Some moments in history are not measured by time, but by honor. The night of Miraj begins with one such moment.

A Night Unlike Any Other

Close your eyes for a moment. Imagine Makkah at night. The city is silent. The pain of loss still lingers in the air.

The heart of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ has carried grief no human heart could endure.

This is not an ordinary sleep.
This is the sleep of the most beloved ﷺ of Allah, after a year so heavy that history itself named it ‘Aam-ul-Huzn’ (The Year of Sorrow). And it is from this sacred sleep that the greatest journey ever begins.

Where Was the Prophet ﷺ Sleeping?

According to authentic Sunni narrations, including reports cited by:

  • Imam Ibn Ishaq
  • Imam Bayhaqi
  • Imam Qastalani
  • Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمة الله عليه) in Sirat-e-Mustafa ﷺ

The Beloved Prophet ﷺ was resting in the house of Hazrat Umm Hani bint Abi Talib (رضي الله عنها) — his cousin and sister of Hazrat Ali (رضي الله عنه).

This detail is crucial, because it shows: The journey began in a place of safety and family. Allah chose gentleness before grandeur.

How Did Jibreel (AS) Awaken the Prophet ﷺ?

A Lesson in Adab That Shakes the Heart

Here we must pause — because this is not a normal awakening. According to Sunni scholars, including explanations preserved in Khasa’is al-Kubra (Imam Suyuti), Dalail an-Nubuwwah, and narrations referenced by Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (R.A):

Jibreel (AS) did not call out loudly. He did not shake the Prophet ﷺ.
It is narrated that Jibreel (AS), out of extreme love and adab, gently touched the blessed feet of the Prophet ﷺ with his lips, seeking permission to awaken him.

📌 This is not exaggeration — this is adab. Even the leader of angels knew: This is Muhammad ﷺ — the Beloved of Allah.

What Does This Teach Us?

  • Angels show humility before the Prophet ﷺ
  • Love for the Prophet ﷺ is not innovation, it is angelic Sunnah

Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمة الله عليه) writes in Hadaiq-e-Bakhshish:

“Jibreel bhi adab se ruk gaya,
Jahan Mustafa ﷺ ka maqam aa gaya.”

(Even Jibreel paused in reverence, Where the station of Mustafa ﷺ began.)

The Prophet ﷺ Awakens – With Calm, Not Fear

There was no shock, no confusion. The heart ﷺ that Allah prepared from birth recognized the moment. This itself refutes the claim of those who say Miraj was a dream. Dreams do not require preparation. Reality does.

Ablution Before Ascension – The Lesson of Taharah

Before anything else, Jibreel (AS) guided the Prophet ﷺ to perform wudu. Why? Because physical purity precedes spiritual elevation.

📖 Imam Abu Hanifa (رحمة الله عليه) highlighted:
“Purity is the gateway to nearness.”

From Umm Hani’s House to the Sacred Ka‘bah

Jibreel (AS) then escorted the Prophet ﷺ to the Masjid al-Haram. Not directly to the heavens. Not immediately to glory.

👉 First: The House of Allah. This shows connection to Allah begins with sujood. Miraj is rooted in Salah, not spectacle.

The Opening of the Blessed Chest ﷺ

Now comes a moment beyond human comprehension. According to authentic Hadith narrated in Sahih Muslim, Musnad Ahmad, and Dalail an-Nubuwwah:

  • The chest of the Prophet ﷺ was gently opened
  • His blessed heart was removed
  • And washed with water from Jannah

Not because there was impurity — never. But to increase capacity, not cleanse sin.

This Is Important 🔴
Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمة الله عليه) clarifies: “This washing was izafi (additional honor), not correction.” Meaning: The Prophet ﷺ was already pure. This was preparation for witnessing Divine Signs.
أَلَمْ نَشْرَحْ لَكَ صَدْرَكَ

“Did We not expand for you your chest?”
(Surah Ash-Sharh 94:1)

What Was Removed From the Heart?

Authentic narrations mention ‘Hazz-e-Shaytan’ (any trace of satanic influence — symbolic, not literal). This does not imply the Prophet ﷺ was affected by Shaytan. It means Allah wanted the Ummah to know: Their Prophet ﷺ is divinely protected at every level.

Love of Jibreel (AS) for the Prophet ﷺ

This relationship is not transactional. It is deep love and loyalty.

  • Hazrat Data Ali Hajweri (رحمة الله عليه) writes in Kashf al-Mahjoob: “Angels draw honor from serving Muhammad ﷺ.”
  • Allama Iqbal (رحمة الله عليه) echoes: “Woh dana-e-siraj-e-hidayat hai, Jisay dekh kar Jibreel bhi ruk gaya.”

Why This Preparation Matters to You

Let us talk directly to you, the reader. If you feel spiritually tired, emotionally heavy, or distant from Allah, Miraj teaches:

Allah does not elevate without preparing. Your Miraj begins with Wudu, Salah, Intention, and Patience.