The Night Journey and Ascension: A Critical Academic Perspective on Isra’ and Mi’raj

 

The event of Isra’ and Mi’raj (The Night Journey and Ascension) stands as one of the most profound metaphysical experiences in the history of Islam. Far from being a mere miraculous tale, it represents a pivotal strategic and spiritual transformation in the Prophetic mission. Occurring during the "Year of Sorrow" (‘Am al-Huzn), this journey served as both a divine consolation for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and a cosmic expansion of the Islamic message.

​1. Etymological and Scriptural Foundations

​The event is academically categorized into two distinct yet interconnected phases:

​Al-Isra’: The horizontal nocturnal journey from the Sacred Mosque in Makkah to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. This is explicitly documented in the Quran: "Exalted is He who took His Servant by night..." (Surah Al-Isra, 17:1).

​Al-Mi’raj: The vertical ascension from Jerusalem through the seven heavens to the utmost boundary, Sidrat al-Muntaha. This phase is alluded to in Surah An-Najm.

​2. Geopolitical and Spiritual Significance of Jerusalem

​The selection of Jerusalem as the gateway between Earth and Heaven carries deep symbolic weight:

​The Unity of Prophethood: By leading all previous Prophets in prayer, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) demonstrated the continuity of the monotheistic message and the transition of spiritual leadership to the final Ummah.

​Sacred Linkage: Connecting Makkah and Jerusalem established a permanent religious bond, making the protection of Al-Aqsa an integral part of Islamic identity.

​3. The Institution of Salah (The Divine Mandate of Prayer)

​Unlike other Islamic pillars revealed on Earth, Salah was mandated in the Divine Presence during the Ascension. From an academic standpoint, this distinction highlights:

​Centrality of Worship: Prayer is viewed as the "Ascension of the Believer," a direct, timeless connection with the Creator.

​Discipline and Order: The journey reinforced a systematic approach to time and devotion, essential for the structural development of the early Muslim community.

​4. Psychological Resilience: From Hardship to Elevation

​The journey followed a period of intense persecution and personal loss (the deaths of Khadija and Abu Talib). Analysis shows that the Mi’raj acted as a divine psychological reinforcement. By witnessing the vastness of the heavens and the ultimate reality, the Prophet’s (PBUH) perspective was elevated above the terrestrial struggles of the Quraysh, strengthening his resolve for the challenges ahead.

​Conclusion

​The Isra’ and Mi’raj is not merely a historical relic; it is a declaration of the spirit's triumph over material constraints. It serves as a reminder that the Islamic message is universal, transcending geographical and temporal boundaries. For the modern reader, it emphasizes that divine support often manifests at the height of human extremity.

Academic References

​The Holy Quran: (Surah Al-Isra, 17:1 / Surah An-Najm, 53:1-18).

​Ibn Hisham: The Life of Muhammad (Sirat Rasul Allah), Oxford University Press edition.

​Al-Mubarakpuri, S.: The Sealed Nectar (Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum), Dar-us-Salam Publications.

​Ramadan, Tariq: In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons from the Life of Muhammad, Oxford University Press.