Night of Mairaj-I

“My limits end here. If I go beyond this point I shall burn my wings. You will have to go all alone” This is what Gabriel (AS) told the most revered Prophet (SAW) at Sidratul Mintaha during the night of Mairaj. An angel made up of light does not dare to go beyond this point. But he knows Muhammad (SAW), a human being, shall not be harmed. Why? The question merits a serious consideration from all Muslims. Before understanding the Mairaj, it is necessary to understand the greatness of the Holy Prophet (SAW). Once this is done many a doubt about Mairaj shall be cleared.
There are some people who believe that the Holy Prophet (SAW) was not taken physically to Al Aqsa and then through the skies to Sidratul Mintaha and onwards. According to them it was a dream notwithstanding the Quranic verse, which says the Prophet (SAW), was taken from Makkah to Al Aqsa on the night of Mairaj. They believe Mairaj did not take place at all.
Whether people believe or not, there is a mention of Prophet’s (SAW) journey from Makkah to Al Aqsa. The Muslims, therefore, have to believe it necessarily. The experts believe it is possible. Light travels at a speed of 1,86,000 miles per second. Buraq comes from Burq which also means light. According to Hadiths the Buraq travelled with very high speed and took the most revered Prophet (SAW) to Al Aqsa and back to Makkah. However, the Buraq had absolutely no role to play in the Prophet’s (SAW) journey to Sidratul Mintaha.
Mairaj means elevation. If one goes by the literal meaning of this Arabic word, then this viewpoint stands justified though not wholly. It was a journey from Makkah to Al Aqsa and not Mairaj, at least not for the Holy Prophet (SAW). Yes, on that night Allah the almighty elevated Gabriel (AS) as he had the honour of traveling in the company of the most revered Prophet (SAW). It was Mairaj for the Buraq, a horse like animal, which took the Holy Prophet (SAW) to Al Aqsa. It was Mairaj for the Al Aqsa mosque because the Holy Prophet (SAW) put down his feet on its floor. It was Mairaj for all the Prophets (AS) as the perfect and the best creation of all times, Imam-ul-Ambia (SAW) led their prayer. It was a dream come true for all of them.
The Prophets (AS) saw the Last Messenger and thus became his companions. That night all of them reached their cherished goal. It was undoubtedly Mairaj for them. On that night all those who live in the skies had the honour of seeing the Last Messenger of Allah (SAW) physically. Therefore, it was Mairaj for them. The real Mairaj commenced from Sidratul Mintaha. The Holy Prophet (SAW) had the honour of seeing Allah the most exalted and talking to Him. What transpired between Allah the most gracious and His beloved Prophet (SAW) they alone know. Only a portion of the rendezvous was leaked to the people.
(To be continued)