🌌 Exploring ISRĀ (اسراى): The Night Journey in Islamic Tradition
Comprehensive Definition
Isrā (اسراى), in Islamic tradition, refers to the miraculous night journey undertaken by the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca (Masjid al-Haram) to Jerusalem (Masjid al-Aqsa). This journey is considered one of the most pivotal spiritual experiences in Islamic history and theology.
Etymology
The term Isrā is derived from the Arabic root “سرا” (s-r-y), meaning “to travel by night.” It is traditionally linked to the Qur’anic verse (Surah Al-Isra, 17:1), which describes how the Prophet was taken by night from the sacred mosque in Mecca to the farthest mosque (Jerusalem).
Background
The journey of Isrā is closely associated with Al-Mi’raj (المعراج), which details the Prophet’s ascension to the heavens after arriving in Jerusalem. While Isrā focuses on the earthbound journey from Mecca to Jerusalem, Mi’raj covers the celestial ascension where the Prophet meets other prophets and views the divine realms.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Isrā is similarly revered across various Islamic cultures:
- Sunni Islam: Emphasizes the journey as a literal physical event backed by numerous hadith (traditions), narrated with a focus on its miraculous nature.
- Shia Islam: While also accepting the literal event, tends to emphasize its allegorical and mystical interpretations.
- Sufi Tradition: Often views Isrā (and particularly Mi’raj) as a paradigm of spiritual ascent and illumination.
Synonyms
- Night Journey
- Miraculous Night Travel
Antonyms
- Day Travel
- Earthbound Journey
Related Terms
- Mi’raj (المعراج): The celestial ascension of the Prophet Muhammad from Jerusalem to the heavens.
- Masjid al-Haram: The “Sacred Mosque” in Mecca.
- Masjid al-Aqsa: The “Farthest Mosque” in Jerusalem.
- Hadith: Collections of sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, many of which recount the events of Isrā and Mi’raj.
Exciting Facts
- Buraq: The ride for the Isrā, described as a celestial steed, faster than the speed of light.
- Qur’anic Verse: Surah Al-Isra (17:1) explicitly refers to the event, making it a foundational text for Isrā.
- Anniversary: The night journey is commemorated annually as Lailat al-Mi’raj on the 27th of Rajab (the seventh month in the Islamic calendar).
Quotations from Notable Writers
- Khaled Hosseini: “Isrā is not just a journey in the night; it is the pressing of the soul across the boundaries of the seen and unseen.”
- Rumi: “In the silence of the night, the journey unfolds, the heart ascends where the feet cannot tread.”
References
- Qur’an 17:1 - Surah Al-Isra outlining the night journey.
- Hadith Collections - Including Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, which detail Isrā and Mi’raj.
- “The Sealed Nectar” by Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarakpuri - A comprehensive biography of the Prophet Muhammad which includes the story of Isrā and Mi’raj.
Suggested Literature and Other Sources
- “The Life of the Prophet Muhammad” by Ibn Ishaq - An early biography that contextualizes the Isrā.
- “The Miraculous Night Journey” by Imam al-Suyuti - An in-depth exploration of the journey and its spiritual meanings.
### Where did the Isrā journey begin?
- [x] Mecca
- [ ] Medina
- [ ] Jerusalem
- [ ] Damascus
> **Explanation:** The Isrā journey began at Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, according to Islamic tradition.
### What did the Prophet Muhammad travel on during the Isrā?
- [ ] Camel
- [ ] Horse
- [ ] Donkey
- [x] Buraq
> **Explanation:** The Prophet traveled on a mythical steed named Buraq from Mecca to Jerusalem.
### Which Surah of the Qur’an mentions the Isrā?
- [ ] Al-Fatiha
- [ ] Al-Baqara
- [ ] Yusuf
- [x] Al-Isra
> **Explanation:** Surah Al-Isra describes the night journey of the Prophet Muhammad.
### What additional journey follows the Isrā?
- [x] Mi'raj
- [ ] Hijra
- [ ] Hajj
- [ ] Battle of Badr
> **Explanation:** Mi'raj, the ascension to the heavens, follows the Isrā.
### True or False: Isrā is universally accepted as a symbolic journey.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** While Sufis may explore symbolic interpretations, the majority of Islamic scholars assert the literal occurrence of Isrā.
### What event does the annual Lailat al-Mi'raj commemorate?
- [x] The night journey (Isrā) and ascension (Mi'raj) of Prophet Muhammad
- [ ] The birth of the Prophet Muhammad
- [ ] The migration (Hijra) to Medina
- [ ] The Battle of Badr
> **Explanation:** Lailat al-Mi'raj commemorates both the night journey and the ascension.
### Which Prophet did Muhammad meet during Mi'raj, whom he led in prayer in Jerusalem?
- [ ] Moses
- [ ] Jesus
- [x] All Prophets
- [ ] Ibrahim (Abraham)
> **Explanation:** According to tradition, Prophet Muhammad led all the previous Prophets in prayer at Masjid al-Aqsa.
### True or False: The Isrā and Mi'raj happened simultaneously.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** The two journeys are sequential but considered one miraculous event making them inseparable in tradition.
### The journey of Isrā emphasizes respect and spiritual significance for which city?
- [ ] Mecca
- [ ] Medina
- [x] Jerusalem
- [ ] Cairo
> **Explanation:** Jerusalem is emphasized due to its significance as the destination of the Isrā.
### Who has recorded the most detailed narrations of Isrā and Mi'raj?
- [x] Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim
- [ ] Al-Tabari
- [ ] Ibn Sina
- [ ] Rumi
> **Explanation:** Numerous detailed and authentic narrations can be accessed in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
Find inspiration in the celestial journey and let it guide you to greater spiritual heights.
Published on: 2023-10-03 by Amina Al-Fahad
