What is Miraj of Prophet Muhammad?

Prophet Muhammad Night Journey Buraq | The Heavenly Journey & Revelations

The Eyewitness Account of the Prophet’s Journey Through the Celestial Realms

Introduction

The sacred knowledge of the Holy Quran Majeed was received through Prophet Muhammad. Because the Quran reached humanity through him, his personal spiritual experiences carry profound importance. Among the most priceless events in his biography is the Miraj (Night Journey and Ascension)—an eyewitness experience of the physical reality of Heaven, Hell, and the souls of previous prophets.

1. The Sequence of the Miraj Journey

                        [ The Heavenly Ascension (Miraj) ]
                                        |
                 (Purification of the Heart & Mounting Buraq)
                                        |
               +------------------------+------------------------+
               |                                                 |
  [ First Sky: Prophet Adam ]                       [ Second Realm: Assembly ]
 (Sees progeny in Heaven & Hell)                   (Leads 180,000 Prophets in Namaz)
               |                                                 |
               +------------------------+------------------------+
                                        |
                   [ Divine Command Behind the Curtain ]
                  (Initial Order: 50 Namaz Daily + Fasting)
                                        |
                   [ Intercession & Advice of Prophet Musa ]
                     (Reduced step-by-step to 5 Daily Namaz)

2. Eyewitness Narrative of the Ascent

Purification and Mount Buraq

One morning, Prophet Muhammad shared his ordeal with his companions:

• Preparation: Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) arrived, opened Prophet Muhammad's chest, inserted a holy element, and restored his chest to its original state.
• The Celestial Mount: Prophet Muhammad was seated on Buraq (a white mule-like winged creature) and taken upward into the celestial skies.

Encounter with Prophet Adam (First Sky)

Upon reaching the first heaven, Prophet Muhammad observed a figure seated between Paradise and Hell:

The Observation: When the man looked to his right toward Heaven, he smiled and laughed happily. When he looked to his left toward Hell, he wept bitterly.

• Explanation by Angel Jibreel: "This is Adam, the father of all humanity. On his left is Hell, containing his progeny who performed evil deeds and disobeyed Allah's prescribed worship. Seeing them suffer makes him cry. On his right is Heaven, containing his righteous progeny who obeyed Allah's commands and are filled with joy. Seeing them makes him laugh."
• Adam’s Greeting: When Prophet Muhammad approached, Prophet Adam embraced him, saying: "Welcome, O righteous prophet! O righteous son!" He then offered blessings for the advancement of the community.

Leading the Congregation of 180,000 Prophets

Angel Jibreel escorted Prophet Muhammad to a higher sky where a massive assembly of holy messengers had gathered:

• Prophets Present: Prophet Dawood (David), Prophet Musa (Moses), Prophet Isa (Jesus), and 180,000 other prophets were present.
• The Prayer (Namaz): Prophet Muhammad was given supreme honor and led all 180,000 prophets in prayer (Namaz).

3. Receiving the Commandment for Namaz (Prayer)

Following the prayer, Angel Jibreel and Buraq remained at their designated boundary while Prophet Muhammad ascended the celestial stairs alone.

1. The Divine Voice Behind the Veil: A divine voice spoke from behind a curtain, commanding: "Offer 50 Namaz (prayers) daily, observe Roza (fasting), and give Azaan (call to prayer)."
2. Advice from Prophet Musa: When Prophet Muhammad returned to the assembly, Prophet Musa asked what command had been given. Upon hearing "50 Namaz daily," Prophet Musa advised:

   "Your community will not be able to perform 50 prayers a day. Go back and appeal for a reduction."

1. Final Prescription: After repeated appeals back and forth, the obligation was permanently set at 5 daily prayers (Namaz), alongside fasting (Roza) and the call to prayer (Azaan).

4. Scriptural Analysis & Theological Counterarguments

Many traditional Muslim scholars (Maulvis) claim that souls remain sleeping inside their earthly graves (tombs) until the final Day of Judgment, asserting that Prophet Adam was merely reacting to abstract deeds.

However, the direct details of the Miraj present a clear counterargument:

Additional Evidence: The Account of Prophet Muhammad's Grandfather

Following his return from the skies, Prophet Muhammad was questioned by his uncle regarding family lineage:

• Question: "Did you also see your grandfather? Is he in heaven or hell?"
• Prophet Muhammad's Reply: "I saw him in Hell."
• Outcome: This honest account angered his uncle, who accused him of lying. However, Prophet Muhammad maintained: "I have told only what I saw."

Conclusion

The Miraj of Prophet Muhammad provides direct eyewitness proof that Heaven and Hell are currently populated with souls experiencing the consequences of their deeds. The journey confirms that living beings are judged by their actions and that the soul transitions to celestial or infernal realms immediately according to divine law.