We live in an era of the “aesthetic escape”, scrolling through turquoise waters and minimalist riads in search of a shift in perspective. But as any seasoned traveler knows, the most profound shifts don’t happen via GPS—they happen in the soul.
Centuries ago, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) embarked on the most significant journey in human history: Al-Isra’ wal-Mi’raj. It was a journey that defied the physics of time and space—a horizontal travel across the earth from Masjidil Haram to Masjid al Aqsa followed by a vertical ascension with a buraq (a winged creature) through the seven heavens to Sidratul Muntaha.
At Ruhfar, we see Isra’ Mi’raj as more than just a miraculous event; it is the ultimate ‘travel guide’ for the soul. It teaches us that travel isn’t just about moving through the world—it’s about moving toward the Divine. It reminds us that even when we are grounded by life’s Year of Sorrow, (Aam al-Huzn), our hearts are always capable of flight.
Whether you are boarding a plane this week or simply navigating the daily “commute” of your life, here are the timeless lessons from the Night Journey on how to travel through this life with purpose and grace.
1. The Pre-Flight Ritual: The Wisdom of the “Empty Vessel”
Before the Prophet SAW mounted the Buraq [from the Arabic word barq, meaning lightning] to begin his journey, a remarkable event took place near the Kaaba. The Angel Jibril (AS) came to him, opened his chest, and washed his heart with the blessed water of Zamzam.
“It was narrated from Anas ibn Maalik that Jibreel came to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) when he was playing with the other boys. He took hold of him and threw him to the ground, then he opened his chest and took out his heart, from which he took a clot of blood and said: “This was the Shaytaan’s share of you.” Then he washed it in a vessel of gold that was filled with Zamzam. Then he put it back together and returned it to its place. The boys went running to his mother – meaning his nurse – and said: Muhammad has been killed! They went to him and his color had changed. Anas said: I used to see the mark of that stitching on his chest. Narrated by Muslim (162).
This wasn’t just a physical cleansing; it was the removal of any lingering grief, doubt, or earthly weight. He was being emptied so that he could be filled with light and wisdom for the ascension ahead.
The Lesson: We often try to start new chapters—a new job, a new relationship, or even a new Ramadan—while still carrying the “clutter” of past disappointments and old wounds. But Isra’ Mi’raj teaches us that to receive the highest blessings, we must first be purified. We have to be empty of the Dunya (world) to be filled with the Deen (faith).
2. Comfort Follows Hardship (The Divine Check-In)
The Isra’ Mi’raj didn’t happen when things were going well. It happened after the Prophet lost his beloved wife Khadijah (RA) and his protector Abu Talib. The Quraysh, who were his people and his family, constantly ridiculed, humiliated, and oppressed the Prophet SAW and his followers.
When the Prophet SAW traveled to Ta’if to spread the Islamic message, the people of Ta’if also had rejected him most viciously, sending their children into the streets to stone him until he left the city. He was at his lowest point.
- The Lesson: When your world feels like it’s closing in, Allah may be preparing you for an elevation you can’t yet imagine. Your Year of Sorrow is often the gateway to your greatest spiritual breakthrough.
3. The Power of The Stopover (Intentionality)
The Prophet SAW stopped at Mount Sinai, Bethlehem (Bayt Laḥm), and Thaibah (Madinah) to pray before reaching Jerusalem. Each stop had a purpose; each location had a story.
Also upon his journey to Heaven to meet Allah, he met different Prophets at different levels of heavens.
Stopping at these sites allowed the Prophet SAW to connect his current struggle with the stories of the Prophets who came before him. Perhaps, it reminded him that he wasn’t traveling alone; he was part of a long, golden chain of resilience.
- The Lesson: In our rush to reach our goals (the ‘destination’), we often ignore the significance of the middle or the pitstops. When you are in the middle of a difficult season—like a long degree, a slow career climb, or a challenging healing journey—use your pitstops to look back at those who survived similar paths. Your struggle isn’t a lonely island; it’s a shared history, or connection.
4. Your Prayer is Your Personal Mi’raj (Ascension)
What the Greatest Journey Ever Taken Teaches Us About Life The Prophet ascended to the heavens to receive the gift of Salah. Scholars say that while the Prophet had a physical Mi’raj, the believer has a spiritual one—through prayer. Yes, Mi’raj is the Arabic word for elevation, or ascension.
- The Lesson: Salah isn’t a chore on your to-do list; it is your scheduled ‘elevated escape’ from the dunya. It’s your 5-times-a-day ‘flight to a higher state of being’.
5. Boundaries & Growth (The Sidrat al-Muntaha)
During the ascension, the Prophet reached the Sidrat al-Muntaha (the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary)—a point beyond where Angel Jibreel said was his end point and requested the Prophet SAW to continue alone.
Note: Sidrah in Arabic means the lote tree (also known as Sidr in Arabic or Bidara in Malay), and muntaha the extreme edge or limit. Thus, literally, sidrat-al-muntaha means the lote tree that is situated on the extreme edge or limit.
- The Lesson: Growth requires recognizing that some spaces are meant for you and Allah alone. It also teaches us about the beauty of boundaries; knowing when to lean on others and when to stand solo in your faith.
6. Validation Comes from Above, Not Around
When the Prophet returned and told his story, many (Bani Quraysh) mocked him. But Abu Bakr (RA) believed him instantly because he knew the character of the one speaking.
- The Lesson: You don’t need the whole world to like your journey or understand your growth. As long as your path is true and your Niyyah (intention) is for Allah, the right people will support you.
Your Personal Ascension
The story of Isra’ Mi’raj is a beautiful reminder that our most profound journeys aren’t measured in miles, but in the nearness we feel to our Creator. It tells us that even when we are bruised by the “stones” of our own Ta’if moments, or grieving the losses of our own “Year of Sorrow,” we are never truly grounded.
Allah did not just take His Prophet on this journey to show him the universe; He did it to comfort a broken heart and to bring back a gift—the Salah—that allows every single one of us to “ascend” five times a day.
You don’t need a Buraq to reach the heavens. You just need a prayer mat, a sincere heart, and the courage to keep moving forward.
May your life be a series of beautiful ascensions. Explore more soulful reflections and lifestyle tools within The Ruhfar Society.
