The Story of Isra Miraj and the Gift of Salah

The Story of Isra Miraj and the Gift of Salah: A Journey to the Divine

The event of Isra and Miraj is one of the most significant and miraculous events in Islamic history. It was during this journey that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was granted the gift of Salah, the five daily prayers, which remain an essential part of the Muslim faith.

The story of Isra and Miraj is a profound spiritual event that not only underscores the importance of prayer but also highlights the deep connection between the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Allah. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of this event, focusing on the spiritual lessons and the profound gift of Salah that was given to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during this miraculous night journey.

The Isra and Miraj: An Overview of the Journey

The Isra and Miraj, which took place in the year 621 CE, is a two-part journey that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) experienced in a single night. The journey consists of two distinct phases:

• Isra: The first phase of the journey, which involved the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) travel from the Kaaba in Makkah to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

• Miraj: The second phase, which refers to the Prophet’s ascension from Jerusalem to the heavens, where he experienced an encounter with Allah.

Both events are significant in Islam, not only as miraculous occurrences but also as moments that shaped the direction of the Islamic faith and the practices that are followed by Muslims to this day.

The Story of Isra: The Night Journey from Makkah to Jerusalem

The first part of the journey, known as Isra, was when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was taken by the angel Jibril (Gabriel) from the Kaaba in Makkah to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. This journey took place during the night, and the Prophet (PBUH) was carried on a divine steed named Buraq, a creature described as faster than the speed of light.

Quranic Reference (Surah Al-Isra, 17:1):
“سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَىٰ بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلًا مِّنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَىٰ الْمَسْجِدِ الْأَقْصَىٰ الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ لِنُرِيَهُ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ”
(Translation)
“Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing.”

This verse from Surah Al-Isra recounts the miraculous event of the Isra. Allah (SWT) glorifies Himself, acknowledging the journey taken by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Jerusalem in the span of a single night. This was not only a physical journey but also a spiritual one, where the Prophet (PBUH) was shown the signs of Allah and a glimpse of the Divine.

Upon reaching Jerusalem, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) led the other prophets in prayer at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which symbolizes the connection of Islam to the earlier Abrahamic faiths. This event is symbolic of the continuity of divine messages and the shared purpose of all the prophets in guiding humanity to the worship of the One True God.

The Miraj: The Ascension to the Heavens

After the journey from Makkah to Jerusalem, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ascended to the heavens in what is known as the Miraj. The Prophet (PBUH) was taken on a miraculous ascent from the Al-Aqsa Mosque through the seven heavens, where he encountered various prophets and witnessed the magnificence of Allah’s creation.

During this journey, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encountered the previous prophets of Islam, including Adam, Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), and Isa (Jesus), peace be upon them. Each prophet welcomed the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the final messenger of Allah.

The ascension of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also involved passing through the various levels of the heavens, where he saw the unimaginable beauty and the power of Allah. The Prophet (PBUH) experienced an intimate conversation with Allah, where Allah (SWT) granted him the gift of Salah.

 The Gift of Salah: A Divine Command

One of the most significant aspects of the Isra and Miraj was the gift of Salah. It was during this journey, while the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was in the Divine presence, that Allah (SWT) commanded the Prophet to establish Salah, the five daily prayers.

At first, the number of prayers prescribed was fifty, but after the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) returned to Earth, he was advised by Prophet Musa (PBUH) to request a reduction in the number of prayers. Through multiple intercessions, the number was reduced to five daily prayers, but the reward for these prayers remained fifty.

This event underscores the importance of Salah in Islam, as it was a gift directly from Allah to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and, by extension, to all Muslims. Salah, therefore, is not just a ritual; it is a direct link between the believer and Allah. The five daily prayers serve as a means of spiritual purification, connection, and remembrance of Allah.

The Importance of Salah in the Life of a Muslim

Salah is the second pillar of Islam and holds a central role in the life of every Muslim. It is the most significant form of worship that connects the believer directly with Allah, and it is through Salah that Muslims renew their faith and strengthen their relationship with their Creator.

Salah as a Source of Guidance and Blessings

Salah serves as a constant reminder of Allah’s presence and mercy. By performing Salah five times a day, Muslims align their lives with the rhythm of divine worship. It is not just an act of physical submission but also a spiritual rejuvenation that allows Muslims to remain focused on their faith throughout the day. Salah brings blessings and peace into the life of the believer, providing spiritual tranquility in the midst of the trials of life.

Salah as an Act of Discipline

The five daily prayers also instill discipline and punctuality in the life of a Muslim. By performing Salah at the prescribed times, a Muslim establishes a routine that revolves around worship. This routine promotes a balanced lifestyle and helps Muslims maintain regularity in their faith and actions.

The Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Guidance on Performing Salah

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of Salah in numerous Hadiths. He taught his followers to perform their prayers with sincerity and devotion, ensuring that each movement in Salah was performed with mindfulness and humility.

Hadith Reference (Sahih Muslim, 724):
“الصَّلَاةُ عِمَادُ الدِّينِ”
(Translation)
“Salah is the pillar of the religion.”

This Hadith highlights the centrality of Salah in the practice of Islam. Just as a building cannot stand without its pillar, a Muslim’s faith cannot stand without the foundation of regular prayer.

The Prophet’s Own Devotion to Salah

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was known for his devotion to Salah. He would pray with great sincerity and humility, and his attachment to Salah was such that he would say, “My joy has been made in Salah.” (Sahih Bukhari). He encouraged his followers to be punctual with their prayers, emphasizing that Salah should not be delayed.

The Rewards of Performing Salah

The rewards of performing Salah are immense. Each prayer is an opportunity for the believer to seek forgiveness, show gratitude, and connect with Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mentioned that Salah is a means of purifying the soul and a way to wash away sins. In a famous Hadith, he said:

Hadith Reference (Sahih Muslim, 668):

مَنْ تَوَضَّأَ فَأَحْسَنَ الْوُضُوءَ، ثُمَّ صَلَّى رَكْعَتَيْنِ لَا يُحَدِّثُ فِيهِمَا نَفْسَهُ، غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ.

“If a person performs ablution well, then prays two rak’ahs without being distracted, his sins will be forgiven.”
(Translation)

This Hadith emphasizes the cleansing effect of Salah and the opportunity it provides for believers to purify their hearts and souls.

 The Legacy of Isra and Miraj: A Continuing Blessing for Muslims

The event of Isra and Miraj is a pivotal moment in the history of Islam. Not only did it mark the spiritual elevation of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), but it also marked the moment when the Muslim community received the essential gift of Salah. The five daily prayers, prescribed by Allah, serve as a means for Muslims to remain connected with their Creator, maintain their faith, and seek guidance and blessings.

Salah is not just a ritual, but a divine gift. The Isra and Miraj story reminds Muslims of the profound connection they share with Allah, the mercy He bestows upon them, and the privilege they have in being able to perform the five daily prayers.

Conclusion: The Gift of Salah as a Timeless Blessing

The story of Isra and Miraj is one of the most powerful spiritual events in Islam, marking a turning point in the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and in the practice of Muslims. The gift of Salah, granted during this miraculous journey, is an ongoing blessing for Muslims, providing them with the means to connect with Allah five times a day. It is through Salah that Muslims renew their Iman, purify their hearts, and seek guidance and mercy from Allah.

The Isra and Miraj is a reminder of Allah’s boundless mercy and the importance of regular prayer in the life of every Muslim. As believers, we should strive to uphold the significance of Salah and appreciate it as the invaluable gift that it is, understanding that it is not merely an obligation but a divine privilege to be able to pray to Allah.