Prophet Muhammad was at the lowest point of his life. He had lost his beloved wife Khadijah and his uncle, who had nurtured and protected him all through his ordeal. The Makkan society ridiculed and mocked him. “You want us to replace all our gods with One Unseen God”, they laughed. He was boycotted from Makkah, by his own tribe and was stoned at a neighboring city, Taif, a day which he describes as the most difficult in his life.
Prophet Muhammad became very somber. But Allah had other plans for our Beloved Prophet.
The Miraculous Journey.
“Praise be to Allah Who has taken His servant by night from the Sacred Mosque (Makkah) to the Farthest Mosque (Jerusalem).” (Surah Isra 17:1)
Thus are the words of the Qurán. The journey’s significance stems from the fact that when the situation was sorrowful for Prophet Muhammad, he was shown the greatest miracles by his travel to the Heavens, Paradise and Hell. It reinforced the belief that he is indeed the chosen Messenger and that the promise of afterlife is true.
The Prophet’s Night Journey from Mecca to Jerusalem, immediately preceding his Ascension or Al-Miraj, was apparently meant to show that Islam is not a new doctrine but a continuation of the same divine message which was preached by the prophets of old, who had Jerusalem as their spiritual home.
This unique incident also demonstrates Allah’s infinite mercy to the believers. His benevolent gift of prayer gives the believers the privilege of acquiring countless blessings and also forgiveness for their indiscretions.
To appreciate more about Al-Miraj, please view our new release: Al-Miraj - A Night of Advice.
May God’s Peace and Blessings be upon our Beloved Prophet Muhammad!
