sacred mosque) to the Masjid al-Aqsā (farthest mosque), whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him Our signs.</em>&rdquo;</p>

Detailed Account in Hadith

According to the Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ, the event unfolds as follows:

1. Preparation and Cleansing: While Muhammad was asleep, Archangel Gabriel (Jibrīl) appeared, opened his chest, and washed his heart with Zamzam water, filling it with faith and wisdom.
2. The Ride on Burāq: A supernatural creature named Burāq, described as white and larger than a donkey but smaller than a mule, was brought for Muhammad to ride.
3. Journey Through the Heavens: Muhammad ascended through the seven heavens, meeting various prophets:
   • First Heaven: Adam
   • Second Heaven: John (Yahyā) and Jesus (ʿĪsā)
   • Third Heaven: Joseph (Yūsuf)
   • Fourth Heaven: Enoch (Idrīs)
   • Fifth Heaven: Aaron (Hārūn)
   • Sixth Heaven: Moses (Mūsā), who wept as Muhammad passed him.
   • Seventh Heaven: Abraham (Ibrāhīm)
4. Sidrat al-Muntahā: Reaching the “Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary,” described with unique fruits and leaves.
5. Divine Commands and Prayer: Initially instructed with fifty daily prayers, which were subsequently reduced to five at the advice of Moses, creating the obligatory five daily prayers.

Theological Interpretations

The Miʿrāj has different interpretations among scholars:

• Literal Understanding: Some scholars view the event as a literal physical journey.
• Spiritual Vision: Others perceive it as a metaphysical or spiritual vision.

Further Readings

For a more in-depth understanding of the Miʿrāj, consider the following books:

1. “The Ascension of Muhammad (Miʿraj)” by Annemarie Schimmel.
2. “The Night Journey and Ascension in Islam: The Reception of Religious Narrative in Sunni, Shia, and Western Culture” by Christa-Maria Lerm Hayes.

Takeaways

• The Miʿrāj emphasizes the importance of prayer in Islam.
• It signifies an essential moment of spiritual validation and ascension for Prophet Muhammad.
• The event illustrates Prophet Muhammad’s divine connection and serves as a reminder of the prophetic tradition through interactions with previous prophets.

Conclusion

The Miʿrāj holds profound significance in Islamic tradition, symbolizing both a physical and spiritual journey that reinforced the prophetic mission of Muhammad. It underscores the crucial Islamic tenet of prayer and remains a cornerstone of Islamic eschatology and spirituality.

This detailed entry aims to encapsulate the essence and implications of the Miʿrāj, providing a comprehensive overview suitable for reference purposes.