Muslims commemorate tonight (the eve of 9 July) as the night of Me`raj (which corresponds to the date 27 Rajab on the Islamic calendar).

(The ‘Isra’ is not the same as the Me`raj, though it took place during the same journey. It happened during the 8th year of the Nabi’s Prophethood, about a year before the Hijrah.)

Ummi Hani (RA) (RA) was the cousin of the Holy Prophet (SAW). She was the daughter of his paternal uncle, Abu Talib. She was one of his ardent followers. One night the Prophet (SAW) slept in her house. The next morning, after completing his prayers, he called her and related the unusual experience he had had: “I prayed Salatul `Isha (night prayer) with you. After that I went to Jerusalem and prayed there, and here I am back to pray the Salatul Fajr (morning prayer) with you. I am now going out to talk about the power of Allah and the favour He has bestowed upon me.”

NO DOUBT

Ummi Hani (RA) was a staunch Believer and did not for a moment doubt the Prophet (SAW), but she also knew the mentality of her people. Fearing that they may reject his report, she said: “My dear cousin, do not go to those who have shunned you and who have refused to accept your Message. I fear that if you tell them what you have just told me, they will mock you and call you a liar.”

The Prophet (SAW) was convinced of her sincerity and concern but did not want to keep the truthful experience to himself. He was Allah’s Messenger for all humanity, and an experience as wonderful as the Isra, had to be told to all. With these thoughts he left her house and went directly to the Ka`bah.

Ummi Hani (RA) hurriedly called her trusted maid, Naba, and instructed her to follow the Prophet (SAW) and to watch the people’s reaction to his talk, and to report back to her.

After a long while Naba returned and reported the following: The Prophet was sitting in the Hateem (area attached to the Ka`bah) when Abu Jahl mockingly asked him: ‘Have you anything to tell us today?’
The Prophet said: ‘Yes, I have something wonderful to relate. I went on a night journey (‘Isra’) to Jerusalem.’
Abu Jahl interjected: ‘And yet you are back here before morning? Should I gather the people so that you may repeat what you have just told me?’
The Prophet (SAW) agreed.

Abu Jahl gathered the people, and addressing them with sarcasm in his voice, said: ‘O people of Bani Ka’b, sons of Lu’ey, listen to what Muhammad has to say.’ Abu Jahl thought that the Prophet (SAW) would change his story when he addressed the crowd, but the Prophet (SAW) said: ‘I went on a night journey to Jerusalem. There I met a group of Prophets among whom were Ibrahim, Musa and Isa. I led them in prayer and afterwards spoke to them.’
Abu Jahl interrupted the Prophet (SAW): ‘If you really saw them, then describe what they looked like.’
The Prophet (SAW) responded: ‘Isa is of medium height and has a ruddy complexion, a black beard and looked very holy. Musa is thickset and tall. Ibrahim, to a large extent, resembles me.’

Someone in the crowd shouted: ‘If what you say is true, then give us some proof.’

The Prophet (SAW) said: ‘The proof of what I have told you is this: On the road I passed the caravan of a certain tribe. When the animal on which I was mounted approached them their camels fled in fright. I told the tribe where they could find their camels. Then, while travelling from Syria, near the mountains of Makkah, I passed a caravan. Its people were fast asleep. I found a cup of water which was covered. I drank the water and re-covered the cup. That caravan will now be entering Tana’eem district and will be led by a spotted camel carrying two enormous jars, one black and the other white.’ The crowd, anxious to check the story, rode hastily to Tana’eem and found the caravan exactly as the Prophet (SAW) had described.

In spite of this evidence, some people remained doubtful. Mutaym, son of Adi, said: ‘Your position before today was bad enough but as from today your situation is worse. To travel to Jerusalem, with the best and fastest camels travelling day and night, will take a month. To return, another month. Yet, you claim that you have been there and back in a single night! As true as our gods, Lat and Uzza, I will not believe you and I testify that you are a liar.’

The Prophet’s (SAW) companion, Abu Bakr (RA), immediately said: ‘I testify and bear witness that you, Muhammad, are truthful. I believe what you say, no matter how strange it may sound.’ (Note: On this day Abu Bakr (RA) earned the title As Siddiq (one who testified to the Truth).) A large number of Muslims present agreed with Abu Bakr (RA). Unfortunately, some did not accept the narration.

Ummi Hani (RA) told her maid not to feel concerned over the Religion or the Prophet (SAW) because of a few who are weak. It is better that the weak in Faith be removed from the ranks of the Muslims.

‘Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al- Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing.’ (Surah al-‘Isra’, 17: 1)

The ME`RAJ

The Me`raj (ascension) event also took place during the ‘Isra’. Reportedly, the Me`raj journey was from Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem to beyond the ‘Seven Heavens’. Most of the incidents during this journey appear to be in parable form. Some versions contain additions which are not supported by undisputed Hadith.

Me`raj is by inference from Surah al-Najm (53: 1-18). The passage does not contain the word Me`raj. It means the highest point of ascension (Me`raj) any human mind, heart or soul can reach after earnestly seeking nearness to the Creator. Thus, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) had reached a station of insight, wisdom and virtue surpassing that of Angels. The format for this Me`raj is allegorically illustrated. The five daily devotions are pivotal.

Source: 'Seventy-Seven Selected Stories from the Qur’an' by Sheikh A. Najaar (1992)