Lessons Derived from Al-Isra Wal-Mi’raj

Transcript of the Talk delivered by Dr. Munawar Haque on May 28, 2014 in AMDA Masjid

الحمد لله رب العالمين والصلاة والسلام على سيد المرسلين وعلى آله وأصحابه أجمعين

I would like to speak to you very briefly about some of the lessons that we can derive from the miraculous event of al-Isra wal-Mi’raj, meaning the night journey which took Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from Mecca to Jerusalem and then to the heaven in the divine presence of Allah (SWT), and back.

The event of al-Isra wal-Mi’raj holds lessons for all believers till the Day of Judgment. Through Isra and Mi’raj, the followers of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) have been given a glimpse of what awaits them in the hereafter, and what exists in the dimensions beyond our own.

We should remember that this journey happened at a time of extreme adversity during the Prophet’s life and despite all the hardships he remained steadfast and patient. Although the circumstances around him were enormously adverse, his faith was never shaken, hence he was rewarded with this wonderful journey.

The lesson for us is that whenever we are facing adversity, feeling weak, and oppressed, and all our means have been cut, we should go back to Allah, rely on Him alone, have faith, and be patient. The way to overcome our calamities and tribulations is by getting closer to Allah, by crying to Him, and surrendering ourselves totally to His will—while believing that whatever is happening is best for us.

We have to remember that this world in reality is a testing ground. Allah constantly tests us; our belief and character is reflected by the way we deal with these tests and tribulations.

In the face of oppression, the Prophet (SAW) dealt with his oppressors with kindness, mercy and forgiveness. While it is easy to be generous to a generous person, and kind to a kind person, the true test of our character and faith is when we are able to treat our oppressors with kindness and generosity in the manner demonstrated by the Prophet (SAW).

Thus, a true believer does not let oppression by others bother him; neither does he get angry with adverse situations and circumstances. He demonstrates absolute self control to the point that he does not even raise his voice in anger. We have been taught by the Prophet (SAW) that when we are oppressed we should not retaliate; instead we should remain silent and only turn to Allah for help.

We are reminded through the great event of Isra and Mi’raj that before we experience victory, we will be tried. We should remain focused and direct ourselves to the right path while keeping our ultimate goal of reaching Jannah in mind. This will prevent us from deviating from the right path when we are tested. If we understand Islam, we will understand that no situation is too tough for us to handle as believers–we should face all situations with patience and contentment while relying on Allah to show us the solution.

When Allah showed Prophet (SAW) the extent of His power and command, he (SAW) came back more calm and reliant on Allah and this is what he (SAW) communicated to his followers.  The lesson in it for us is that Muhammad (SAW)’s Lord is our Lord. Time, space and distance are all His creations. Paradise and hellfire are not abstract concepts but real places which physically exist—and one of them is our final destination. We have been given sufficient descriptions of each to decide for ourselves which path we should take, and Allah has shown his infinite mercy and compassion to help us choose the right path.

Compared to the nations of the previous Prophets and Messengers, it is clear that the nation of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has been showered with more mercy and compassion than any other. Allah has lightened the burden on us, and multiplied the rewards of our deeds. No other nation has enjoyed this extent of forgiveness and forbearance from Allah (SWT).Therefore, the real celebration of al-Isra wal-Mi’raj is to honor the message and purpose of the journey and to live according to the lessons it holds for us..

Let me dwell upon some other aspects of al-Isra wal-Mi’raj. Firstly, both the mosques—al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and al-Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem are considered holy, blessed and interlinked with one another. It behooves the Muslim ummah to be responsible for the safety, security, and protection of both these mosques. This is an amanah or a trust entrusted to the Muslim ummah.

Secondly, al-Isra wal-Mi’raj signifies the role of leadership of the Muslim ummah over Mecca and Jerusalem (al-Quds). It so happened that as a result of Bani Israel’s constant breach of their covenant made with Allah, and their other crimes and transgressions, the two thousand years old leadership role of the ummah of Musa (AS)—the Bani Israel was transferred to the ummah of Muhammad (SAW). This happened about two years after the hijrah when the Prophet (SAW) and his followers were ordered to change their Qiblah from Jerusalem to Mecca. The incident of the change of Qiblah (Tahweel al-Qiblah) manifested the creation of a new Muslim ummah and the consequent marginalization of the Bani Israel. This shift in leadership is very significant to the Muslims because after Muhammad (SAW), it is the Muslims who assume the role of conveying the message of truth.

Thirdly, we learn that the salah is the gift that the Prophet (SAW) brought with him from that journey to all Muslims so that they can worship Allah (SWT) through it. Mind that all other ordinances were decreed on the earth. This indicates how important salah is in Islam. We are informed through a Hadith that the Prophet (SAW) said, “The salah is the Mi’raj for a believer”. The salah is a time when we are in direct communication with Allah (SWT). It is one of the pillars of Islam. According to a Hadith, what lies between a man and kufr is the abandonment of salah. So we should take extreme care to guard our salah and try our best to offer it in the best possible manner.

Fourthly, the Prophet (SAW) was shown people being punished for various types of sins and he described them through his ahadith. We should remember these narrations and be careful to stay away from such sins. He saw those who committed adultery and their punishment, those who slandered, those who engaged in Riba, those who ate up the property of orphans and committed injustice, and various other sins.

Fifthly, had Allah (SWT) wanted, He could have made the Prophet (SAW) undertake this miraculous journey without having to mount the Buraq, but the Prophet (SAW) had to take the means. He had to take a mount and travel. This is how we are meant to interact with the world. We take the means (asbaab) while trusting on the originator of means (musabbibul asbaab). Likewise on the spiritual path, we cannot just expect ourselves to be reformed without striving; without taking the means to remove the haram from our lives. Everything around us is created for a purpose. What is required of us is to take all permissible means available to journey to Allah, by doing our bit. After we do our bit, after we have made the required effort then we rely on Allah (SWT).

Brothers and sisters! If we recognize our lowliness before Allah, He will actualize His Majesty and Lordship in our lives. But if on the other hand we boastfully claim independence, strength, and control for ourselves, we will be left to our whims only to make us finally realize that it is He who is in charge and not we.

May Allah (SWT) give us the tawfiq to live and die as Muslims, submitting to Him alone.

أَقُولُ قَوْلِي هَذَا وَأَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ لِي وَلَكُمْ وَلِسَائِرِ المُسْلِمينَ وَالمُسْلِمَاتْ فَاسْتَغْفِرُوهْ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ 

وَصَلَّ اللهُ عَلَى خيرِ خَلقِهِ مُحمَّدٍ وعَلَى آلِه وأصْحَابِه أجْمَعِين- بِرَحْمَتِكَ يا أرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِين

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