The month of Rajab is a Muslim event
The explanation of the month of Rajab for Muslims
WHEN ISRA MIRAJ 2022?
Islamic event in February This year, Isra Miraj in 2022 falls on Wednesday, February 2, 2022. While the 27th day is on February 28, 2022 or 27 Rajab 1443 H
WHAT IS ISRA MIRAJ?
The Night Journey, also known as Shab e Miraj, Isra and Miraj or Al Isra wal Miraj (الإسراء المعراج), is celebrated on the 27th day of the month Rajab (7th month of the Islamic Calendar). Isra 'Mi'raj literally translates as the Night of the Ascent. This refers to the events of Isra' and Mi'raj when Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was brought to heaven from the Grand Mosque in Mecca. One of the greatest gifts of this night is that the obligatory prayers (Fardhu prayers) are ordered to Muslims.
BACKGROUND
Isra and Miraj occurred about 10-12 years after Rasulullah (SAW) received revelations from Allah. This was a time of deep sadness and sorrow for the Prophet (SAW) as he had just faced the death of his beloved wife Khadijah (RA) and his uncle Abu Talib. However, in these difficult times, Rasulullah (SAW) was given the honor of direct contact with Allah through this blessed journey.
STORY OF ISRA MIRAJ
Miraj's magical journey takes place in two parts. First, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) went from Mecca (Kaaba) to Jerusalem (Al-Aqsa Mosque) and then Rasulullah (SAW) was lifted up to heaven by Allah.
The night started with the presence of the leader of all the angels, Jibril (AS) in the presence of Rasulullah (SAW). Next, he brought Muhammad (PBUH) from the Al-Haram Mosque (Kaaba) to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Part of the journey of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) is mentioned in the Quran:
"Glory be to Allah, Who has taken His servant one night from Masjid Al-Haram to Masjid Al-Aqsa which We have blessed around him so that We may show him some of Our (greatness) signs. Verily, He is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.” (Quran 17:1)
The mode of transportation used for this journey in the middle of the night is an animal, similar to a horse, called Al-Burraq which is sent by Allah from Jannah (Paradise of Paradise). After riding this heavenly vehicle, he (Rasulullah SAW) reached Masjid Al-Aqsa from Masjid Al-Haram in just a second. On reaching Al-Aqsa Mosque, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) realized that all the other Prophets, who had come before him, were already present there. These prophets include Ibrahim (AS), Isa (AS), Musa (AS) and all other Prophets. Here Muhammad (S.A.W) leads all the prophets in praying two rak'ahs.
After that, two cups were brought before the Messenger of Allah (SAW). One cup is filled with wine and the other cup is filled with milk. He (Rasulullah SAW) looked at them and chose milk. Jibril (AS) said to the Messenger of Allah (SAW):
"Praise be to Allah who has guided you to choose fitrah (purity and holiness). If you choose khamr (wine), surely your people will deviate and few will follow the Shari'a." (An-Nasai: 5657)
The Prophet's Journey to Heaven
In the second part of Isra and Miraj, Jibril (AS) took Rasulullah (SAW) to heaven. Through his ascension, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stopped in all seven layers of heaven/sky. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) met the following great prophets in every paradise.
- In the first heaven, Prophet Adam (AS)
- In the second heaven, Prophet Isa (AS) and Prophet Yahya (AS) [Prophet Jesus and Prophet John]
- In the third heaven, Prophet Yusuf (AS) [Prophet Yoseph]
- In the fourth heaven, Prophet Idris (AS) [Prophet Enoch]
- In the fifth heaven, Prophet Haroon (AS) [Prophet Harun]
- In the sixth heaven, Prophet Musa (AS) [Prophet Musa]
- In the seventh heaven, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) [Prophet Abraham]
(Sahih Bukhari: 3207)
BAIT AL-MAMUR AND SIDRAT AL-MUNTAHA
Rasulullah (SAW) was then shown Al-Bait Al-Mamur (The House of Allah above all heaven). After inquiring about this place, Jibril (AS) said to the Messenger of Allah (SAW),
“This is Al Bait-Al-Mamur where 70,000 angels pray daily and those who attend will never be able to attend this blessing again.” (Sahih Bukhari: 3207)
Rasulullah (SAW) was brought to Sidrat Al-Muntaha (the big Lote Tree that marks the end of heaven). The nature of Al-Muntaha is a limit that Allah's creation cannot cross. Jibril (AS) stopped at this tree whereas Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was the only creature permitted by Allah to cross this limit.
DOES THE RASULULLAH (SAW) SEE ALLAH?
After Rasulullah (S.A.W) crossed Sidrat Al-Muntaha, he (S.A.W) was then presented to the Divine Presence and got closest to Allah but Rasulullah (S.A.W) did not see Allah with his eyes. The same thing can be seen from the following hadith:
It is narrated that Aishah (RA) said: "If anyone tells you that Muhammad (SAW) has seen his Lord, he is a liar, because Allah said: 'No sight can catch Him.' (Surah Al-Anaam 6:103)” (Sahih Bukhari: 7380)
THE ORIGIN OF THE FIVE TIME PRAYER
During his "meeting" with Allah's presence, the Prophet (SAW) was ordered to pray 50 daily prayers for him and his followers. After receiving this order from Allah, Rasulullah (SAW) returned and was on his way back, but Prophet Musa (AS) suggested he ask Allah to reduce the number as Muslims would not be able to perform so many prayers. Rasulullah (SAW) went again and again to Allah SWT until the number of prayers was reduced to five but Allah had promised the beloved Prophet (SAW) that Allah's reward for these five prayers for His servants would be equal to fifty prayers (Subhanallah) .
GIFTS OF ISRA AND MIRAJ
- Allah's Messenger (PBUH) was given three things during this blessed journey:
- Five daily prayers (which is equivalent to the reward of fifty prayers daily). (Sahih Bukhari: 7517)
- Summing up the verses of Surah Al-Baqarah (The Last Two Verses)
- Allah's promise that the sins of the Ummah of Muhammad (PBUH) will be forgiven except those who die associating with Allah. (Sahih Muslim: 173)
THE RASULULLAH (SAW) SHOWED "JANNAH" AND "JAHANNUM
During this Miraj journey, Rasulullah (SAW) was also taken to Jannah (Paradise) and Jahannum (Hell) by the angel Gabriel (AS). During this visit, Rasulullah (S.A.W) saw the blessings that would be received by the inhabitants of Paradise but also saw the torments that would be inflicted on those who were about to enter Hell.
THE RASULULLAH (SAW) HAS RETURNED TO MECCA
After completing his journey, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) boarded Al-Buraq and returned to Mecca. Isra Miraj lasts for one night.
The next morning, Rasulullah (SAW) went to Masjid Al-Haram and told people about his journey. Unbelievers find this situation suitable for humiliating believers. They knew that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) had never been to Masjid Al-Aqsa so they asked him about his description. The disbelievers were amazed by the answer of Rasulullah (SAW) and the precise description of the Mosque. They said to the Messenger of Allah (SAW): "By Allah, you describe it perfectly and correctly." However, they still did not embrace Islam and asked for more evidence.
When a group of disbelievers informed Abu Bakr (RA) about the situation, he (RA) said to them, "If the Messenger of Allah (SAW) says this, then it is undoubtedly true." This shows Abu Bakr's true belief and because of this incident, Abu Bakr (RA) was given the title 'As-Siddiq' (True/Honest)” by Rasulullah (SAW).
The Best Practices in the Month of Rajab, Prayers, and the Evidence
The month of Rajab is the name of the month in the Islamic calendar before the month of Sha'ban and after the month of Jumadil Akhir. The month of Rajab is a special month besides Dzulqa'dah, Dzulhijjah, and Muharram.
What is the best practice in the month of Rajab? Carrying out Rajab fasting, night prayers, istighfar, other fasts, alms, prayers, and prayers are the best practices in the month of Rajab.
In a book entitled Reaching Blessings in the Hijri Month by Sa'adah, it is revealed that this month is named Rajab because the angels honor this month by reading tasbih and tahmid.
- Fasting Rajab
Fasting Rajab is a fasting worship that is carried out in the month of Rajab, this is the best worship in the month of Rajab. In the book Al-Munawwir Arabic-Indonesian Dictionary by Ahmad Warson, it is explained that the month of Rajab is the name of the month in the Islamic calendar before the month of Sha'ban and after the month of Jumadil Akhir.
In the book of Al-Majmu' Syarah Al-Muhazzab by Imam Al-Nawawi, an opinion is expressed, that among the sunnah fasting is fasting in the forbidden months, namely Dhul Qa'dah, Dhul Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab, the most important is holy.
The same thing about the best practices in the month of Rajab is conveyed in the book of Sahih Muslim. Imam An Nawawi stated that there is no evidence that prohibits or encourages Rajab fasting. He explained that the implementation of Rajab fasting is allowed as long as it is a sunnah fast for one day, a fast for seven days, a fast for 10 days, and a fast for 15 days.
- Maghrib prayer
Night prayer is the best practice in the month of Rajab. Sayyidina Ali did the practice of increasing night prayers in the month of Rajab. This is revealed in the book al-Ghun-yah by Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jaelani. It is said that Sayyidina Ali focused on worship four nights a year.
Where one of them is on the first night of the month of Rajab, don't doubt the best practice in this month of Rajab. So the night prayer in the month of Rajab is good to do to purify oneself before the month of Ramadan arrives. Moreover, the practice of praying at night is loved by Allah, regardless of what month the night prayer is.
In the book entitled Entering Hell Because Fasting Rajab? by Ahmad Sarwat, revealed that the month of Rajab in the Qur'an is referred to as Asyhurul Hurum. In addition to the month of Muharram, Dhul Qa'dah, and Dhul Hijjah.
He explained that holding prayers on the first night of the month of Rajab is the best practice in the month of Rajab. In addition, hold a special prayer on the night of the first Friday of the month. Continued, special prayers on the night of Nisfu Rajab or the middle or the 15th of Rajab.
- Increase Istighfar
Increasing istighfar is the best practice in the month of Rajab. In a book entitled Reaching Blessings in the Hijri Month by Sa'adah, it is revealed that this month is named Rajab because the angels honor this month by reading tasbih and tahmid.
This is the reading of sayyidul istighfar and its meaning is quoted from a book entitled The Miracle of Istighfar for Busy People by Khairi Syekh Maulana Arabi. It is good to recite three times which are recited after each obligatory prayer:
Allahumma anta rabbi, laa ilaaha illaa anta, khalaqtanii wa ana 'abduka, wa ana 'alaa 'ahdika wa wa'dika mastatha'tu, wa a'uudzubika min syarri maa shana'tu, abu'u laka bi ni'matika 'alayya wa abuu'u laka bi dzanbi faghfirlii innahu laa yaghfirudz dzunuuba illa anta.
It means:
"O Allah, You are my Lord, there is no god but You. You created me while I am Your servant, and I am bound by Your promise (namely to always keep Your promise to believe and be sincere in doing acts of worship). obedience to You) to the best of my ability.
I seek refuge in You from all the evil I have done, I acknowledge Your favors upon me, and I confess my sins to You, so forgive me. Verily, no one can forgive sins except You." (HR Bukhari)
- Other Fasts
The best practice in the month of Rajab, not only Rajab fasting but equipped with other fasting practices.
In the book entitled Entering Hell Because Fasting Rajab? by Ahmad Sarwat, explained that a special fast on 1 Rajab is good followed by a special fast on Thursday in the first week of the month of Rajab.
A special fast on the day of Nisfu Rajab. Then a special fast on the 27th of Rajab. In addition, fasting at the beginning, middle, and end of the month of Rajab. A special fast for at least one day in the month of Rajab.
- Giving Alms
Ahmad Sarwat still cites the same book source who says that issuing special zakat in the month of Rajab is the best practice in the month of Rajab. Launching from the official website of Nahdlatul Ulama or NU Online, alms in the month of Rajab frees a Muslim from the torment of hellfire.
Rasulullah SAW said:
"Whoever gives charity to Rajab, Allah will protect him from the fire of hell as far as the distance traveled by a crow that flies freely from its nest until it dies in old age."
- Condolences and Prayers
Expanding the reading of prayers and prayers is the best practice in the month of Rajab, as stated by Ahmad Sarwat, still citing the same book source. Selawat is a good practice to do in the morning, afternoon, evening and night.
Allah SWT says in the Qur'an Surah Al-Ahzab verse 56 which means: "Verily Allah and His angels pray for the Prophet. O you who believe! Salawat to the Prophet and greetings to him."
CONCLUSION
Isra Miraj has an important meaning in the lives of Muslims around the world. That day is considered as one of Allah's holiest miracles, which He chose to bestow upon Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and he alone.
Although this trip has religious significance in Islam, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) never celebrated it and he never ordered his followers to celebrate it. However, we can commemorate this great event by asking for blessings from Allah, helping the needy and by doing the good deeds that Allah SWT and His Messenger (SAW) have taught us to do.
That's the Islamic event in the seventh month of the month of Rajab, hopefully this article can help you in getting to know more about Islamic events or important events in the history of Muslims. Thank you for visiting the Muslim.eu site, hopefully it will be useful. Wassalamu alaikum warohmatullahi wabarakatuh.