Isra & Miraj

Bismillah. 

Assalaamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatu

“Glorified (and Exalted) be He (Allah) (above all that (evil) they associate with Him),Who took His slave (Muhammad SAW) for a journey by night from Al-Masjid-al-Haram (at Makkah) to the farthest mosque (in Jerusalem), the neighbourhood whereof We have blessed, in order that We might show him (Muhammad SAW) of Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, etc.). Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer.” Al-Isra 17:1

The Isra and Miraj refer to, two parts of a miraculous journey that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) took in one night from Makka to Jerusalem and then an ascension to the heavens.

The beautiful and perfect story took place in the ninth year of the Prophet’s mission. It is explained that the angel Jibreel came to him and led the Prophet to al-Buraq (described as a white horse like winged creature from the heavens (“whose each stride stretched as far as the eye could see”) who flew Him with Jibreel from Makaah, to the furthest mosque in Jerusalem, Al-Asqa. The Prophet then was united with Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and other various Prophets as He led them all in prayers. Muhammad (PBUH) was presented a vessel of wine and a vessel of milk. The Prophet chose the milk and Gabriel said, 'You have chosen the true religion'.

On his (PBUH) way, rising through the seven heavens, he again met the various prophets, and his vision of the heavens and of the beauty of those horizons permeated his being. He at last reached the Lotus of the Utmost Boundary (Sidrat al-Muntaha). This was where the Prophet received the injunction of the five daily prayers and Revelation of the verse that established the elements of the Muslim creed (Al-Aqidah):

“The Messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the believers. Each one believes in God, His angels, His books, and His Messengers. We make no distinction between one and another of His Messengers. And they say: ‘We hear, and we obey: [we seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the end of all journeys.” Al-Baqarah 2:285

“Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. Whoever prays during the nights in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. And he who passes Lailat al-Qadr in prayer with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven (Bukhari, Muslim)”.

In just a few short weeks, Muslims from around the globe will begin to practice Ramadan. During this month of Ramadan, we are expected to re-evaluate one-self in accordance to Islamic guidelines. 

I embrace Islam and Ramadan is especially dear to my heart because there was a time when I walked in darkness and Allah (Swt) Al Rahman (The Merciful) led me to the light, the straight path,  to Islam just a  few years ago on a warm summer day just hours before the first day of Ramadan. 

Some said to me “Are you crazy, you decided to convert during Ramadan” or “You picked a fine time to turn Muslim.” The ignorance actually made me smile. It was then that I knew that I was given the best gift of my life which was life at the time. It was a second chance at my life; to have my sins forgiven and to have a clean slate.  For only a true believer would understand where the blessing lies here.

One of the greatest ways to attain purity is to abide by the fourth pillar of Islam which is Sawm or fasting during the month of Ramadan. Sawm (fasting) literally means to “refrain”.  Fasting is not only refraining just from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words.  This means total restraint of your body including your tongue from backbiting, gossiping, etc., your eyes from looking at unlawful things, the ears from listening to anything that may be haram, and the feet from going to sinful places.

"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious).

May Allah give us the heart and spirit to strive for His sake throughout the month of Ramadan and in our daily lives so that we can be truly be amongst the pious.  Ameen.