God the Almighty bestowed on His Beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) a miracle — al- Israa’ wal- Mi’raj (the Night Journey & Ascension) — in order that his honor be increased and that he be revealed one of His grand signs. God the Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an:
“Holy is He Who carried His bondman by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Aqsa Mosque around which We have put blessings that We may show him Our grand signs; No doubt, He is the Hearing, the Seeing.” [Qur’an. 17: 1] and: “By the lovely shining star Muhammad, when he descended from the Ascension (Meraj). Your companion neither went astray nor misled. And he speaks not of his own desire. That is not but the revelation that is revealed to him. He was taught by one possessing mighty powers. Possessor of strength. Then that splendid sight proceeded. And he was on the highest horizon. Then that splendid sight drew nearer, then he came close well. So, there was a distance of two hands between the Splendid sight and the beloved (Prophet) but rather less than that. Now He revealed to His bondman whatever He revealed. The heart lied not in what he saw. Do you then dispute with him concerning what he has seen? And indeed, he saw that Splendid sight twice. Near the farthest Lote-tree. Near which is the Garden of Eternity. When that was covering the Lote-Tree, which was covering. The eye deviated not, nor crossed the limit. Certainly, he saw very big signs of his Lord.” [Qur’an. 53: 1-18]
Examination of the Prophet’s Night Journey and Ascension in Islamic literature
A majority of Islamic scholars are in agreement with the fact that the Mi’raj occurred spiritually as well as physically, as the Holy Qur’an clearly points this out in the aforementioned verse using the word ‘abdihi’ [which means His servant/bondman] which incorporates both soul and body. The Qur’an as well as the Prophetic Traditions (Ahadith) discuss the occasion of Mi’raj.
Yet some scholars raise doubts regarding whether the Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a dream or a reality. Most believe in the physical nature of the Prophet’s journey and Ascension, which occurred when he (PBUH) was fully conscious. Those who claim otherwise (that the Mi’raj was only spiritual, not physical) are incorrect in their claim, as God the Almighty is All-Powerful and can raise His Prophet in soul as well as body up to His Arsh (God’s Throne). Although the Ascension and Night Journey are implicitly and overtly discussed in the Holy Qur’an, the Ahadith discuss them more clearly.
Throughout this blessed Journey, the Angel Jibrail (Gabriel) escorted the Prophet (PBUH), who was transported to the Baitul Maqdis and beyond on a Heavenly animal — the Buraq — that is described as larger in size than a donkey but smaller than a mule. The Buraq enabled the Messenger of God (PBUH) to cover vast distances swiftly, a feat no ordinary animal could achieve. At Baitul Maqdis were congregated all of God’s Prophets (who came previously to the earth, to guide mankind), who then prayed behind the greatest and last of His Prophets — Muhammad (PBUH). Subsequently, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ascended to the 7 Heavens, where he met with the Prophets Adam, Ibrahim, Musa, Yahya, Yaqub, Haroon, Isa, and other Prophets (May the Blessings and Peace of God be upon them).
Beyond the seven Heavens, the Prophet (PBUH) ascended to the Sidrat-al-Muntaha (Lote Tree marking the seventh Heaven’s utmost boundary), which he crossed and conversed with God the Almighty. On the occasion of Mi’raj, the five obligatory prayers were prescribed for all Muslims, a blessing from God specific to the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as the Ummahs of the previous Prophets had to perform fifty compulsory prayers. Thus, the Prophet (PBUH) completed a miraculous physical and spiritual journey to his Lord and back (Rahman, 2012).
The following reasons may be cited from literature (Qur’an and Hadith) to prove the Mi’raj was both a physical and a spiritual experience:
a) “His mind and heart in no way falsified what he saw” (Quran 53:11).
All verses of the Holy Qur’an are a Wahy (revelation), which is no dream, or spiritual experience or conjecture, but a reality, a message from God the Highest to His Prophet (PBUH), conveyed through the Angel Jibrail.
The Prophet (PBUH) used to narrate his dreams to his Sahaaba (companions) in the morning: He never said the Night Journey and Ascension was a dream. Furthermore, Qur’an 53: 10 mentions the phrase “Asra bi’Abdihi” (abdihi – “His servant”) which must comprise soul as well as body. If it was only the Prophet’s soul that experienced Mi’raj, God would have used the word “Ruh” in the aforementioned Ayah. (The soul departs from the body upon death). Hence, the Prophet (PBUH) went physically to the Heavens.
b) Umme Hani (May God be pleased with her) reported that when she awoke that night, the Prophet (PBUH) wasn’t in his bed, and on searching for him, he couldn’t be found. If the Mi’raj was a dream, or spiritual experience or vision, he would not have left his bed.
c) On his return to earth, the Prophet (PBUH) was asked: “Oh Rasulgod ((Blessings and Peace of God be upon you), how did the earth look from up there?” He replied: “A dinar in a sea of sand.” In those days, nobody was aware that our earth was globular in shape, within a galaxy. What astronauts found only some years back was seen and related by the Prophet (PBUH) nearly fifteen centuries ago!
d) Verse 17:1 of the Qur’an offers another proof regarding the physical nature of the Prophet’s (PBUH) Ascension; God says: “Glory to (God) who did CARRY His servant…” Were it a vision or a dream or a spiritual experience, there would have been no need to have the Buraq transport him, as animals and all other means of transport do not transport the soul or spirit, but actual physical BODIES.
e) Hence, denying that the Mi’raj was a reality and an actual physical journey means denying the Prophet (PBUH) and the Word of God (i.e. the Holy Qur’an) (Ahmad, 2002).
Its significance to Muslims:
The Meraj — a Physical Ascent
Some salient aspects regarding the Ascension (Mi’raj), the journey the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) undertook on 27th Rajab (the 7th Islamic month), in the year prior to migrating to al-Madinah al-Munawwarah (Yathreb), at 52 years of age, will clear the mind of all doubts regarding the physical nature of the Prophet’s ascent, in complete consciousness, wakefulness, and alertness. This event marked a key milestone in Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) life, and has become a very significant reminder of God’s special consideration for the Ummah of Muhammad (PBUH), in reducing the daily prayers to five times.
a) On this day, God the Almighty honored his beloved Prophet (PBUH) by calling him up to the Heavens, showing him all in the cosmos, and tutoring him in numerous sciences. (Einstein’s relativity theory can explain how two hours spent in space are equivalent to several years on earth). The Prophet (PBUH) said he spent twenty-seven years in the Nightly Journey and Ascension, while his bed on earth was still warm when he returned).
b) On this day, it was made mandatory for Muslims to perform Salah (prayer) 5 times a day. The daily prayers were reduced from 50 times to 5 times specifically for the Ummah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), with the reward for 5 times of prayer being equivalent to that of 50 times of prayer.
c) On this day, a very important conversation between God and His Messenger (PBUH) took place, which Muslims recite several times a day in the tashahhud (the Declaration of Faith) in their prayers, when they sit in qa’da following the second sajdah (prostration). The tashahhud is also called A-tahiyyat (i.e., greetings), as the Prophet (PBUH) greeted His Lord on his own behalf as well as on that of his Ummah (followers).
The Prophet’s (PBUH) chest was reported to have been opened, and his heart was removed, washed by the angels and reinserted into his body. After crossing the seven Heavens, accompanied by Angel Jibrail (Alaih — is — Salam), meeting the other Prophets (Blessings and Peace of God be upon them) and reaching the lote-tree of the seventh Heaven (Sidratul muntaha), Jibrail and the Prophet parted as the former claimed his wings would burn if he dared go further. Here onward, the Prophet (PBUH) journeyed alone until he reached a distance of two bow-lengths (i.e., roughly 100 to 150 yards) (Qabi Qawsain Q53:9), from the Arsh (Throne) of God the Almighty, and presented his greetings to his Lord. Their conversation ran thus:
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): Greetings to God, and all praises and reverence.
God (Glorified and High is He): Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and Mercy and Blessings of God.
The Prophet (PBUH): Peace be upon us and upon all the righteous servants. I bear witness that there is no deity to be worshipped except God.
God: I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.
Then all Angels and everyone else present within the Heavens echoed the following: O. God, shower thy blessings on Muhammad and on his descendants.
This conversation is repeated several times daily in Salah during tashahhud, thereby being a constant reminder of Mi’raj.
The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Prayer is the Mi’raj of the Mu’minin.” (The term ‘Mu’minin’ refers to Muslims who, with strong conviction, declare as well as practice faith).
References
Ahmad, J. (2002). Prophet Muhammad’S Physical Ascension (Me’Raj) To the Heavens In The Light Of Science and the Qur’An. Al-Ameen, 4(1).
Rahman, H. (2012, October 11). Prophet Muhammad’s (PUBH) Me’raj (Ascension). Retrieved from http://hafizur-nyc.blogspot.com.ng/2012/10/prophet-muhammads-pubh-miraj.html
Are you busy and do not have time to handle your assignment? Are you scared that your paper will not make the grade? Do you have responsibilities that may hinder you from turning in your assignment on time? Are you tired and can barely handle your assignment? Are your grades inconsistent?
Whichever your reason is, it is valid! You can get professional academic help from our service at affordable rates. We have a team of professional academic writers who can handle all your assignments.
Students barely have time to read. We got you! Have your literature essay or book review written without having the hassle of reading the book. You can get your literature paper custom-written for you by our literature specialists.
Do you struggle with finance? No need to torture yourself if finance is not your cup of tea. You can order your finance paper from our academic writing service and get 100% original work from competent finance experts.
Computer science is a tough subject. Fortunately, our computer science experts are up to the match. No need to stress and have sleepless nights. Our academic writers will tackle all your computer science assignments and deliver them on time. Let us handle all your python, java, ruby, JavaScript, php , C+ assignments!
While psychology may be an interesting subject, you may lack sufficient time to handle your assignments. Don’t despair; by using our academic writing service, you can be assured of perfect grades. Moreover, your grades will be consistent.
Engineering is quite a demanding subject. Students face a lot of pressure and barely have enough time to do what they love to do. Our academic writing service got you covered! Our engineering specialists follow the paper instructions and ensure timely delivery of the paper.
In the nursing course, you may have difficulties with literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, critical essays, and other assignments. Our nursing assignment writers will offer you professional nursing paper help at low prices.
Truth be told, sociology papers can be quite exhausting. Our academic writing service relieves you of fatigue, pressure, and stress. You can relax and have peace of mind as our academic writers handle your sociology assignment.
We take pride in having some of the best business writers in the industry. Our business writers have a lot of experience in the field. They are reliable, and you can be assured of a high-grade paper. They are able to handle business papers of any subject, length, deadline, and difficulty!
We boast of having some of the most experienced statistics experts in the industry. Our statistics experts have diverse skills, expertise, and knowledge to handle any kind of assignment. They have access to all kinds of software to get your assignment done.
Writing a law essay may prove to be an insurmountable obstacle, especially when you need to know the peculiarities of the legislative framework. Take advantage of our top-notch law specialists and get superb grades and 100% satisfaction.
We have highlighted some of the most popular subjects we handle above. Those are just a tip of the iceberg. We deal in all academic disciplines since our writers are as diverse. They have been drawn from across all disciplines, and orders are assigned to those writers believed to be the best in the field. In a nutshell, there is no task we cannot handle; all you need to do is place your order with us. As long as your instructions are clear, just trust we shall deliver irrespective of the discipline.
Our essay writers are graduates with bachelor's, masters, Ph.D., and doctorate degrees in various subjects. The minimum requirement to be an essay writer with our essay writing service is to have a college degree. All our academic writers have a minimum of two years of academic writing. We have a stringent recruitment process to ensure that we get only the most competent essay writers in the industry. We also ensure that the writers are handsomely compensated for their value. The majority of our writers are native English speakers. As such, the fluency of language and grammar is impeccable.
There is a very low likelihood that you won’t like the paper.
Not at all. All papers are written from scratch. There is no way your tutor or instructor will realize that you did not write the paper yourself. In fact, we recommend using our assignment help services for consistent results.
We check all papers for plagiarism before we submit them. We use powerful plagiarism checking software such as SafeAssign, LopesWrite, and Turnitin. We also upload the plagiarism report so that you can review it. We understand that plagiarism is academic suicide. We would not take the risk of submitting plagiarized work and jeopardize your academic journey. Furthermore, we do not sell or use prewritten papers, and each paper is written from scratch.
You determine when you get the paper by setting the deadline when placing the order. All papers are delivered within the deadline. We are well aware that we operate in a time-sensitive industry. As such, we have laid out strategies to ensure that the client receives the paper on time and they never miss the deadline. We understand that papers that are submitted late have some points deducted. We do not want you to miss any points due to late submission. We work on beating deadlines by huge margins in order to ensure that you have ample time to review the paper before you submit it.
We have a privacy and confidentiality policy that guides our work. We NEVER share any customer information with third parties. Noone will ever know that you used our assignment help services. It’s only between you and us. We are bound by our policies to protect the customer’s identity and information. All your information, such as your names, phone number, email, order information, and so on, are protected. We have robust security systems that ensure that your data is protected. Hacking our systems is close to impossible, and it has never happened.
You fill all the paper instructions in the order form. Make sure you include all the helpful materials so that our academic writers can deliver the perfect paper. It will also help to eliminate unnecessary revisions.
Proceed to pay for the paper so that it can be assigned to one of our expert academic writers. The paper subject is matched with the writer’s area of specialization.
You communicate with the writer and know about the progress of the paper. The client can ask the writer for drafts of the paper. The client can upload extra material and include additional instructions from the lecturer. Receive a paper.
The paper is sent to your email and uploaded to your personal account. You also get a plagiarism report attached to your paper.
GET A PERFECT SCORE!!! 
Delivering a high-quality product at a reasonable price is not enough anymore.
That’s why we have developed 5 beneficial guarantees that will make your experience with our service enjoyable, easy, and safe.
You have to be 100% sure of the quality of your product to give a money-back guarantee. This describes us perfectly. Make sure that this guarantee is totally transparent.
Read moreEach paper is composed from scratch, according to your instructions. It is then checked by our plagiarism-detection software. There is no gap where plagiarism could squeeze in.
Read moreThanks to our free revisions, there is no way for you to be unsatisfied. We will work on your paper until you are completely happy with the result.
Read moreYour email is safe, as we store it according to international data protection rules. Your bank details are secure, as we use only reliable payment systems.
Read moreBy sending us your money, you buy the service we provide. Check out our terms and conditions if you prefer business talks to be laid out in official language.
Read more