“From the Mi‘raj of Mustafa ﷺ I learned this lesson:
The heavens themselves fall within the reach of human faith.”
— Allama Iqbal
Why This Part of Miraj Shakes Human Logic
Let us be honest for a moment. Many believers struggle—not because they doubt Allah—but because modern logic has trained us to question the unseen. Speed, distance, time, geography—these concepts dominate our thinking.
And then comes Isra. A journey from Makkah to Jerusalem, completed in a portion of a single night. Not in a dream. Not as a vision. But with body and soul.
This is where faith is tested—not for philosophers, but for the sincere heart.
What Is Isra? (Clear Definition)
Isra refers to the first phase of the miraculous Night Journey of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: From Masjid al-Haram (Makkah) to Masjid al-Aqsa (Jerusalem).
“Glory be to Him Who took His servant by night from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa…”
(Surah Al-Isra 17:1)
📌 Important Sunni Belief
Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمة الله عليه), along with all four Imams (Abu Hanifa, Malik, Shafi‘i, Ahmad ibn Hanbal), affirmed: Isra was a physical, bodily journey witnessed with open eyes. Rejecting this is not an academic disagreement—it is a theological deviation.
The Heavenly Mount: Buraq (Not a Myth, But a Miracle)
The journey began near the Hateem (Hijr Ismail) beside the Ka‘bah. Jibreel (AS) arrived with Buraq.
Authentic Description of Buraq:
Narrated in Sahih Bukhari (Hadith 3207): “Buraq was a white creature, larger than a donkey and smaller than a mule. Its step reached as far as its sight.”
This description is precise, not symbolic. Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمة الله عليه) explains: “The choice of Buraq was to announce that time and space were suspended for Allah’s Beloved ﷺ.”
Sacred Stops Along the Way (Often Ignored but Critical)
According to Sunan an-Nasai (Hadith 450), narrated by Hazrat Anas (RA): Jibreel (AS) stopped Buraq at three sacred locations, asking the Prophet ﷺ to pray two rak‘ahs at each.
- 1️⃣ Yathrib (Future Madinah): The land of Hijrah. The cradle of the Islamic state.
- 2️⃣ Mount Sinai (Tur Sina): Where Allah spoke to Musa (AS).
- 3️⃣ Bethlehem (Bayt Lahm): Birthplace of Isa (AS).
Witnessing the Living Prophets in Their Graves
As narrated in Sahih Muslim (Hadith 2375): “I passed by Musa (AS), standing in prayer in his grave near a red sandhill.”
This narration is foundational for the Sunni belief of Hayat al-Anbiya (Life of the Prophets in their graves). Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمة الله عليه) used this hadith extensively to refute denialist trends.
Scenes of Warning and Mercy
During Isra, the Prophet ﷺ was shown symbolic punishments and rewards:
- ⚠️ Punishment Scenes: Narrated in Dalail an-Nubuwwah (Imam Bayhaqi): Heads crushed with stones → Those who abandoned Salah. Faces scratched with copper nails → Those who backbite.
- 🌸 Fragrance of Faith: From Musnad Ahmad: A beautiful scent was sensed, identified as the grave of Pharaoh’s daughter’s hairdresser, who chose Tawheed over life.
Arrival at Masjid al-Aqsa: Leadership of All Prophets
Upon arrival, the Prophet ﷺ tied Buraq at Bab al-Buraq, using the same ring used by previous prophets.
Evidence Recognized Even by Non-Muslims
Historical sources mention a gate of Haykal Sulayman refusing to close that night—remaining open until morning.
The Grand Prayer: The Prophet ﷺ as Imam of All Prophets
All prophets—124,000—(Approximately) were gathered with their souls and bodies. Jibreel (AS) took the Prophet ﷺ by the hand and placed him forward. He ﷺ led them in prayer.
“In Aqsa, the meaning of first and last became clear—
Kings stood behind the one who crowned them.”
Choosing Fitrah: Milk Over Wine
Two cups were presented: Milk 🥛 and Wine 🍷. The Prophet ﷺ chose milk.
Jibreel (AS) said (Sahih Bukhari): “You have chosen Fitrah. Had you chosen wine, your Ummah would have gone astray.”
📌 Benefit Over Feature: Islam aligns with human nature, not against it.
The Return to Makkah & Proof to the Skeptics
When Quraysh demanded proof:
- 🔹 Visual Proof: Allah showed the Prophet ﷺ the entire structure of Masjid al-Aqsa, which he described in detail.
- 🔹 Caravan Prophecy: He ﷺ described a lost camel, caravan timing, and camel color. All were confirmed later (Referenced in Tafsir Ibn Kathir).
Core Takeaway (Why Isra Still Matters Today)
Isra is not about speed. It is about honor. It is about truth beyond measurement.
It is Allah declaring: “My Beloved ﷺ is not bound by your limitations.”
