Shab-e-Mehraj: The Miraculous Journey to the Heavens by the Beloved Prophet
1. Shab-E-Mehraj: An Overview
Shab-
E- Mehraj, refers to one of the blessed
nights and one of the best gifts granted to Prophet Mohammad (Sallallahu Alayhi
Wa Sallam) by Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala). Another term used for Shab-E-Meraj
is Asra wal Mehraj. The term "Isra'' in Arabic denotes travelling
at night, while "Meraj'' signifies rising and ascending. It is a night
filled with divine blessings, subliminal messages, and profound revelations.
Being a gifted occasion for the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam), it
carries tremendous value and significance for all Islamic brothers and sisters.
It commemorates the Meraj Night, during which our beloved Holy Prophet Muhammad
(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) performed a miraculous journey from Masjid
al-Haram (the house of Allah where
Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages are
performed) to Masjid Al-Aqsa (in Palestine), and then ascended through the
seven skies to meet Allah (the Greatest).
2. History of Shab-e-Mehraj
The
Holy Prophet’s Mehraj (ascension) to the heavens took place on the 27th day of
Rajab. He embarked on this spiritual journey to meet the Creator of the
Universe, Allah the Almighty. The celestial event occurred during a period of
profound hardship and anguish for the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam),
with the passing away of two of the most beloved individuals in his life.
The
journey began with the angel Jibrayeel (A.S.) and our beloved Prophet Muhammad
(Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) advancing towards Masjid al-Aqsa in Palestine.
Arriving at Masjid Al-Aqsa, he met Allah's other messengers, and our beloved
Prophet led two Rakat Namaz with them. From there, Jibrayeel (A.S.) led our
beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) to a celestial creature
named 'Al-Buraq, through the seven heavens. Here, our dear Prophet encountered
angelic beings, witnessed heavenly wonders, and received revelations during
this spiritual sojourn. He was joined by a gathering of prophets and messengers
who came before him. The messengers who met the Holy Prophet included Hazrat
Adam (Alaihissalam), Isa Alayhissalam, Hazrat Yusuf (Alaihissalam), Hazrat
Idrees (Alaihissalam), Hazrat Haroon (Alaihissalam), Hazrat Musa
(Alaihissalam), and finally Hazrat Ibrahim (Alaihissalam). The messengers who
met the Holy Prophet included Hazrat Adam (Alaihissalam), Isa Alayhissalam,
Hazrat Yusuf (Alaihissalam), Hazrat Idrees (Alaihissalam), Hazrat Haroon
(Alaihissalam), Hazrat Musa (Alaihissalam), and Hazrat Ibrahim (Alaihissalam) (click for a picture).
Throughout
Mehraj Night, Jibraeel (Alayhissalm) guided Buraq, prompting our beloved
Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) to pray at significant locations. This
mystical flight underscores the importance of visiting places where Allah
(Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) bestows His blessings upon the pious, particularly His
holy prophets and messengers. The prayers included moments near the tree where
Allah spoke to Musa (A.S.) on Mount Sinai, the place where the Holy Book—the
Torah—was revealed to Hazrat Musa Alaihissalam, then at his grave, and finally
at Bethlehem, the birthplace of Hazrat Isa (A.S.). Upon reaching Masjid
al-Aqsa, the Prophet Mohammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) learned that the
souls of all the prophets, spanning from Adam to Isa Alaihissalam, were to pray
behind him. Hence, it revealed the superiority of our beloved Prophet Mohammad
(Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and established him as the IMAM-UL-AMBIYA or
SARDAR-UL-AMBIYA (the leader of all previous Prophets and Messengers).
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3. Shab-e-Mehraj in the Qur’an |
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This event of Shab E Mehraj in the Quran is mentioned as such:
"Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to
al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our
signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing." (Quran, 17:1). |
4.
Reaching Baitul Mamur
During
the journey of Shab-e-Meraj, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was shown
Bait-al-Ma’mur (Kaaba of the Angles), where 70,000 angels perform prayers daily
and do the tawaf, and when they leave, they never return to it (but always a
fresh batch comes). It is positioned directly above the Kaaba in the seventh
heaven; it can be located just beneath Allah’s Arsh. It is the house over the
heavens parable to the Kaaba at Makkah. The pious journey of Shab-e-Meraj by
the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) ended on Baitul Ma’mur.
5.
Entering Sidratul Muntaha
Reaching
the highest heavens, Prophet Mohammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) entered the Sidratul
Muntaha, a boundary beyond which none, not even the angels, may pass.
Jibrayeel (A.S.) departed from him there, and the Prophet Mohammad (Sallallahu
Alayhi Wasallam) continued the journey even higher. This transcendent
experience concluded with the Prophet's (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam's) return
to Masjid Al-Aqsa and then back to Makkah on Al-Buraq.
6.
Receiving Three Gifts from Allah Almighty
During
the ascension, Prophet Mohammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) received three
gifts:
1.
The obligation of five daily
prayers,
2.
The final part of the chapter of
Surah Al-Baqarah
3.
The assurance of forgiveness for
the sins of his Ummah (except those guilty of interceding with Allah).
Upon
returning, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) shared the Meraj event with
his companions, who believed him wholeheartedly. The purpose of this
transcendental ascension was to elevate the holy Prophet Muhammad's (Sallallahu
Alaihi Wasallam's) status in Islam. Thus, Shab-e-Meraj provides an
opportunity to reflect on its lessons, increase worship and good deeds, and
embody charitable values to aid those in need.
7.
Showcasing the Magnificence of Prophethood
Shab-e-Meraj symbolises the love of Allah for his beloved
Prophet Mohammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam’s). His ascension to divine
proximity established his role as the final and most beloved messenger of
Allah. The night also serves as a reminder of the Prophet Mohammed's (Sallalahu
Alaihi Wasallam‘s) unwavering faith in the face of adversity.
The
heavenly journey showcased the magnificence of his prophethood. Not only does
Shab-e-Mehraj serve as a testament to the miraculous nature of the
Prophet Mohammed Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam’s prophethood, but it also
exemplifies his rank and closeness to Allah. It is believed that during this
celestial flight, the Prophet Mohammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)
received important revelations, instructions, and blessings from Allah
Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala, further strengthening his mission of prophethood and
affirming the authenticity of Islam.
8.
Shab-e-Meraj: Multiple Spiritual Lessons for Believers
Shab-e-Mehraj holds multiple spiritual lessons for believers. It
emphasises the importance of faith and belief in the unseen. The journey itself
was a miraculous event, demonstrating the omnipotence of Allah. It encourages
believers to have a strong belief in Allah's guidance, particularly during
times of difficulty and hardship.
Moreover,
Shab e Meraj reinforces the role of prayers and the role they play in
connecting with Allah. The Prophet Mohammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) led
the prayers of all the prophets, highlighting the unity of the message of
Islam. It serves as a reminder for Momineen (believers) to prioritise their
connection with Allah through regular worship and supplication.
This
night serves as a reminder of the rewards and blessings that await those who
follow the teachings of Islam. The Prophet Mohammad (Sallallahu Alayhi
Wasallam) was granted unique experiences during his journey. The journey
exemplifies the ultimate reward of paradise for those who remain steadfast in
their faith during the most difficult times.
9.
Combining the Umrah Pilgrimage with Shab-e-Meraj
Shab-e
Meraj is a time for seeking
forgiveness and repentance. The combination of Shab-e Meraj's virtues with the
performance of Umrah in the sacred month of Rajab creates a synergistic approach
to spiritual elevation. A deep connection with our beloved Prophet Muhammad
(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and with the principles and values of Islam as
taught by him.
When
one embarks on Umrah tours with the will of Allah Almighty, there is no
greater opportune moment than the night of Shab-e Meraj for a believer (umrah
pilgrim) to sincerely acknowledge their mistakes in private, seeking
forgiveness from the Merciful Allah. You shed tears of repentance and atonement
within the sacred walls of the House of Allah (Baitaullah Shareef), enveloped
in the noor (divine light) and sakeena (bliss) of Shab-e Meraj.
Again,
the umrah encounter with Shab-e Meraj in the last Ashra of Rajab
provides the seeker of Allah's blessings with a dedicated period for
self-reflection and repentance, contributing to a renewed sense of spiritual
purity. Furthermore, while performing Umrah in the time of Shab-e Meraj,
pilgrims may seriously be inspired and committed to walk in the footsteps of
their beloved Prophet Mohammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Not to say, the
journey can give them a better understanding of Islamic history and hence
reinforce their commitment to the faith of Islam.
10.
Conclusion: Embracing the Essence of Shab-e-Mehraj
Believing
in the unseen, as told by the Holy Prophet Mohammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa
Sallam), is the most essential Iman of the entire Muslim Ummah. Believing and
embracing this spiritual essence of Shab-E-Meraj is a profound way to
deepen our connection with Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala. Embarking on a
transformative journey to become a perfect momin, or mominah, is the message of
this monumental event. Through reflection and observation, we can learn
valuable lessons from this spiritual event.
Shab-e-Mehraj serves as a reminder of the Prophet Mohammed Sallalahu
Alaihi Wasallam's unwavering faith and commitment to his mission, even in
the face of adversity, and inspires us to adhere to his teaching. It motivates
us to strive for spiritual and moral elevation in our personal lives. That is
the only way believers can seek closeness to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala and the
attainment of higher levels of consciousness.
In
the end, the key lesson behind Shab-E-Meraj is that just as Prophet
Mohammad Sallalahu Alayhi Wasallam set out on a miraculous journey from
Makkah to Jerusalem and ascended to the heavens, this night reminds believers
to strive for spiritual elevation. It encourages them to embark on their own
inner journey, seek to purify their souls, strengthen their faith, and elevate
their spiritual state.
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