The miraculous night journey

In this context we may refer to Ayat (verse) one of Sura (chapter) Bani Israel (or the Children of Israel) of the holy Quran where Almighty Allah says:

Glory (to Allah),

Who did take His servant for journey by night from the

Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque whose

precincts We did bless in order to show him some of

Our Signs for He is the One who heareth and seeth

(all things)"

The holy Prophet (pbuh) was first carried in person on the 'Al-Buraq' by Hazrat Jibrail (AS) from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca to the Farthest Mosque, that is, Masjid-ul-Aqsa in Jerusalem. It may be mentioned here that immediately on his reaching this mosque the holy Prophet (pbuh) tethered his horse (Al-Buraq) to a ring in the gate and entered into it and during his short stay in this mosque, where other Prophets (peace be upon them) had also assembled, he offered two "Rakats" of special prayer with them, and it was his great privilege to lead the congregational prayer. Immediately after offering this special prayer the holy Prophet (pbuh) was carried on the same vehicle by Hazrat Jibrail (AS) to the first heaven where he met Prophet Hazrat Adam (AS) the progenitor of mankind, who after exchanging greetings expressed his faith in the Prophethood of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh). The holy Prophet (pbuh) then resumed his onward journey and this time he reached the sixth heaven, after crossing four spheres of heaven where he met Prophet Hazrat Musa (A.S) (Prophet Moses) who also expressed faith in his Prophethood. While bidding good bye to Hazrat Musa (A.S) the holy Prophet found him weeping, and when he was asked the reason of weeping, he said he was weeping because he witnessed he (Prophet Muhammad pbuh) was able to lead more people to Paradise than him (Hazrat Musa A.S). The holy Prophet (pbuh) then reached the 7th heaven and here he met Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) and in the same way exchanged greetings and Ibrahim (AS) too expressed his faith in the Prophethood of Muhammad (S.M).

The ascension of Muhammad (S.M) continued and he reached near Sidratul Muntaha (a wonderful tree known as Lot Tree) and he was also shown here "Al-Baitul Mamur" the much frequented House which is encompassed by 70,000 angels. After witnessing these two important and wonderful things the Messenger of Allah (S.M) was taken from there to the Divine Presence by another special vehicle called "Raf Raf" passing through 70,000 Veils of Almighty Allah's "Noor" (Light) and here he "experienced the thrill of witnessing the Divine Glory and Manifestation at the closest possible propinquity. It may be mentioned that when the holy Prophet (pbuh) was in the Divine Presence of his Creator, Benign Allah gave him an extremely valuable gift of 5-times prayer ("Salat") for him and for all his followers. Salat, it may also be recalled, is one of the five strong pillars on which the grand edifice of Islam stands. According to an important Quranic Ayat Merciful Allah enjoins: "Establish regular prayer for prayer restrains from shameful and evil deeds and remembrance of Allah is the greatest thing in life."

After his return to this world many people were in doubt about the Prophet's Journey by Night (Laila-Tul-Miraj) and they approached his close companion Hazrat Abu Baqar Siddique (R.A) to verify this unusual and wonderful event. He said: "Yes, I do verify it", and Hazrat Abu Baqar (R.A) earned the title "As Siddique" -- meaning "verifier of truth".

So, Almighty Allah chose the leader of all Prophets and the greatest of all men and all times, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) to invite him and show him some of His wonderful Signs. This is the holy lunar month of Rajab and the Holy Prophet's ascending was on 27th night of this month. Muslim's all over the world celebrate this auspicious occasion in a befitting manner. We in Bangladesh also observe this occasion with due solemnity and fervour.

Kazi Aulad Hossain is a retired govt high official