The Journey of Al-Isra and Al-Miraj from the Quranic Perspective
Research and Preparation: Dr. Muwahib Al-Khatib
Summary
The event of Al-Isra and Al-Miraj is considered one of the miracles of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Belief in its details, as conveyed by the Quran and the Prophet, is among the unseen matters that must be firmly believed in. Allah took His servant on a night journey from the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, then elevated him to the heavens on the Buraq, to the highest point near the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary (Sidrat al-Muntaha), and returned him in the same night. This journey occurred with both body and soul, transcending the limits of time and space. During this journey, the Prophet led the prophets in prayer, and Islam was confirmed as the final religion with which all previous laws were sealed. In this scholarly paper, we explore the journey of Al-Isra and Al-Miraj in light of the Quranic verses, investigate its purpose, and appreciate its literary features. We will also briefly examine what the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described during his experience of Al-Miraj. Furthermore, we compare what is found in Al-Mizan by Allama Tabatabai regarding the important doctrinal issues related to Al-Isra and Al-Miraj, such as the possibility of seeing Allah and the realm of the unseen, including paradise, hell, and the lives of the prophets. We will discuss various views regarding whether the ascension was bodily or spiritual or if it was a dream vision. This paper primarily focuses on the exegesis and narratives rather than philosophical or theological debates. We conclude by addressing a contemporary issue that concerns youth: the compatibility of science with the possibility of Al-Isra and Al-Miraj. We ask Allah and His Messenger to accept this humble effort.
Keywords: Al-Isra, Al-Miraj
- Al-Isra and Al-Miraj in Language
Al-Isra: Refers to traveling by night; in Mikhtar al-Sahhah, “Sari” (to travel by night) is explained as “to travel at night,” with different linguistic variations such as sara, yasri, and masra.
Al-Miraj: Refers to the ladder or means of ascent; ‘araja means to ascend, specifically on a ladder. - In Terminology
The terms Al-Isra and Al-Miraj are commonly used to describe the Prophet’s miraculous night journey to specific places in a manner beyond ordinary understanding. In the Quran, both terms are often used together or interchangeably.
The Quran mentions in Surah Al-Isra:
“Glory be to the One who took His servant by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the surroundings of which We have blessed, to show him Our signs. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing” (Al-Isra: 1).
And in Surah Al-Fajr:
“And by the night when it passes…” (Al-Fajr: 4).
1. Verses that Discuss the Journey of Al-Isra and Al-Miraj
A. In Surah Al-Isra:
“Glory be to the One who took His servant by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the surroundings of which We have blessed, to show him Our signs. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing” (Al-Isra: 1).
B. In Surah An-Najm:
“By the star when it falls, your companion (Prophet) is neither astray nor being misled. He does not speak from his own desire; it is but a revelation revealed to him by one mighty in power (Angel Jibril), who is possessed of vigor. Then he ascended to the highest point, and drew near, so that he was at a distance of two bow-lengths or nearer. And He revealed to His servant what He revealed.” (An-Najm: 1–18).
2. The Journey of Al-Isra and Al-Miraj in Tafseer Al-Mizan
A. Where the research in Tafseer Al-Mizan lies
Allama Tabatabai’s Tafseer Al-Mizan narrates in detail the event of Al-Isra and Al-Miraj, presenting the traditional reports on this event.
B. The Purpose of the Journey of Al-Isra and Al-Miraj
The purpose of the journey is explained in the Quran as: “to show him some of Our signs” (Al-Isra: 1). This reflects the divine purpose of allowing the Prophet to witness extraordinary celestial signs, as alluded to in another part of the Quran: “Indeed, Allah is with those who fear Him and those who do good” (An-Nahl: 128).
C. The surah is enveloped with repetition of glorification, as seen in verses 1, 43, 44, 93, and 108, indicating awe at the divine ability, culminating in praise and glorification: “Say, ‘Praise be to Allah, who has not taken a son, and who has no partner in His kingdom, nor has He any protector from humiliation. And magnify Him with all magnificence.'” (Al-Isra: 111).
The event of Al-Isra and Al-Miraj remains an essential part of Islamic belief, and understanding its full meaning is fundamental to appreciating its significance in the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
