After hundreds of years have passed, times have changed, the Isra Mi’raj event is still and will continue to be an important and historic moment for Muslims. Why? Because, the event will bring us back to remember Allah Swt and the miracles given to the Prophet Muhammad Saw. Also, to remember how much the Prophet loved and cared for his people, because at that time he asked Allah about the obligation of prayer.
Most Muslims believe that the Isra Mi’raj event occurred on 27 Rajab. This is also agreed by some scholars. However, the Qur’an and Sunnah never mention the exact time of Isra Mi’raj. Also, there is no recommendation for Muslims to celebrate Isra Mi’raj. However, this event may be commemorated in good ways to commemorate and spread Islam to the wider community.
Friends, in order to remember the greatness of Allah Swt, let us observe the Isra Mi’raj event. Because, the most important thing about this historical event is that we understand and take important values that can be applied in everyday life to become a good Muslim.
Tread of the Isra Mi’raj Event
At that time, in the 10th year of prophethood, the Prophet Muhammad faced various sad events. He was left behind by his favorite people who had a great influence on his struggle in preaching Islam. On the other hand, the test of the Prophet’s da’wah in Mecca was getting bigger.
In that year, the Prophet lost his beloved uncle, Abu Talib. Until the end of his life, Abu Talib had not embraced Islam. At the last moment, the Prophet Muhammad continued to try to get Abu Talib to say the creed. However, Abu Talib died while still embracing the religion of his ancestors. Even so, Abu Talib loved and always protected the Prophet Muhammad. Since the Prophet was 8 years old, Abu Talib was the one who took care of him with all his body and soul.
Shortly after the departure of his uncle, the Prophet then lost his wife, Khadijah bint Khuwalid. No one does not know the great role of Khadijah. She was the Prophet’s wife as well as the mother of Muslims at that time. Since the Prophet Muhammad received revelation and orders to preach, Khadijah was the one who gave peace and enthusiasm. In fact, she helped raise Islam with her wealth, soul, and knowledge. No wonder the Prophet loved her so much and was devastated when he lost her.
In the midst of these years of grief, the Prophet received a miracle from Allah to travel Isra Mi’raj. Isra Mi’raj is the Prophet’s journey in one night which is immortalized in the Qur’an surah Al-Isra. The Prophet underwent a journey from the Grand Mosque to the Aqsa Mosque, then continued to the 7th heaven with a vehicle called buraq.
During the journey, the Prophet was shown various greatness of Allah SWT. Starting from narrating the journey of the previous Prophets and Messengers, then being reunited with the previous Prophets and Messengers in several layers of heaven, to being given the privilege of seeing what heaven and hell look like.
After the Isra Mi’raj event, there are several things that also happened:
- The command to pray five times became an obligation for Muslims
- The Prophet’s hijrah journey from Mecca to Medina
- Various Muslim victories and conquests of territory
After Isra Mi’raj, the Prophet was never saddened even though he had lost his loved ones. Instead, he became stronger in his preaching journey.
Taking the Wisdom of Isra Mi’raj
The miracle of the Prophet Muhammad in the Isra Mi’raj event teaches us about how he was able to face various trials and sorrows by restoring his spirit of life and relying only on Allah. Even though he had lost his beloved uncle and wife who supported him in proselytizing Islam, there is still Allah who is the Almighty. Thus, this event is also a reminder for us not to despair, because Allah is always with His servants.
Friends, if we are facing difficulties, perhaps economic difficulties, surviving natural disasters, or losing those closest to us, which tests our faith, face it like the Prophet Muhammad Saw faced bad things in his life. And believe that Allah Swt will help us in any way, even in ways we never expected.
Maybe we feel fear, sadness, and despair. However, we must return all of that to Allah by carrying out all of His commands. Apart from praying and surrendering, we also need to make efforts with our minds, knowledge, and body and soul. Ikhtiar is a form of our tawakal to Allah Swt, because we believe that Allah’s help will come if we try to reach it.
May we always be given patience and strength in undergoing all the tests that Allah Swt gives. Never let go of your faith in Allah. Instead of despairing, it is better to try. Because no matter how small our effort is, it will be worth multiple rewards and goodness in the sight of Allah. (RQA)