Introduction to Mi’raj in Surat al-Najm
Surat al-Najm provides a profound insight into the true picture of the incident of the Mi’raj (Ascension to the Heavens) experienced by the Messenger of God, Prophet Muhammad (May God’s blessings and peace be upon him). This chapter reveals the extraordinary miracles that occurred during his heavenly journey, emphasizing the significance of this event in Islamic tradition. The verse states: “He has seen of the great signs of his Lord,” highlighting the miraculous nature of the Mi’raj.
The Night Journey: Isra and Mi’raj
The Mi’raj was preceded by Isra, the journey from Makkah to Al-Aqsa Mosque, both of which took place in a single night. This miraculous journey occurred approximately one and a half to three years before the Prophet’s migration to Madinah. While Surat al-Israa details the Night of Isra’, Surat al-Najm preserves the account of Mi’raj, highlighting these as two of the greatest miracles bestowed upon Prophet Muhammad (May God’s blessings and peace be upon him). These events are among the significant miracles that distinguished the Prophet among other prophets, showcasing Allah’s favor upon him.
Divine Narration in the Qur’an
Allah Almighty describes the event in Surat al-Najm: “He has seen of the great signs of his Lord.” This affirmation underscores the authenticity of the Mi’raj, affirming that it was a real and miraculous experience, not a mere vision. The Qur’an, along with authentic Hadiths, provides a comprehensive account of this significant event, illustrating the elevated status of Prophet Muhammad among other prophets.
Detailed Account of Mi’raj
Ascending Through the Heavens
The story of Mi’raj is elaborated in the Qur’an and further clarified through Hadiths. Imam Muslim, in his Sahih collection, narrates the Hadith of Anas bin Malik (May God be pleased with him), where Prophet Muhammad (May God’s blessings and peace be upon him) describes his journey on al-Buraq, a miraculous creature. The Prophet ascended through the seven heavens, meeting and receiving greetings from previous prophets such as Adam, Isa (Jesus), Yahya (John the Baptist), Yusuf (Joseph), Idris (Enoch), Harun (Aaron), Musa (Moses), and Ibrahim (Abraham).
Sidrat al-Muntaha and Divine Revelation
In the seventh heaven, the Prophet reached Sidrat al-Muntaha, a sacred lote-tree beyond which none can pass. Here, Allah revealed to him the obligation of fifty daily prayers, later reduced to five, highlighting the importance of this directive in Islamic worship.
Mi’raj: A Real and Miraculous Journey
Scholars like Al-Qadi ‘Iyyad and Al-‘Uthaymeen affirm the literal and physical nature of the Mi’raj, rejecting interpretations that consider it a mere vision or dream. Authentic Hadiths support the view that the Prophet undertook this journey with both his body and soul, emphasizing its reality and miraculous nature. Al-Qadi ‘Iyyad states:
“The habit of the scholars is that they accept the literal meaning unless it is impossible. This being the case, they conservatively approach the metaphoric interpretation to keep the faith pure of the Oneness of Allah and the difference between Him and His creation. We cannot visualize Allah by either our worldly dictionary or human interaction… It is not impossible that the Prophet peace be upon him, went on the Night Journey in his physical body and in a state of awakeness.”
Major Signs Witnessed During Mi’raj
During his ascension, Prophet Muhammad (May God’s blessings and peace be upon him) witnessed several significant signs, including:
- The Upper Heavens and the Earth
- Divine Light and the Presence of Angels
- Encounters with Previous Prophets
- Sidrat al-Muntaha
- Paradise and Its Eternal Beauty
- The Hearing of the Pens and Their Calls to God Almighty
These signs are integral to understanding the profound nature of the Mi’raj and its impact on Islamic belief.
Conclusion
Mi’raj stands as one of the most significant miracles in Islamic tradition, demonstrating the elevated status of Prophet Muhammad (May God’s blessings and peace be upon him) among all prophets. Surat al-Najm and Surat al-Israa together preserve the comprehensive narrative of this miraculous journey, inspiring millions of believers around the world. The detailed accounts in the Qur’an and Hadiths reaffirm the reality and divine significance of Mi’raj, emphasizing its role in shaping Islamic worship and the spiritual legacy of Prophet Muhammad.
By Idris Ahmad Abidemi
