The Journey of Miraj and Mohammadan Reality
The journey of Miraj signifies Mohammadan reality. Allah blessed all prophets and messengers with miracles. Miraj is the greatest miracle of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh). Whoever meditates over Miraj, Allah unfolds hidden secrets upon him/her. The more a person immerses in understanding the reality of this Divine journey, the more secrets unfold upon them. That is why even after fourteen hundred years, this is still a very special and unique incident that amazes Divine seekers. A miracle is something that is supernatural and beyond norm. On the journey of Miraj, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) travelled from Makkah to Bayt al-Maqdis. From Bayt al-Maqdis to Sidrat al-Muntaha after crossing through seven skies. The third phase of the journey of Miraj is from Sidrat al-Muntaha to Qab Qausain (station of extreme nearness) and beyond.
This journey is a story of Divine love, grandeur and Divine vision and union. Only Allah and His beloved know exact account of this part of the journey. The grandeur of Prophet Mohammad is so exalted that Allah blessed him with Miraj spiritually as well as physically. It is only the Holy Prophet who had the honour to physically travel to heavens and beyond. When he returned from Miraj, his bed was still warm as he had left it. If we try to understand this through human intellect, it would be near impossible to believe how it can be possible to complete a journey within a moment that would require hundreds of years. Only a believer can understand Miraj who has firm faith in Mohammadan reality. Human intellect cannot comprehend such a miracle.
Belief in Mohammadan Reality Needed to Understand Miraj
Human intellect can only comprehend what the physical senses can sense or feel. Miraj is a journey that relates to the station of no station. Abu Bakr endorsed Miraj when he heard about it as Allah had blessed him with enlightened inward. Whereas Amr ibn Hisham (Abu Jahl) denied it because he saw it through the lens of human intellect and physical senses.
Abu Hurairah related that Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) said to Jibreel (Gabriel), “My nation would not endorse the journey of Miraj.” Gabriel replied, “Abu Bakr will endorse you as he is al-Siddiq (the truthful).”
In fact, the reality of Miraj does not unveil upon a person until he has firm and complete faith in Mohammadan reality. Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman writes in his book, ‘Haqeeqat-e-Mohammadia’:
The basic point of Mohammadan reality is that everything found its existence from the Divine Essence. It is the belief of every Muslim that if Allah had not existed there would not have been any possibility of any existence, but Allah Himself declares, if I had not created Mohammad nothing would have existed.
لو لاک لما اظھرت الربوبیہ
If it was not for you (O’ beloved) I would not have manifested My Lordship.
لو لاک لما خلقت الافلاک
If it was not for you (O’ My beloved Mohammad) I would not have created the universe.
Mohammadan Reality is the Essence of Universe
It means if the sacred self of Mohammad had not existed, the manifestation of Allah would not have been possible, neither the worlds nor the creation would have been created. Allah had existed but nobody would have been there to call Him Rab. His Lordship had not revealed if there would not have been any believers, prostraters, humble slaves, seekers and devotees who accept, believe and proclaim Him Lord in the world. Thus, He had existed, but not.
Hence, the entity who himself is the reason of creation in fact is the Essence of Allah on one side but on the other side is the sacred self of Mohammad. If it is pondered over in depth, one can find out that they are not two different entities rather one. There is no duality, only One exists. In spite of there being apparently two entities but actually they are same and similar. (The Mohammadan Reality)
Allah created the Nur (light) of Prophet Mohammad from His Nur. And then from the Nur of Prophet Mohammad, He created every creation. The holy essence of Prophet Mohammad is the lifeblood of everything in the universe. It is his Nur that is the energy that keeps the system of universe going. Because of his existence everything exists. Everything gets the ability to converse due to Mohammadan light. In short, the existence of Prophet Mohammad is the reason for existence of the universe and everything within it.
The Journey of Miraj Signifies Mohammadan Reality
The journey of Isra wal Miraj is a proof of this reality. When Prophet Mohammad left this physical world and departed towards the station of no station (Lahoot La Makan), the whole universe came to a standstill, because Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) is the lifeblood of this universe. Miraj is a testament to the extremely exalted rank and status of Prophet Mohammad. On this journey, Allah blessed His beloved with extreme nearness. Whereas on the other hand Prophet Moses requested Divine vision and when Allah descended His theophany, Prophet Moses fainted. But in the case of Prophet Mohammad, Allah Himself invited him on heavens.
The journey of Miraj illustrates Mohammadan reality in such glory that people with enlightened inwards are left awestricken. Every moment of this journey is resplendent with Divine secrets. Mohammadan reality is also known as Reality of Oneness. The Holy Prophet said:
انا احمد بلا میم
I am Ahmad without M.
من رانی فقدرائی الحق
Whoever saw me in fact he saw the Divine Reality.
لی مع اللّٰہ وقت لا یسعنی فیہ ملک مقرب ولا نبی مرسل
There is a certain time, when I am alone with Allah, in which not even a favourite angel or prophet can peep through.
Prophet Mohammad is the Medium between Allah and the Creation
Shaikh ibn-e-Arabi writes in his book, Shajrat-ul-Kaun about Mohammadan reality:
When on the night of Miraj, Jibreel presented al-Buraq (heavenly steed) to Prophet Mohammad (pbuh), he asked, “Is this for me?” Jibreel said, “This is the ride for Divine lovers so that they can reach the court of Allah Almighty in no time.” The Holy Prophet said, “I do not need a ride. A ride is a medium to reaching the destination. It is required for those who need a medium to reach Allah Almighty. And that medium is me (Prophet Mohammad – pbuh). There is no room for any medium between me and my Lord. If I were to have a medium that would be my ardent love for Divine vision, my desire to converse with my Lord, it would be my desire to annihilate in His Essence and attain union with His Essence.
The darkness of the night is the witness to the fact that there is nothing between me and my Lord. I do not need any medium. My Lord is my guide. My efforts and anything related to me would be my support on this journey as they are related to me. Like, Allah Almighty has exalted me over everything. Similarly, anything related to me is exalted over everything. Be it my Divine love, desire or my intention. Buraq has no standing in comparison to these things related to me. How can Buraq bear the weight of Divine Trust that I bear which the earth, the skies and mountains refrained. I have countless Divine secrets in my inward.
Prophet Mohammad Honoured Buraq and Jibreel on Miraj
O Jibreel! How can you or Buraq take me to my Lord when you yourself can only travel up to Sidrat-tul-Muntaha. Whereas my destination is beyond imagination. Your flight is up to realm of Power whereas my destination is Oneness in the realm of Divinity (Lahoot). There is no comparison between you and me. I have such closeness with my Lord that there is no room for any creation in between. It is the station of light upon light (Nurun Ala Nur). I am the manifestation of the glory of my Lord “There is nothing like Him” (42: 11).
How can something be like me because there is nothing in my being other than the Divine Essence. A ride is to reach destination. Whereas my Lord is within my esoteric and exoteric self. He is with me every moment. A guide is needed for those who embark on an unknown journey. These matters relates to the physical world whereas my Lord is beyond all such things. It is not possible to walk towards Him physically. This all relates to the inward. Only those succeed on this path who learn the secrets of this path. They then know that only Allah is their guide.” (Shajrat-ul-Kaun)
The Holy Prophet (pbuh) mounted on Buraq for the happiness of Jibreel and Buraq and to honour them. The journey from Sidra tul Muntaha to Divine union is the pinnacle of Miraj. In order to describe the extreme nearness, Allah used the word Qab Qausain. Qausain means two bows and Qab is the distance between two bows when they are brought next to each other. The word Qab Qausain is used as an analogy to describe closeness.
Prophet Mohammad’s Miraj was Esoteric and Exoteric
Allah is free of any shape, form or example and there is no duality or distance between Allah and His beloved. The Holy Prophet is stationed at the station of AbduHoo. From one aspect he is Hoo (Divine Essence) and from the other aspect he is Abd (slave). Miraj exemplifies the Holy Prophet’s status of AbduHoo. The Divine Essence is one but its grandeur is twofold. One is Lordship and the other is slavehood (Abudiyat). AbduHoo is the one who has the blessing of Divine vision and attains union with Divine Essence. The Divine Essence manifests through his being such that he becomes complete embodiment of Lordship and slavehood.
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) is AbduHoo whom Allah ascended beyond the limits of seven skies to the realm of Divinity and blessed him with the vision of His Essence i.e. Hoo. Had Allah wished, He could have kept the journey of Miraj only esoteric. However, for the Holy Prophet to travel this journey physically shows his extremely exalted rank of AbduHoo. About this, Ibn Arabi writes in his book:
“The pinnacle of Miraj is that it takes man to extreme nearness of Divine Essence. About which the Holy Prophet said, I heard a voice that said, “Come closer, so I got closer”. This closeness is free of any physical distance. The physical distance belongs to this physical world. In the realm of Command, there is only one entity so there is no duality or distance. So, the Divine command, “Come closer” means to completely acquaint with Divine attributes and union with Divine Essence.
Mohammadan Reality Signifies There is no Duality Between Allah and His Beloved
Allah’s saying in Quran, “Then He (the Lord of Honour) drew closer (to His Beloved Mohammad [pbuh]) and then drew even closer (53: 8)” refers to the Holy Prophet reaching the station of Qab Qausain. Although it is not possible to describe these events in words but with caveats we can say that at this station there is neither time nor space or the realm of creation that spans from the Throne to the earth. Thus, at the station of او ادنیٰ ‘Aw Adna’ Allah said to Prophet Mohammad, “Come closer”. This means Prophet Mohammad’s union with Divine Essence is such that there is no room for even a minutest distance or duality.
The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said, “O my Lord I have crossed the limits of creation. Where shall I put my foot?” Allah replied, “On My foot” so that it becomes clear that I am beyond every limit and station. I am beyond the bounds of bodies. To reach Me, one needs to go beyond the limits of time and space. Even then, man does not get Me, instead I manifest in man’s inward and bless him / her with My closeness. Man is creation and I am the Creator. Man annihilates in Me, not that I confine within man. When a man’s every action becomes for Me then I annihilate him within Me and manifest in his (her) being.” (Shajrat-ul-Kaun)
The Foremost, The Last, The Revealed and the Hidden
Allah, first of all, manifested from realm of Incomparable and Unknowable (HaHooiyat or Ahdiyat), adopted the face of Ahmad wearing the veil of Meem of Ahmad in realm of Divine Solitude (YaHoot or Alam-e-Wahdat) and that the souls of human beings and the whole universe were created from the Noor of Mohammad stage wise. Hence, the source and inception of the entire universe and the creation is the sacred self of Mohammad (pbuh). As regards his creation, he is the first and regarding his revelation as a Prophet he is the last Prophet, that is why he is also called the First and the Last as Allah says in the Quran:
In order to understand Mohammadan reality, it is important to understand the reality of Prophet Mohammad being the first, the last, the revealed and the hidden. The journey of Miraj illustrates the Holy Prophet’s rank of being the first, the last, revealed and hidden. Angel Gabriel could not go past Sidra al-Muntaha. Had he stepped even a tiny bit further his wings would have burnt. This is because Allah had created him at that station, so his reach was limited to that station. Allah created the angels at the realm of Power.
Mohammadan Reality is beyond Limits like Divine Essence
The Holy Prophet is from the Noor (light) of Allah which has no limits. Therefore, the stations to which Prophet Mohammad ascended on Miraj is beyond our comprehension. In order to understand we can say that Prophet Mohammad is first in regards to creation so he elevated to the foremost rank. His physical being is the finality of creation. He is the seal of prophethood and al-Insan al-Kamil (Universal Divine Man). He is AbduHoo and whilst being in this physical world has all the realms abridged within him. It is his grandeur that he reached “the beginning” i.e. the Divine Essence. He can travel this distance physically or spiritually or both at the same time. Only Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) has this honour amongst all the prophets and messengers. This is because only he is the first, the last, the revealed and the hidden.
What is Perfect Miraj?
It is the forte of Mohammadan reality that he attained perfect Miraj. Perfect Miraj is to be according to “His eye neither inclined aside nor overstepped the limit.” (53: 16) On the journey of Miraj, the Holy Prophet surpassed every station and rank and finally reached the Divine court. On this journey he did not pay heed to anything other than Divine Essence whether that was exoteric or esoteric entity or station.
Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani writes in ar-Risala tul-Ghausia:
When I beheld Allah, I asked Him, “What is Miraj?”
Allah replied, “O Ghawth al-Azam! It is to elevate above everything except Me. The excellence of Miraj is:
His eyes neither inclined aside nor overstepped the limit. (53:17)
Allah further said, “O Ghawth al-Azam! One who does not exalt to Miraj, his salat is not accepted. He is deprived of salat.” (ar-Risala tul-Ghausia)
The creation of man began from Mohammadan light in the realm of Divine Solitude. It descended stage wise to the realm of Divinity, the realm of power, the angelic realm and finally completed in the physical world. The real Miraj is to return to the origin i.e. Mohammadan light. Only that person succeeds on this journey who does not pay heed to anything except Divine Essence like the Holy Prophet did on the night of Miraj. Muslims attain the blessing of Miraj through the medium of Prophet Mohammad.
How can we attain the Essence of Miraj in this Age?
As aforementioned, in order to understand the hidden facts of Miraj it is necessary to believe in Mohammadan reality. During the life of Prophet Mohammad, the Companions attained the blessing of Miraj through his sacred company. After the passing of Prophet Mohammad, this system has continued and will continue until the day of judgement. In every age, the spiritual vicegerent of Prophet Mohammad i.e. the Universal Divine Man discharges this duty. He inculcates the essence of Islam to Divine seekers and after cleansing their inwards blesses them with the secret of Mohammadan reality.
In today’s age Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman is that Universal Divine Man. He is the present and 31st Shaikh of Sarwari Qadri order and a perfect spiritual guide. He is the spiritual vicegerent of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh). The Divine seekers are invited to join the company of the Universal Divine Man of this era. May Allah bless us with the ability understand the reality of Miraj.
Books Consulted:
- Mira tul Arifeen – Hussain ibn Ali
- Ar Risala tul Ghaisia – Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani
- The Mohammadan Reality – Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen
- Falsafa Miraj un Nabi – Dr. Mohammad Tahir ul Qadri
Note:
This is English translation of Urdu Blog. واقعہ معراج اور حقیقتِ محمدیہ that appeared in February 2023 issue of monthly Sultan ul Faqr Magazine. Mrs. Fatima Burhan Sarwari Qadri authored the original article. Waheed Hassan Sarwari Qadri translated it in English.
FAQs
Q: What happened on Isra wal Miraj?
The journey of Miraj signifies Mohammadan reality. Allah blessed all prophets and messengers with miracles. Miraj is the greatest miracle of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh). On the journey of Miraj, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) travelled from Makkah to Bayt al-Maqdis. From Bayt al-Maqdis to Sidrat al-Muntaha after crossing through seven skies. The third phase of the journey of Miraj is from Sidrat al-Muntaha to Qab Qausain (station of extreme nearness) and beyond.
This journey is a story of Divine love, grandeur and Divine vision and union. Only Allah and His beloved know exact account of this part of the journey. The grandeur of Prophet Mohammad is so exalted that Allah blessed him with Miraj spiritually as well as physically. It is only the Holy Prophet who had the honour to physically travel to heavens and beyond.
Comments (33)
Very nice. May Allah enlighten us with the reality of Miraj.
Great Article
Miraj is the greatest miracle of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).
صلی اللّٰہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم
Miraj is a great secret of Allah.
Mohammadan Reality is the Essence of Universe
It means if the sacred self of Mohammad had not existed, the manifestation of Allah would not have been possible, neither the worlds nor the creation would have been created. Allah had existed but nobody would have been there to call Him Rab. His Lordship had not revealed if there would not have been any believers, prostraters, humble slaves, seekers and devotees who accept, believe and proclaim Him Lord in the world. Thus, He had existed, but not.
How can we attain the Essence of Miraj in this Age?
As aforementioned, in order to understand the hidden facts of Miraj it is necessary to believe in Mohammadan reality. During the life of Prophet Mohammad, the Companions attained the blessing of Miraj through his sacred company. After the passing of Prophet Mohammad, this system has continued and will continue until the day of judgement. In every age, the spiritual vicegerent of Prophet Mohammad i.e. the Universal Divine Man discharges this duty. He inculcates the essence of Islam to Divine seekers and after cleansing their inwards blesses them with the secret of Mohammadan reality.
لو لاک لما اظھرت الربوبیہ
If it was not for you (O’ beloved) I would not have manifested My Lordship. Allah further says:
لو لاک لما خلقت الافلاک
If it was not for you (O’ My beloved Mohammad) I would not have created the universe.
On the journey of Miraj, the Holy Prophet surpassed every station and rank and finally reached the Divine court. On this journey he did not pay heed to anything other than Divine Essence whether that was exoteric or esoteric entity or station.
Beautifully explained
The journey of Miraj signifies Mohammadan reality. Allah blessed all prophets and messengers with miracles. Miraj is the greatest miracle of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).
Thanks for sharing the Shabe Meraj reality and the way u explained I’m really inspired 👍❤️
In today’s age Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman is that Universal Divine Man. He is the present and 31st Shaikh of Sarwari Qadri order and a perfect spiritual guide. He is the spiritual vicegerent of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh). The Divine seekers are invited to join the company of the Universal Divine Man of this era. May Allah bless us with the ability understand the reality of Miraj.
This is a great and informative article.
This is an informative article.
Allah created the Nur (light) of Prophet Mohammad from His Nur. And then from the Nur of Prophet Mohammad, He created every creation.
Mohammadan Reality is beyond Limits like Divine Essence
The journey of Miraj is a story of Divine love, grandeur and Divine vision and union. Only Allah and His beloved know exact account of this part of the journey.
The Holy Prophet is from the Noor (light) of Allah which has no limits. Therefore, the stations to which Prophet Mohammad ascended on Miraj is beyond our comprehension.
Best article
Nice article
Allah says in the Quran:
He is the First and Last and the Obvious and Hidden, He possesses the knowledge of each and everything.
لولاک لما خلقت الافلاک و
If it was not for you (O’ My beloved Mohammad) I would not have created the universe.
من رانی فقدرائی الحق
Whoever saw me in fact he saw the Divine Reality.
Great Article
In today’s age Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman is that Universal Divine Man. He is the present and 31st Shaikh of Sarwari Qadri order and a perfect spiritual guide. He is the spiritual vicegerent of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh). The Divine seekers are invited to join the company of the Universal Divine Man of this era. May Allah bless us with the ability understand the reality of Miraj.
This journey is a story of Divine love
Behtareen indeed very true
The reality of Miraj does not unveil upon a person until he has firm and complete faith in Mohammadan reality.
Such a beautiful article on the Mohammadan Reality and Mehraj Shareef. 🌹
Very informative
This journey is a story of Divine love, grandeur and Divine vision and union. Only Allah and His beloved know exact account of this part of the journey. The grandeur of Prophet Mohammad is so exalted that Allah blessed him with Miraj spiritually as well as physically. It is only the Holy Prophet who had the honour to physically travel to heavens and beyond.
Miraj is the greatest miracle of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh). Very nicely written blog MashaAllah