It’s an auspicious night for all our Muslim friends and this detail of it, comes to me from dear Fatima from South Africa. All our good wishes and prayers..

Love

Amitabh Bachchan

Summarised Jumu’ah Bayaan:

Mi’raaj: The Night Journey

“Glorified be He (Allah), who took His slave (Muhammad salallahu alayhi wasalam) for a journey by night from Masjid Al-Haram (in Makkah) to the farthest Masjid (in Jerusalem), the precincts whereof we have blessed: in order that we might show him (Muhammad salallahu alayhi wasalam) of our signs. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer.” (17:1)

• Al-Israa and Mi’raaj are among the many signs of Allah Ta’ala and the miracles of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasalam which took place very different from any other natural occurrence in the Universe. No person before him ever travelled within such a short space of time covering a vast distance then moving on to the seven heavens until a point where Allah Ta’ala desired to take him to.

• This miraculous journey is primarily referred to in two distinct stages: Al Israa’ - which was the journey which began in Masjid Al-Haram where Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasalam embarked upon the unique white animal from Jannah called ‘Al-Buraaq’ with Jira’eel alayhis salaam and they proceeded to Masjid Al-Aqsa, whilst passing through Madinah Al-Munawwarah and Mount Sinaa’. The second stage in known as Mi’raaj, which was the journey from Masjid Al-Aqsa into the heavens.

• The wisdom behind this journey was establishing the transitory nature of this world with all its beauties and amenities; and consolidating the everlasting trait of the Life Hereafter.

• The object of this journey was not merely for Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasalam to be taken on journey into the Heavens simply to witness the various dimensions of Allah’s creation therein; rather it was to affirm his superiority, leadership role and virtue above all the other Ambiyaa alayhi mussalaam.

• Some of the lessons of this event:
1. The Virtue of Salaah: The importance of the great gift of Salaah is evident from the fact that the Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasalam was personally called to the Heavens to receive this injunction, while other injunctions were revealed via Jibraeel alayhis salaam.

2. Zam Zam Water: Whilst in Masjid Al-Haraam in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, the blessed chest of Nabi salallahu alayhi wassallam was opened, his heart was removed and washed with the water of Zam Zam, and thereafter it was replaced to its original condition. Its excellence is evident in that no other water was used for this purpose.

3. The Harms of disobedience: During this journey Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wassallam was shown the different punishments meted out to those who transgress the orders of Allah Ta’ala. This included, among others, the punishment for those who do not practice what they preach, those who slander, those who consume interest, those who indulge in fornication and adultery, those who misappropriate trust, those who do not fulfill their Zakaah and also those who are negligent with their salaah.

• This journey also served as a means of encouragement and uplifting the morale of the Messenger of Allah salallahu alayhi wassallam, as it took place at a time in his life when he together with his companions were faced with a severe onslaught against their lives and faith, while frustration and a sense of loosing hope began to surface.

• The historical significance of Masjid Al-Aqsa and its precincts also was enlightened during this journey, as it was here and no other place, which had chosen for the assembly of the entire galaxy of Ambiyaa alayhis salaam.

• Although the Shariah has NOT specified any form of worship or commemoration of this event, at this time of the year, historically Muslims recall the lessons learnt from it and encouragement is given towards inculcating the lessons learnt from this miraculous occurrence.