A Journey Through the Heavens in the Light of Quran and Hadith
Shab-e-Miraj, also referred to as Al-Isra Wal-Miraj is one of the most significant events in Islamic history. It is the night on which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) embarked on a miraculous journey from Makkah to the heavens, ultimately meeting Allah (SWT). This event is celebrated on the 27th night of Rajab, and it holds immense spiritual significance for Muslims around the world. The story of Shab-e-Miraj is not just a historical event but also a source of numerous lessons and teachings. Let’s explore this miraculous event through the lens of various Hadiths, explaining them in Arabic, Urdu, and English. We will also delve deeper into the key aspects of the journey and its importance in Islam.
Shab-e-Miraj is an event that reflects both the spiritual elevation and the unique connection of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with Allah (SWT). This night is remembered not only for the Prophet’s journey but also for the gifts bestowed upon the Muslim Ummah, including Salah (prayers) and the forgiveness of sins. Throughout this article, we will cover several Hadiths that narrate different aspects of this journey, the lessons we can draw from them, and the significance of Shab-e-Miraj.
The Prophet’s Meeting with Previous Prophets
Hadith in English
During Shab-e-Miraj, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) met several Prophets in the heavens. According to Sahih Bukhari, the Prophet (PBUH) said, “On the night of Isra, I met Ibrahim (AS), Musa (AS), and Isa (AS). They welcomed me and greeted me with immense respect. I led them in prayer at Masjid Al-Aqsa.”
Hadith in Arabic
حدثنا أنس بن مالك عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: “في ليلة الإسراء التقيت بإبراهيم وموسى وعيسى عليهم السلام، وقد رحبوا بي بحفاوة وأمّتهم في الصلاة في المسجد الأقصى.”
Hadith in Urdu
حضرت انس بن مالک رضی اللہ عنہ نے نبی کریم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم سے روایت کیا کہ آپ ﷺ نے فرمایا: “شب معراج میں میری ملاقات حضرت ابراہیم، حضرت موسیٰ اور حضرت عیسیٰ علیہم السلام سے ہوئی۔ انہوں نے مجھ سے بڑی محبت سے استقبال کیا اور میں نے مسجد اقصیٰ میں ان کی امامت کی۔”
Important Lessons
This Hadith signifies the honour bestowed upon Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by leading all previous Prophets in prayer. It symbolizes his leadership in both this world and the hereafter. Additionally, it highlights the importance of Masjid Al-Aqsa, which continues to be a holy site in Islam. Muslims are reminded of the unity of all the Prophets and the common message they shared: belief in one God.
The Gift of Salah
Hadith in English
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) narrated that Allah (SWT) initially ordained 50 prayers daily during his meeting with Him on the night of Shab-e-Miraj. After multiple requests by the Prophet, Allah reduced the number to five, but the reward remained equal to fifty. (Sahih Bukhari)
Hadith in Arabic
عن أنس بن مالك رضي الله عنه قال: “في ليلة المعراج فرض الله خمسين صلاة على أمة النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم، ولكن بعد طلب النبي تم تقليص العدد إلى خمس صلوات مع بقاء أجر الخمسين.”
Hadith in Urdu
حضرت انس بن مالک رضی اللہ عنہ سے روایت ہے کہ نبی کریم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا: “شب معراج میں اللہ تعالیٰ نے میری امت پر پچاس نمازیں فرض کیں، لیکن میری درخواست پر ان کی تعداد کم کرکے پانچ کر دی گئی، تاہم ان کا اجر پچاس نمازوں کے برابر ہی رکھا گیا۔”
Important Lessons
This Hadith emphasizes the importance of Salah in a Muslim’s life. Although the number of daily prayers was reduced, the spiritual value and reward remained immense. The reduction in the number of prayers shows Allah’s mercy and His understanding of human limitations. It also stresses that prayers are a direct link between a believer and Allah, established on the blessed night of Miraj.
Meeting with Allah (SWT)
Hadith in English
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) narrated that after crossing Sidrat-ul-Muntaha, he was brought to the presence of Allah (SWT). During this meeting, Allah gifted him with two special things: Salah and the last verses of Surah Al-Baqarah. (Sahih Muslim)
Hadith in Arabic
“عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: “بعد أن عبرت سدرة المنتهى، تم نقلي إلى حضور الله تعالى حيث منحني صلاة وآخر آيات من سورة البقرة.””
Hadith in Urdu
نبی کریم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا: “سدرة المنتہیٰ کو پار کرنے کے بعد، مجھے اللہ تعالیٰ کی بارگاہ میں لے جایا گیا، جہاں مجھے دو انعامات عطا کیے گئے: نماز اور سورۃ البقرہ کی آخری آیات۔”
Important Lessons
This Hadith sheds light on the sacred encounter between Allah (SWT) and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The gift of Salah is the ultimate means of maintaining a connection with Allah. The last verses of Surah Al-Baqarah are powerful in their meanings, emphasizing the mercy of Allah and the spiritual guidance He provides to His believers. These gifts were not just for the Prophet but for the entire Muslim Ummah, showing Allah’s compassion toward His creation.
The Prophet’s Journey on Buraq
Hadith in English
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) described the animal Buraq, which carried him from Makkah to Masjid Al-Aqsa during the journey of Shab-e-Miraj. He said, “I was brought Buraq, a white animal larger than a donkey but smaller than a mule, who could place its hoof as far as the eye could see.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Hadith in Arabic:
عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: “أحضرت لي البراق، حيوان أبيض أكبر من الحمار وأصغر من البغل، وكان يضع حافره حيث يمتد النظر.”
Hadith in Urdu
نبی کریم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا: “مجھے براق لایا گیا، جو ایک سفید رنگ کا جانور تھا، گدھے سے بڑا اور خچر سے چھوٹا، جو اپنی ٹانگ وہاں رکھتا تھا جہاں تک نظر جاتی تھی۔”
Important Lessons
The journey on Buraq signifies the miraculous nature of Shab-e-Miraj. This journey was not just physical but also spiritual, reflecting the extraordinary capabilities bestowed upon the Prophet (PBUH). Buraq represents the speed and ease with which Allah (SWT) can grant His chosen one the ability to transcend earthly limitations. It reminds Muslims of the power and majesty of Allah, who can create means beyond human comprehension.
Shab-e-Miraj Mentioned In Quran
The event of Shab-e-Miraj is also mentioned in the Holy Quran, emphasizing the significance of the night journey. In Surah Al-Isra, verse Allah says
Translation
“Glory be to Him who took His servant (Muhammad) by night from the Sacred Mosque (in Makkah) to the Farthest Mosque (in Jerusalem), whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing.” (Quran 17:1)
This verse highlights the miraculous nature of the journey and the special status of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the chosen messenger of Allah (SWT).
The Spiritual Significance of Shab-e-Miraj
Shab-e-Miraj is a night that reminds us of the mercy and greatness of Allah (SWT). It is a night when Muslims are reminded of the importance of Salah, the power of prayer, and the gifts that Allah (SWT) has bestowed upon the Muslim Ummah. The journey of the Prophet (PBUH) reflects his elevated status among the Prophets and serves as an inspiration for Muslims to strengthen their connection with Allah.
As we reflect on the teachings of Shab-e-Miraj, it is essential to remember that this night offers an opportunity for Muslims to seek forgiveness, engage in sincere prayer, and reflect on their spiritual journey. By following the guidance provided by the Prophet (PBUH), Muslims can strive to lead a life that brings them closer to Allah and the eternal rewards of the hereafter.