ISRA & ME'RAJ - Mokhtar Stork

We normally hear the traditional view point concerning the Prophet Muhammad's journey from Makkah to Baitulmaqdis and then to the heavens (Isra' Me'raj). Most scholars deal upon the events surrounding this journey, and if you are one that is accustomed to this routine year in and year out it can become quite boring. But I must say that this time round, it was quite different and very enlightening - Haji Mokhtar Stork (Ust.)

The First Aspect

Isra’ and Me’raj took place on the night of the 27^th of Rajab (the seventh month of the Islamic calendar) of the twelfth year of the Proclamation, i.e., one year before the Migration of the Prophet from Makkah to Medinah.

If we look at the context of Isra' and Me'raj, we will note that the Prophet (s.a.w.) had just gone through a bad time. He had lost his beloved wife, Khadijah (Allah bless her), and his patron and uncle, Abu Talib. Things were at the time quite depressing, and then suddenly the Prophet (s.a.w.) gets an invitation to come in the presence of Allah. What does this reflect? It reflects patience, hope and faith in Allah, which must surely bring rewards.

The Second Aspect

You have to be invited to a function. If you are a minister or an important person, there is protocol to handle your visit. From the Surah Isra' we find the following:

"Glory to God who did take His slave for a journey by night from the sacred mosque to the farthest mosque whose precincts We did bless, in order that We might show him some of Our signs: for He is One who hears and sees all things."

In this case the Prophet (s.a.w.) is invited by Allah himself, and the Angel Gabriel (a.s.) is on protocol duty. This is no ordinary invitation. Just imagine this. Every Messenger of Allah has been blessed with something special. The Prophet Moses (a.s.) spoke with Allah. He desired to see Him but was asked to look at the mountain face and on witnessing Allah's glory fainted. However, according to the Qur'an, the Prophet (s.a.w.) came in the presence of Allah the distance of two-bow lengths. He did not faint, but experience the presence of Allah. What does this indicate? It indicates status.

When the Proiphet (s.a.w.) arrived with Jibra'il (a.s.) and buraq at Masjidil Aqsa, all the Prophets were lined up waiting for him to lead the prayer. Jibra'il (a.s.) took the Prophet's hand and led him to the place where he was to lead the prayer. Jibra'il (a.s.) announced to all the Prophets, that this is Muhammad, the Final Prophet, the Leader of all Prophets!

What does this indicate? Masha-Allah, we are the Ummah of Muhammad, the Leader of all Prophets. We have the best religion, the easiest religion when compared to previous prophets, but we are lazy!

The Third Aspect

Jibra'il (a.s.) could only go as far as SIDRATUL MUNTAHA - the utmost boundry. A Hadith states that if he took a step further his wings would burn. This is where the PROTOCOL ends. Now the Prophet (s.a.w.) is on his own. No one knows what lies beyond this point...only the Prophet (s.a.w.).

It was Allah who greeted the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) first. Remember that all the angels send praises down on the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) continuously, and here you have Allah, who is the Lover of the Prophet, sending His salams to His Beloved! 

As-salamu'alaika ayuhan nabiyu......

Masha Allah! If Allah (s.w.t.) is the first person to greet the Prophet (s.a.w.), you can't imagine what benefits the Ummah of Muhammad enjoy!

The Fourth Aspect

The first command issued to the Prophet (s.a.w.) was to establish prayer. In this prayer we find not only the Prophet (s.a.w.) being blessed, but his family, just as Abraham (a.s.) and his family were blessed. The Prophet (s.a.w.) has been bestowed with so many titles. For every attribute of Allah, you will find an opposite in the character and personality of the Prophet (s.a.w.) i.e. Rahmatul A'lamin.

Allahumasal li-ala Muhammad, wa ala ali Muhammad....

What this reflects is that we are truly fortunate to have the Prophet (s.a.w.) as our Prophet, and it is a great honour to be a member of the Muslim community, enjoying such great benefits, without much efforts. The followers of Moses (a.s.) had to pray 50 times a day. We only perform 5 prayers a day, and even then, are lazy!

Finally

As Muslims, we have been honoured to the extent of being made 'Leaders of Mankind' but look at us today. We enjoy no respect. We are corrupt, despotic, violent, lack discipline, possess no character....so the time has arrived for us to reflect upon Islam and to return to the path of Allah Almighty...the path shown to us by Allah through His Messenger, Muhammad (s.a.w.).