Opinion | The Night of Ascent – An Auspicious Night of Divine Proximity

As evidenced across multiple Islamic sources including the Holy Quran and various Hadiths, Allah summoned Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in his bodily form on this blessed night, escorting him through spectacular visions that revealed profound mysteries of the Universe and provided spiritual sustenance to the Prophet (PBUH) and his followers (PBUT) for eternity.

The Quran proclaims the Night of Ascent in Chapter 17, Verse 1 stating “Exalted is He who took his servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa” clearly indicating the initial part of the Prophet’s journey from Mecca to Jerusalem. Multiple authentic Hadiths provide vivid details into miraculous events that followed.

As narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari, Gabriel descended with heavenly buraq to transport Muhammad from Mecca’s Grand Mosque towards al-Aqsa Mosque, the site of today’s Dome of the Rock. In Jerusalem, all prophets congregated in Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) honor, symbolising his intercessory role for all mankind. At the pinnacle, Prophet ascended through 7 levels of Heaven almost to Allah’s Throne itself.

Across these spectacular spiritual visions, Allah prescribed the five daily prayers as obligatory for Muslims for eternity. This was initially fixed at 50 prayers a day but later settled through Prophet Moses (PBUH) plea to its current five times at Allah’s decree to aid humanity. The Prophet was also presented heavenly wine and milk drink to provide lasting sustenance to his spiritual heirs until the afterlife.

Thus, Shab e Meraj signifies how Allah brought Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to utmost closeness that a human could spiritually attain, honoring him as the Beloved Messenger before all prophets (PBUT) and providing Muslims a direct path for seeking their Lord’s divine grace for eternity.

Every detail of that miraculous night overflowing with celestial visions has profound symbology. The 7 levels of ascension signify the myriad doors a true seeker must pass through to realise enlightenment. The five prayers are symbolic of the ways and means to remain connected to the Divine through absolute discipline.

Celebrating Shab e Meraj allows Muslims to renew these mighty covenants their Prophet secured for them so that they may reflect upon and give thanks for Allah’s ultimate mercy upon humankind. And as Surah Isra states in Verse 79, praying during its auspicious night brings utmost benevolence from the Lord. By following Prophet’s (PBUH) teachings, believers can thus aspire to walk the illuminated path shown towards their Day of Final Return.

ZAMAN NOOR

Author is a Current Affairs Analyst, Columnist, Sufi follower and Actively engaged in Peace Activism.

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