The Isra — from Mecca to Jerusalem
In a single night, the Prophet ﷺ was carried from the sacred mosque in Mecca to al-Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. The Quran opens Surah Al-Isra with this miracle: 'Glory to Him 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.' (Quran 17:1).
Prayer at al-Aqsa
At al-Masjid al-Aqsa, the Prophet ﷺ led the previous prophets in prayer. The hadith literature describes him meeting Ibrahim, Musa, Isa and others by name, and recognising distinct features of each.
The Mi'raj — ascension through the heavens
From Jerusalem, the Prophet ﷺ was taken on a Buraq through the seven heavens. At each level he met a different prophet — Adam, Yahya and Isa, Yusuf, Idris, Harun, Musa, and Ibrahim — until reaching the Sidrat al-Muntaha, beyond which no creature passes.
The five daily prayers
The original commandment was for fifty daily prayers. On the Prophet's return journey, Musa advised him to ask Allah for a reduction, knowing the burden on his community. The Prophet ﷺ went back repeatedly until the obligation was set at five — but with the reward of fifty. This is recorded across the major hadith collections.
Returning to Mecca
When the Prophet ﷺ described the night journey to the Quraysh the next morning, many laughed — a journey to Jerusalem and back in one night was beyond reason. They went to Abu Bakr, expecting him to dismiss it. He replied: 'If he has said it, then it is true.' From this moment, Abu Bakr earned the title As-Siddiq — 'the Truthful' or 'the One Who Confirms'.
Reflection
The Isra and Mi'raj came at the lowest moment of the Prophet's life. The miracle was personal — a comfort after grief — and structural: it gave the Muslim community the daily anchor of five prayers that has organised every Muslim's day since.
Primary sources
- Surah Al-Isra (Quran 17:1)
- Surah An-Najm (Quran 53:1–18)
- Sahih Bukhari 3887
- Sahih Muslim 162