Introduction: A Journey That Changed the World
On a night filled with divine light and meaning, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was taken on a miraculous journey. This event, known as Isra and Miraj or Miraj un Nabi, holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims across the globe. It was during this journey that he travelled from the Kaaba in Mecca to the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, and from there ascended to the heavens.
For Muslims, the Night Journey is not just a historical event, it is a lesson in resilience, patience, and faith. It reminds us that even in the most difficult of times, Allah provides hope, strength, and a path forward. Today, as we witness the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Palestine and Kashmir, Isra and Miraj stands as a reminder that hardship is never without purpose and that faith must be paired with action.
The Miraculous Night: From Mecca to Jerusalem and Beyond
The journey began at the Kaaba in Mecca, where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was taken by the angel Jibreel on the Buraq, a celestial steed. He travelled to the blessed land of Jerusalem, arriving at the sacred Al Aqsa Mosque. There, he led other prophets in prayer, signifying the unity of divine guidance throughout history.
From Jerusalem, the Prophet (peace be upon him) ascended to the heavens. He was granted visions of paradise and hell, and he received the gift of Salah (daily prayers), a cornerstone of Islamic faith. This divine journey was not just about travel, but about connecting the earthly with the eternal, and the oppressed with the promise of justice and mercy.
The Central Role of Al Aqsa Mosque
At the heart of Isra and Miraj lies the Al Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third holiest site after the Kaaba in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. Located in the Old City of Jerusalem, the Al Aqsa complex also includes the iconic Dome of the Rock. It is here that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) began his heavenly ascension.
For Muslims, Al Aqsa is not only a site of spiritual devotion but also a symbol of resilience. Palestinians, despite decades of occupation and hardship, continue to guard and protect this sacred mosque. Their devotion mirrors the Prophet’s lesson that faith is tested most in times of difficulty.
A Lesson in Resilience for Today’s Muslims
Isra and Miraj teaches us that trials are part of the believer’s journey. Just as the Prophet (peace be upon him) endured hardship in Mecca before being honoured with the Night Journey, today millions of Muslims face struggles in war-torn regions.
- In Palestine, families pray under siege, clinging to Al Aqsa as a symbol of their survival.
- In Kashmir, widows and orphans live under poverty and uncertainty, yet they do not lose hope in Allah’s mercy.
- Across the world, Muslims in the diaspora seek ways to give back and strengthen the Ummah.
The Night Journey reminds us that resilience is rewarded, that every act of patience is seen by Allah, and that faith must be lived through action.
Honouring Isra and Miraj Through Charity
As Muslims in the UK, we may not face the same daily struggles as those in Palestine or Kashmir. But we are given another test: the responsibility to help. The Qur’an reminds us that wealth is both a blessing and a trust.
On the blessed night of Isra and Miraj, Salah was gifted to the Ummah. Today, one way we can honour that gift is by pairing our prayers with action. By giving Zakat, Sadaqah, and regular charity, we extend mercy to those who are suffering.
Through the Kashmir Welfare Foundation, your donations directly impact widows, orphans, and struggling families in Kashmir and beyond. Food packs provide a month of survival, water wells give clean drinking water for generations, and orphan sponsorship restores dignity to children who would otherwise be forgotten.
A UK Donor’s Perspective: Giving Back in Honour of Isra and Miraj
For many British Muslims, Isra and Miraj is a night of reflection and prayer. But beyond the mosque walls, it is also a time to act. One UK donor shared:
“When I read about the Prophet’s night journey, I realised that prayer alone was not enough. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was shown the struggles of humanity. I thought of Kashmir’s orphans and Palestine’s children, and I knew my wealth was not mine to keep. Donating to Kashmir Welfare Foundation became my way of honouring this sacred night.”
This perspective shows that every act of charity, whether big or small, is an echo of the Prophet’s mercy and a step closer to the divine reward promised on Isra and Miraj.
Preserving Sacred Sites, Preserving Humanity
Just as Al Aqsa requires protection, so too do the lives of vulnerable Muslims worldwide. Preserving mosques, schools, hospitals, and homes in Kashmir is a continuation of the same duty — safeguarding what is sacred to our faith and community.
Every food pack you provide, every orphan you sponsor, and every water well you help build is not just aid. It is preservation of faith, resilience, and the dignity of the Ummah.
As Isra and Miraj reminds us of prayer, patience, and perseverance, let us also embrace charity as worship.
🌙 This year, honour the Prophet’s miraculous journey with action:
- Give Zakat to purify your wealth.
- Donate Sadaqah for the orphans and widows of Kashmir.
- Commit to Regular Giving to ensure continuous blessings.
By giving, you transform faith into action and become part of the resilience the Night Journey teaches us.
FAQ: Isra and Miraj and Its Lessons Today
1. What is Isra and Miraj?
Isra and Miraj refers to the miraculous night journey of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Jerusalem and then his ascension to the heavens.
2. Why is Al Aqsa Mosque important in Islam?
It is Islam’s third holiest site. The Prophet (peace be upon him) led prayers there before ascending to the heavens, making it a place of deep spiritual and historical significance.
3. When is Isra and Miraj in 2026?
In the Gregorian calendar, Isra and Miraj will fall on 16 January 2026 (27 Rajab 1447). Dates may vary slightly depending on moon sighting.
4. How can Muslims today honour Isra and Miraj?
By increasing prayers, seeking forgiveness, remembering the Prophet’s example, and supporting the vulnerable through Zakat and Sadaqah.
5. Why connect Isra and Miraj to charity for Kashmir and Palestine?
The Night Journey teaches resilience in hardship. Supporting widows, orphans, and families in crisis is one way for Muslims today to embody the lessons of faith and mercy from Isra and Miraj.
