The Lesson and Wisdom of Isra’ Mi’raj

Redha Sindarotama4 February 2025

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The wisdom of the Isra Mi’raj event is indeed something we should seek so that it can be a lesson in achieving piety. Currently, we are in the month of Rajab 1446 Hijriah, a month full of virtues and privileges. Rajab is a time that Muslims await to increase good deeds and gain rewards. In addition, this month also holds an important event in Islamic history, namely Isra Mi’raj, which occurred in the 10th year of prophethood.

This event is not only a historical milestone, but also contains profound lessons and wisdom that can be used as an example for Muslims. Therefore, as Muslims who want to continue to strengthen their faith and improve the quality of their piety, it is fitting to study the wisdom of the Isra Miraj event.

Also read: The Wisdom of a Stick of Galangal

Understanding Isra Mi’raj

Before we discuss the lessons and wisdom behind the Isra Mi’raj event, let’s first discuss its meaning.

“Isra” in terms of language comes from the word “sara”. It means ‘journey at night’. As for the term, “Isra” is ‘the journey of the Prophet ﷺ with the Angel Gabriel from Mecca to Baitul Maqdis (Palestine)’.

This great event was immortalized by Allah ﷻ in the Qur’an,

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَى بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلاً مِّنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الأَقْصَى

“Glory be to Allah Who took His servant one night from the Grand Mosque to the Aqsa Mosque.” (QS Al-Isra’ [17]: 1)

“Mi’raj” literally means ‘a tool used to ascend’. As for the term, “mikraj” means ‘special stairs used by the Prophet SAW. to rise from the earth to the seven layers of heaven up to Sidratul Muntaha’.

This is based on the word of Allah ﷻ which means, “Indeed, Muhammad saw Jibril (in his original appearance) at another time, (namely) at Sidratul Muntaha. Nearby there is a paradise of residence. (Muhammad saw Jibril) when Sidratul Muntaha was overwhelmed by something that covered him. His (Muhammad’s) vision did not turn away from what he saw and did not (nor) go beyond it. Indeed, he has seen some of the greatest signs (power) of his Lord.” (QS An-Najm [53]: 13—18)

Also read: Islamic New Year and the Financial Wisdom Behind It

The Event of Isra and Mi’raj

Here is the story of the event of Isra and Mi’raj in the hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari No. 3598.

Hudbah bin Khalid told us. He said: Hammam bin Yahya told us. He said: Qatadah told us, from Anas bin Malik, from Malik bin Sha’sha’ah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) told them about the night of Isra:

“While I was in Al-Hathim” -or he mentioned in Al-Hijir- lying down, suddenly a man came and split it.” Qatadah said: I also heard him say: “Then he split what was between this and this.” I asked Al-Jarud who was with me at that time, “What does he mean?” He replied, “From the opening of the neck to the lower abdomen.” I also heard him say, “From the top of the chest to where the pubic hair grows.”

Then the man took out my heart (heart), then a basin of gold was brought to me filled with faith. He washed my heart, then filled it with faith, then repeated it. After that a white riding animal was brought to me, smaller than a mule but bigger than a donkey.” Al-Jarud asked him, “What is that called Al-Buraq, O Abu Hamzah?” Anas replied, “Yes. Al-Buraq put his feet as far as the eye can see.”

I rode it, then set off with Jibril ‘alaihissalam until I reached the sky of the world. Jibril asked the gate of heaven to be opened, then he was asked, “Who is this?” Jibril answered, “Jibril.” Asked again, “Who is the person with you?” Gabriel replied, “Muhammad.” Asked again, “Has he been sent?” Gabriel replied, “Yes.” So it was said, “Welcome to him. This is the best arrival.” The door was opened. After passing through it, I met Adam ‘alaihis salam. Jibril said, “This is your father, Adam. Say hello to him.” I greeted him, and Adam returned my greeting, saying, “Welcome, righteous son and righteous prophet.”

Then I was taken up to the second heaven. There, I met Yahya and ‘Isa ‘alaihimus salam. After that, I was taken to the third, fourth, and seventh heavens, and met the prophets: Yusuf, Idris, Harun, Musa, and Ibrahim ‘alaihimus salam. Each prophet greeted me with the same greeting and prayer, “Welcome, righteous brother and righteous prophet.”

After that, I saw Sidratul Muntaha, its fruit was like a jar, its leaves were like elephant ears. Gabriel said, “This is Sidratul Muntaha.” There were four rivers there: two rivers in Paradise, and the two rivers that were visible were the Nile and the Euphrates. I was also given the choice of three glasses: wine, milk, and honey. I chose milk. Gabriel said, “This is the nature of you and your people.”

Then, I was made to pray 50 times a day. When I returned, I met Musa ‘alaihimus salam who suggested that I ask for leniency. I begged, and the obligation of prayer was gradually reduced to five times a day. Moses still suggested asking for more relief, but I said, “I have been ashamed of my Lord.” Then Allah said, “My decision has been made. I have made it easier for My servants.”

Lessons and Wisdom

Behind the greatness of the miracle of the Isra Mi’raj event, there are lessons and wisdom that should be a reflection for Muslims, to be applied in daily life. One of the lessons and wisdom of the Isra Mi’raj event came from the companions ra. when they received news from Allah ﷻ and His Messenger. Because they believed in the truth according to what the Messenger ﷺ conveyed.

For Muslims at that time, the Isra Mi’raj event became one of the tests of faith, especially in the midst of provocations from the polytheists. This extraordinary event is indeed beyond the ability of human reason, so that some people whose faith is weak even turned away and apostatized.

Their faith wavered because of trivial issues. However, the attitude of Abu Bakr ash-Siddiq ra. showed extraordinary firmness of faith in the midst of the shock.

From Aisha radhiyallahu ‘anha, she said, “When the Prophet ﷺ was taken to the Aqsa Mosque, people began to discuss it. Some of the people who previously believed and allowed him to become an apostate, they also came to Abu Bakar Ash-Shiddiq radhiyallahu ‘anhu and said,

هَلْ لَكَ إِلَى صَاحِبِكَ يَزْعَمُ أَسْرَى بِهِ الَّيْلَةَ إِلَى بَيْتِ المَقْدِسِ ?

“Did you know that your friend admitted to traveling at night to Baitul Maqdis?”

Abu Bakr, may God be pleased with him, asked,

أَوْ قَالَ ذَلِكَ ?

“Did it say that?” “Yes”, he answered.

Abu Bakr said,

لَئِنْ كَانَ قَالَ ذَلِكَ لَقَدْ صَدَقَ

“If he really said that, it’s true.”

They said,

أَوْ تُصَدِّقُهُ أَنَّهُ ذَهَبَ اللَّيْلَةَ إِلَى بَيْتِ المَقْدِسِ وَ جَاءَ قَبْلَ انْ يُصْبِحَ ?

“Do you believe him that he went overnight to Baitul Maqdis and returned in the morning?”

Abu Bakr replied,

نَعَمْ إِنِّي لَأُصَدِّقُهُ فِيْمَا هُوَ أَبْعَدُ مِنْ ذَلِكَ أُصَدِّقُهُ بِخَبَرِ السَّمَاءِ فِي غَدْوَةٍ اَوْ رَوْحَةٍ

“Yes, I even allow it to go further than that. I believe in the revelation of the sky that descends in the morning and in the evening.”

Aisha said,

فَلِذَلِكَ سُمِّيَ أَبُوْ بَكْرٍ الصِّدِّيْقِ

“That is why he was named Abu Bakar Ash-Shiddiq, the one who allowed him.” (HR. Al-Hakim in Al-Mustadrak)

Abu Bakar did not question the event even though it was impossible to do with the technology of that time. This is his attitude that should be emulated, which is to justify everything that comes from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ without doubt.

Also read: Blessings of Life ala Abu Bakar Ash Shiddiq

Khatimah

The Isra Mi’raj event is truly extraordinary. Therefore, every Muslim should understand it correctly. So that not only the obligation to pray must be carried out, but also the strengthening of faith that is increasingly solid must also be built immediately.

In addition, another important aspect that needs to be understood is that Islam is the only true religion, and only Islamic rules are straight. So that the Isra Mi’raj event should be an inspiration for every Muslim to strengthen faith, perfect worship, strengthen determination, and raise enthusiasm in achieving the pleasure of Allah ﷻ. Wallahu a’lam bish-shawab.