Night Journey of Muḥammad (Miʿrāj)

Night Journey of Muḥammad (Miʿrāj)

Definition

The Night Journey (Al-Isrā’ wal-Miʿrāj) is a miraculous event in Islamic tradition in which the Prophet Muhammad is said to have been taken on a nocturnal journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and then ascended to the heavens. This journey is detailed in Islamic texts and holds profound theological and spiritual significance.

Etymology

Miʿrāj (المعراج) derives from the Arabic root “ʿaraj” (عرج), which means “to ascend.” The term reflects the ascension part of the journey, during which Prophet Muhammad is believed to have risen through the seven heavens.

Al-Isrā’ (الإسراء) refers to the first part of the journey, where the Prophet is said to have traveled by night from the Kaaba in Mecca to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. The word “Isrā’” comes from the Arabic root “s-r-y” (س ر ي), meaning “to travel by night.”

Arabic and Turkish Translations

• Arabic: الإسراء والمعراج (Al-Isrā’ wal-Miʿrāj)
• Turkish: İsra ve Mirac

Scriptural Basis

1. Qur’anic Reference:

   • The journey is briefly alluded to in the Qur’an, Surah Al-Isra (17:1):

   1"Glory be to Him who took His servant by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque, whose precincts We blessed, in order to show him of Our signs. Surely He is the Hearing, the Seeing."
   

2. Hadith Literature:

   • Detailed accounts of Miʿrāj can be found in various Hadith collections, including Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, where the Prophet describes his nocturnal journey and heavenly ascent.

Significance in Islam

Theological Importance

The Miʿrāj symbolizes the closeness of Prophet Muhammad to Allah and is seen as a divine endorsement of his prophethood. The journey showcases the prophet’s elevated status and reinforces the messages he brought to humanity.

Rituals and Practices

1. Lailat al-Miʿraj:

   • Muslims commemorate this night on the 27th of Rajab, marking it with prayers, recitations from the Qur’an, and acts of devotion.

2. Salah (Prayer):

   • The five daily prayers (Salah) were formalized during this journey, making Miʿrāj a cornerstone for Islamic ritual life.

Further Reading

• Books:

  • “Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources” by Martin Lings
  • “The Miraculous Night Journey and the Ascension” by Muhammad Ibn Ali al-Arabi
  • “Islam: A Short History” by Karen Armstrong

• Articles:

  • “The Night Journey and Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad” in the Encyclopedia of Islam
  • “Miʿrāj: The Miraculous Night Journey” by Dr. Ingrid Mattson

Takeaways and Conclusion

The Night Journey and Ascension (Miʿrāj) of Prophet Muhammad is a foundational event in Islamic belief, underscoring the Prophet’s unique status and the divine guidance inherent in Islam. It underscores the significance of Salah (daily prayers) and serves as a spiritual source of inspiration for Muslims worldwide.

The event is not only a testament to the miraculous experiences of the Prophet but also an essential aspect of Islamic theology and practice. It continues to be commemorated and reflected upon, highlighting the deep religious and spiritual heritage of Islam.

Understanding the Miʿrāj enhances one’s appreciation of Islamic rituals, beliefs, and the extraordinary experiences of the Prophet Muhammad that continue to inspire Muslims today.