AL-ISRA AND Al-MI'RAJ

AL-ISRA AND Al-MI'RAJ

Summary of Events

PART 1

(The Miraculous Night Journey from Makkah to the Farthest Mosque in Jerusalem, and the Ascent through the Spheres of Heavens)

The story of 'the Night Journey' as we see in the Noble Qur'ân is epitomised in the first verse of the Sûrah Isra'(Chapter 17 - The Journey by Night)

"Glorified be Allah Who enabled His slave, (Muhammad), for a journey by night from Masjid al-Haram (in Makkah) to Masjid al-Aqsa(in Jerusalem), the neighbourhood whereof We blessed, in order that We might show him(Muhammad) of our Ayat(proofs, evidences,signs etc.). Verily, He is the All-Hearer ,the All-Seer." This journey is also confirmed in the sahih(authentic) hadith. As such, there is scholarly consensus (ijma) that Prophet Muhammad(Peace and blessings be upon him) journeyed in body and soul on the night of al-Isra' from Masjid al-Haram in Makkah to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem and to the heavens beyond.

As for its exact date, it is still controversial and no common consent has been reached. However, the majority of jurists is in favour of a date between 16-12 months prior to migration to Madinah. The following is a epitome of the details of that miraculous event narrated on the authority of Ibn Al-Qayyim.

The Messenger of Allâh (Peace and blessings be upon him) was carried in body from the Sacred Mosque in Makkah to the Distant Mosque in Jerusalem on a horse called Al-Buraq in the company of Gabriel(Jibraeel-alaiyhis salaam), the archangel. There he alighted, tethered the horse to a ring in the gate of the Mosque and led the Prophets in prayer. After that Gabriel(Jibraeel-alaiyhis salaam) took him to the heavens on the same horse. When they reached the first heaven Gabriel(Jibraeel-alaiyhis salaam) asked the guardian angel to open the door of heaven. It was opened and he saw Adam(Peace be upon him), the progenitor of mankind. The Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) saluted him and he welcomed him and expressed his faith in Muhammad(Peace and blessings be upon him)'s Prophethood. He saw the souls of martyrs on his right and those of the wretched on his left.

Some of the Things witnessed during Me'raj

PART 2

Moosa (Alaihis salaam) performs Salaah in his Grave
It is related by Hadrat Anas (Radiallahu anhu) that Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, "On the night in which I was taken on the journey, I passed by Moosa (Alaihis salaam) and he was performing salaah in his grave." (Sahih Muslim Pg.268 Vol.1)

People's Lips Slashed with Shears
Anas (Radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, "On the night of Mi'raaj, I saw some people whose lips were being slit with scissors of fire. I asked Jibraeel who these people were and he replied that they are the khateebs who command people to do good deeds while forgetting their own selves." In another version of this Hadith it says, "They are the sermonizers (of your ummah) who say such things which they themselves do not do. They read the Book of Allah, without themselves practising upon it." (Mishkaatul Masaabih Pg.438)

People Scraping their Chests with their Fingernails
Anas (Radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, "When I was taken up during the Me'raaj, I passed by people who had fingernails of copper and they were raking their own faces and chests with them. I asked Jibraeel (Alaihis salaam) who they were and he replied that they were those who used to eat the flesh of others (i.e. slandered them) and attacked their reputations." (Abu Dawood, in Mishkaat p.249)

The Miserable Plight of those who Consume Interest
It has been narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radiallahu anhu) that Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, "On the night of Mi'raaj, I passed by people with bellies as huge as houses (in which people stay) and inside their bellies were snakes which were visible from the outside. I asked Jibraeel (Alaihis salaam) who they were. He replied that they were those who consume interest (usury)." (Mishkaatul Masaabih Pg.246)

Angels Emphasize the Importance of Cupping
Abdullah bin Mas'ood (Radiallahu anhu) narrates: "Among the things described by Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) about the journey of Mi'raaj was that every group of Angels he passed by, urged him to instruct his ummah to practise cupping." (Mishkaatul Masaabih p.389 from Tirmizi and Ibn Maajah)

In the past, the custom of cupping was very much in vogue among the Arabs. It is a way of letting out bad and excess blood from the body and a sovereign remedy for many diseases. People have abandoned having faith in this practice today. Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) used to have his head and the area between his shoulders cupped. (lbid)

The Reward of the Mujaahidoon (i.e. those who strive in the path of Allah)
Abu Hurairah (Radiallahu anhu) reports that Nabi (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) was travelling with Jibraeel (Alaihis salaam) when they passed by a group of people who were sowing seeds in the ground and harvesting the crops on the same day. Immediately thereafter, the seeds would again be sown into the ground and the entire process would be repeated. When Nabi (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) asked Jibraeel(Alaihis salaam) who these people were, he informed him that they were those who strive in the path of Allah. The reward for their every good deed would be multiplied seven hundred times and whatever they spent, Allah Ta'ala would certainly reward them for it.

People's Heads Crushed with Rocks
Nabi (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) passed by another group of people whose heads were being crushed with boulders. After becoming smashed, their heads would again resume their original shape, only to be crushed again. This process would continue ceaselessly. When he asked jibraeel (Alaihis salaam) who they were, he replied that they were those people who were neglectful of their salaah. During the time of salaah, they would remain asleep.

The Despicable State of those who withhold their Zakaah
Then he passed by another group of people whose private parts, from the front and behind, were wrapped in rags and they were grazing like camels and cattle. They were eating Daree'(a thorny plant of the fire of Jahannam) and Zaqqoom( a most bitter and foul smelling tree growing at the bottom of Jahannam) and the smouldering stones of Jahannam. Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) asked who these people were and Jibraeel (Alaihis salaam) replied, "They are those who do not discharge the zakaah of their wealth."

People Eating Spoilt Meat
Thereafter Nabi (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) passed by a group of people in front of whom was some cooked meat in a pot. In another pot nearby, was some raw and decayed meat. These people were eating the decayed meat and leaving the cooked meat untouched. Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) asked Jibraeel (Alaihis salaam) who they were, and he replied that they were those men of the ummah, who, despite having their own lawful and pure wives, would spend the night in the company of adulteresses and despicable women, and remained with them till the morning. And they were those women of the ummah who had left their lawful and pure husbands to spend the night with adulterous and evil men.

A Person Carrying a huge bundle of wood
Then, Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) passed by a man who was struggling to carry a very large bundle of wood which he was unable to bear, yet he wanted to carry even more. When Nabi(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) asked who he was, Jibraeel (Alaihis salaam) replied that this was the person who had been a trustee of people's possessions, but he had failed to discharge the trust. And yet, he was eager and willing to take on more of the things of people in trust.

An Ox Attempts to Enter a Tiny Opening
Thereafter, they came upon a tiny opening from which a huge ox emerged. After making its appearance, the ox wanted to return into this small hole. Nabi(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) asked who this was and Jibraeel (Alaihis salaam) replied that this was the person who, after having uttered some very serious and sinful words, was full of remorse and wished to retract them but was unable to do so.

The Fragrance of Jannah
Then Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) reached a valley from which a very beautiful fragrance emanated. The smell was of musk and it possessed a voice. Nabi(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) asked, "What is this?" Jibraeel (Alaihis salaam) replied that it is the voice of Jannah saying, "O My Lord! Bring to me those people who have been destined to stay in me, and fulfill your promise."

Hearing the Shriek of Jahannam
Then, Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) passed by another valley from which an unbearable voice could be heard. When he asked about it, Jibraeel (Alaihis salaam) replied that it was Jahannam imploring Allah saying, "Make over to me the people who have been destined to dwell in me, and fulfill your pledge."

A shaitaan Trails Them
In the Muatta of Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi alaih), there is a Hadith narrated by Yahya bin Sa'eed, that on the night of Mi'raaj, Nabi(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) saw a rebellious jinn pursuing him with a flame of fire. Whenever he would turn(to the right or left), he would catch sight of this Jinn. Jibraeel (Alaihis salaam) said, " Should I not teach you some words which, if recited, will extinguish this fire and cause him(the Jinn) to fall down on his face. Upon request of Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) , Jibraeel(Alaihis salaam) recited the following words:

" Aoozu biwajhil laahil kareem wabi kaleematil laahit-taam-maati-lati la-yu-jaa-wizu-hunna barrun wala-fa-jir. Wa-min sharri ma-yanzilu minas-samaa. Wa-sharri maa-ya'ruju fie-haa, Wa-sharri maa-dha-ra-a fil-ardi, Wa-sharri maa-yakh-ruju min-haa. Wa-min fita-nil-layli wan-nahaar. Wa-min tawaa-ri-qil-layli wan-nahaar, illa taa-ri-qann yat-ruq bi-khair. Ya-Rahmaan."

Salaams from Ibrahim(alaiyhis salaam) to the Ummah of Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam)

Abdullah bin Mas'ud(Radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, "On the night of Mi'raj, I met Hazrat Ibraheem(alaiyhis salaam) and he said to me, O Muhammad ! Convey my salaam to your Ummah and inform them that undoubtedly the soil of Jannah is pure, its water is sweet, its ground is barren and its plants are: "Subhanallahi walhamdulillahi wala ilaha illallaahu wallaahu akbar."

TWO OTHER GIFTS BESIDES SALAAH
On the night of Mi'raaj, apart from the gift of salaah and the promised reward of fifty salaah in lieu of five, among other bounties of Allah is the:

1. Revelation of the last few verses of Surah Al Baqarah (i.e. from " Aa-manar-rasoolu bimaa un-zila ilayhi mir-rab-bihee wal-mu'-minoon....till the end).
2. Sins forgiven of the ummah of Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam): At the same time, it was also announced that the major sins of those in the ummah of Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) who do not ascribe partners with Allah will be forgiven. (Sahih Muslim p. 97 Vol. 1). This means that they will not suffer eternal punishment on account of their major sins, but will instead be pardoned either through tawba (sincere repentance) and istighfaar (seeking the forgiveness of Allah), or after first being punished for their sins.(An Nawawi).

What is the Buraaq and what were it's features ?

PART 3

The name "Buraaq" is derived from the word "bareeq" which means "white " in Arabic. According to another view, its origin lies in the word "barq " which means "light", the speed of which is well-known; hence the name Buraaq.

From the narrations of Hadith, it is clear that before Nabi(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam), other Prophets too had travelled upon it. For instance, Imaam Baihaqi relates in his Dalaa-ilun Nubuwwah (p.390 vol.2) that Nabi(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: "Other Prophets used to ride on it before me. "

The Prancing of the Buraaq in excitement and the reason for it
In the Sunan of Tirmizi, on the commentary of Surah Al lsraa, it is narrated that Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, "On the night of my journey, when the Buraaq was brought before me in a bridled and saddled state, it began to prance about. Jibraeel said to it, 'How dare you prance before Muhammad ? Nobody more honoured and beloved to Allah than Muhammad has ever ridden on your back before him.' When it heard this, the Buraaq immediately began to perspire heavily (and became submissive)."

It is mentioned in Dalaa-ilun Nubuwwah that Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, "No sooner did the Buraaq begin to prance, Jibraeel twisted its ears and helped me mount it. (Dalaa-ilun Nubuwwah (p.355 vol.2)". In some narrations, it is mentioned that when Nabi(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam), reached Baitul Maqdis, Jibraeel (Alaihis salaam) carved a hole in the wall with his fingers and tied the Buraaq around it." (Ibn Katheer)

The reason for the excitement of the Buraaq
Some scholars believe that the Buraaq was excited because it was being used after a long time. Even during the period of Fatrah (i.e. the period in between the advent of Jesus-Eesa (Alaihis salaam) and Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) nobody had ridden upon it. It was now overjoyed at this newly-found privilege.(Fathul Baari Pg.207 Vol.7). Other scholars believe it to be on account of its sense of pride and ecstasy at the prospect of being honoured with the Last and the Noblest of all Prophets(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam). This was similar to the occasion when Nabi(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam), accompanied by Hadrat Abu Bakr, Hadrat Umar and Hadrat Usmaan (Radiallahu anhum) were on Mount Thabeer when it began to shudder. "Be still! " he ordered the mountain, 'for standing upon you is a Nabi, a Siddeeq, and two Martyrs." (Mishkaat p.562 from Tirmizi and Nasaee)

Certainly it is within the power of Allah Ta'ala to have transported Nabi(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) without the agency of the Buraaq. But He did so purely in order to honour and exalt him. Since travelling without a vehicle would have obviously meant that the journey would have had to be undertaken on foot, and travelling in a vehicle is far more dignified, Nabi(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) was taken by means of a conveyance." .(Fathul Baari Pg.206 Vol.7).

To Baitul Maqdis on the Buraaq and upto the heavens by a ladder
When Nabi(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) left Makkah for Baitul Maqdis, Jibraeel (Alaihis salaam) accompanied him on the back of the Buraaq. He sat in the front, as a guide, and seated Nabi(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) behind him..(Fathul Baari Pg.208 Vol.7). Like this, they travelled on the Buraaq until they reached Baitul Maqdis and performed two rakaat salaah each there. Then Nabi(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam)led the Ambiyaa (Alaihimus salaam) in salaah.

When Nabi(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) set out for the heavens, a ladder of extraordinary beauty was lowered before him. According to some narrations, one ladder was of gold, and another of silver, while another narration adds that they were also studded with pearls. As they journeyed upwards by the ladder, Nabi(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) was escorted on his right and left by a procession of angels until they arrived in the heavens and had the doors opened there.

BAABUL HAFAZAH(The Gate of the Guardians)
It has been recorded that the gate to the first heaven is called Baabul Hafazah and that an angel named Ismaeel has been appointed over it. This angel has twelve thousand angels under his charge and each one of these angels in turn has another twelve thousand angels under his command. After mentioning this, Nabi(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) recited the following verse: " And nobody knows the armies of your Lord except He." (Qur'an 74:31) - (Fathul Baari Pg.207-208 Vol.8- Seerah ibn Hisham).

Meeting the keeper of Jahannam in the first heaven and seeing Jahannam
When Nabi(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam), entered the closest sky, every angel he met there, greeted him with great joy, and prayed (dua) for his well-being. However, there was one angel among them, who, despite meeting Nabi(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) and making dua for him, did not smile. When he asked Jibraeel (Alaihis salaam) who this angel was, he replied, "This is Maalik, the keeper of Jahannam. If he were ever to smile at anyone before or after you, he would certainly have smiled when meeting you. But (truly) he does not smile."

Nabi(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) requested Jibraeel to tell him to show him Jahannam. Jibraeel (Alaihis salaam) said, "O Maalik! Show Muhammad the fire of Jahannam." He lifted the lid of Jahannam and immediately the flames of the fire leapt from the top. Nabi(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, "O Jibraeel! Tell him to order Jahannam back to its place." At the instruction of Jibraeel (Alaihis salaam), the angel at once ordered the fire back to its place and replaced the lid over it.

What is the Sidratul Muntahaa ?

PART 4

In the narrations of Hadith, the names Sidratul Muntahaa and As- Sidratul Muntahaa in both the forms have appeared while in the Qur'an Majeed, it is described only as Sidratul Muntahaa. The word "Sidrah " in Arabic means "a lote tree ", while "Al-Muntahaa " denotes "furthest" or "a place of ending".

Why was this name given to the tree?

In Sahih Muslim it is recorded that Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: "Every order of Allah that descends from above, comes to an end there, and every deed of man which rises from the earth towards the heavens, comes to a halt at this point. " In other words, whenever an order of Allah is issued, it first stops there before descending upon the earth, and the deeds of man from below first stop there and are then lifted above.

It has already been mentioned that Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said that it was adorned with objects of such resplendent beauty that none of the creation of Allah Ta'ala is able to describe its absolute elegance and splendour. Another Hadith, describes that it was bedecked with golden moths.(Sahih Muslim Vol.1). Concerning this tree, it has also been mentioned in the Hadith that it is so huge that a rider could ride for up to hundred years under the shade of its branches, or that a hundred horsemen are able to roam under its shade. (Mishkaat p. 498)

ENTERING JANNAH AND BEHOLDING THE RIVER OF KAUSAR
Hadrat Anas bin Maalik (Radiallahu anhu) reports that Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said,"While walking in Jannah, I suddenly found myself along a river. On both its banks were domes of pearls that were empty in the centre (i.e. the whole dome consisted of just one pearl). I asked Jibraeel (Alaihis salaam) what this was and he replied that it was the river of Kausar which Allah has bestowed upon me. When I took a closer look at it, I noticed that the soil (beneath the water), was an immensely fragrant musk." (Sahih Bukhaari)

THE PURE HEART OF NABI(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) WASHED WITH ZAM ZAM IN A GOLDEN TRAY
In the Ahaadith on the incident of Mi'raaj, it has also been recorded that the blessed chest of Nabi(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) was opened, and his heart removed and washed in the water of Zam Zam, and then replaced and restored to its original condition. In today's modern, scientific age, when the practice of surgery has become an ordinary everyday occurrence, this is not at all difficult to believe. And since Zam Zam was used to wash the noble heart of Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam), we can clearly understand the merit and excellence of this water. The Hadith also mentions that the heart of Nabi(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) was filled with Imaan, and Hikmah (wisdom). What this means, is that the overwhelming power of Imaan in Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) and the wisdom in his heart was reinforced and enhanced in order to fortify him with strength and power required for his magnificent journey into the heavens.

Some Lessons from Mi'raaj- Synopsis

PART 5 ( final )

1. Sublime Position of Salaah: The greatest gift given on this miraculous journey on Mi'raj was the gift of salaah. The importance of this great gift is evident by the fact that the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyh wassallam) was called personally to the heavens and beyond to receive this injunction, whereas most other injunctions were given on earth via Jibraeel(alaiyhis salaam). Moreover, the fact that Jibraeel(alaiyhis salaam) descended the very next day after Mi'raj to teach Nabi(sallallahu alaiyh wassallam) the finer points of the method of salaah, highlights it's importance.
2. Neglect of Salaah: During Mi'raj, Nabi (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) passed by a group of people whose heads were being crushed with boulders. After becoming smashed, their heads would again resume their original shape, only to be crushed again. This process would continue ceaselessly. When he asked Jibraeel (Alaihis salaam) who they were, he replied that they were those people who were neglectful of their salaah. During the time of salaah, they would remain asleep.
3. Salaah with congregation: We notice that Nabi (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) performed salaah in congregation with all the Ambiya in Masjidul-Aqsa. This also illustrates the importance of salaah in congregation. Besides the warnings on discarding salaah with the congregation, many virtues have also been mentioned for observing salaat with congregation. Abdullah bin Umar(radhiallaha anhu) reports that Nabi (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, " Salaah performed in congregation exceeds the salaah performed individually(in reward) by twenty five times." (Sahih Bukhari Vol.1)
4. Zamzam Water: In the incident of Mi'raaj, it has also been recorded that the blessed chest of Nabi (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) was opened, and his heart removed and washed in
   the water of Zam Zam, and then replaced and restored to its original condition. In today's modern, scientific age, when the practice of surgery has become an ordinary everyday occurrence, this is not at all difficult to believe. And since no other water was used, but the Blessed water of Zam Zam was used to wash the noble heart of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam), we can clearly understand the merit and excellence of this water.
5. Importance of Masjidul Aqsa in Islam: The fact that Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) was taken to this Glorified Masjid and not to any other Masjid to perform salaah and lead the Ambiyaa, illustrates the pivotal role it plays in the life of a Muslim. In a hadith narrated by Hazrat Anas(R.A.): Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) has said that "the reward for salaah in his Masjid(Masjidun Nabawi) and in that of Masjidul Aqsa is of 50 000 prayers, but the reward of salaah in the kaaba is equal to a 100 000 prayers." (Ibn Majah)
6. Some Meritorious recitations given during Mi'raj:
1. Revelation of the last few verses of Surah Al Baqarah (i.e. from " Aa-manar-rasoolu bimaa un-zila ilayhi mir-rab-bihee wal-mu'-minoon....till the end).
2. Increase recitation of 3 rd Kalimah: Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, "On the night of Mi'raj, I met Hazrat Ibraheem(alaiyhis salaam) and he said to me, O Muhammad ! Convey my salaam to your Ummah and inform them that undoubtedly the soil of Jannah is pure, its water is sweet, its ground is barren and its plants are: "Subhanallahi walhamdulillahi wala ilaha illallaahu wallaahu akbar."
7. Admonitions and Punishments witnessed during Mi'raj: During this journey Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) was shown the different punishments meted out to those who transgressed and were dis-obedient. These experiences serve as a warning to the Ummah to refrain from dis-obedience and those actions that displease Allah Subhana Wata'ala.
1. Refrain from Teaching without practicing: Punishment for this is "lips were being slit with scissors of fire- they are the khateebs who command people to do good deeds while forgetting their own selves."
2. Refrain from Slandering: Punishment for this is "people who had fingernails of copper and they were raking their own faces and chests with them."
3. Refrain from Consuming Interest: Punishment for this is "people with bellies as huge as houses (in which people stay) and inside their bellies were snakes which were visible from the outside."
4. Refrain from fornication and adultery: Punishment for this is: " These people were eating the decayed meat and leaving the cooked meat untouched."
5. Refrain from Abusing peoples trust: Punishment for this is: " A man who was struggling to carry a very large bundle of wood which he was unable to bear, yet he wanted to carry even more."
6. Refrain from witholding Zakaat: Punishment for this is: "They were eating Daree'(a thorny plant of the fire of Jahannam) and Zaqqoom( a most bitter and foul smelling tree growing at the bottom of Jahannam) and the smouldering stones of Jahannam."
7. In short all these punishments were shown to Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) so that he may warn mankind to abandon sin and transgression and encourage mankind to obedience and goodness. It is through His Divine Mercy that Allah Ta'ala has shown these incidents to mankind, so that one has the opportunity, now in this world to mend one's ways before it is too late.
8. To believe and practice un-conditionally as Hazrat Abu Bakr(R.A.) did: It was belief that distinguished Abu Bakr as-Siddiq and placed him in a rank never to be equalled or surpassed by any of the companions or those who would come after them. Abu Bakr(R.A.) was known by the nickname 'as-Siddiq (the believer)' more than his real name. He gained that nickname because he immediately and unconditionally believed in what the prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said about his journey to the heavens. Abu Bakr(R.A.) had based his Imaan on his belief and practiced accordingly; Abu Bakr(R.A.)'s belief is that the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is the Informer. His practice of that was based upon the fact that Allah is the Legislator. Allah Ta'ala says, 'The Messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from His Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books and His Messengers. (They say), 'We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers' and they say, 'We hear, and we obey. (We seek) Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the return (of all).' (2:285) The lesson for us, the Muslims, is that if it is in the Qur'an or reported authentically as a Sunnah, then we should believe in it, and act upon it.

In Summary:

The Sahaba(radhiallahu anhum), however fully appreciated the gift of Mi'raj. They would never forego any salaah without any valid excuse to such an extent that a person who could not walk to the Masjid would be carried by two Sahaba and brought to the Masjid to perform salaah in congregation.

Furthermore, we learn from the incident of Mi'raj, the importance of us strictly refraining from all vices and sins; especially those mentioned( adultery, consuming interest, speaking lies etc.). We should try to please our Glorious Creator and try our best not to transgress His Divine laws in anyway. At the same time, it was also announced that the major sins of those in the ummah of Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) who do not ascribe partners with Allah will be forgiven. (Sahih Muslim p. 97 Vol. 1). This means that they will not suffer eternal punishment on account of their major sins, but will instead be pardoned either through tawba (sincere repentance) and istighfaar (seeking the forgiveness of Allah), or after first being punished for their sins.(An Nawawi).

We also understand, that from the incidents narrated, that the successful believer will attain Jannah and all the promised luxuries that are within it. Description of Jannah, the Damsels of Jannah and the various splendours have all been shown to our beloved Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) as an encouragement for the righteous.

This is what the Sahaba have preserved regarding Mi'raj. This is what they practiced upon and propagated to others. Hence it is imperative that we take heed of these aspects and act accordingly.

END