Shaykh Hammad Mustafa al-Madani al-Qadri delivered an enlightening lecture on the miraculous events of al-Isrāʾ w’al-Miʿrāj at Minhaj-ul-Quran International, Greater London, UK. Shaykh Hammad Mustafa al-Qadri described the journey as extraordinary, one that saw the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ travel from Makkah to Jerusalem and then ascend through the heavens into the Divine Presence, all in a single night. Shaykh Hammad meticulously explained the event’s historical and spiritual significance, drawing upon the Qur’an and the most authentic narrations of the Sunnah.

A key-point stressed by Shaykh Hammad Mustafa al-Qadri was the physical nature of the journey. This was not a dream or a metaphysical vision but a literal journey that involved both the blessed body and soul of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The miracle served as a test (fitnah) for believers and disbelievers alike, as described in verse 60 of surāh al-Isrāʾ. Like all miracles, this event transcends human logic, challenging human intellect while affirming the truthfulness of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Early rationalists, unable to reconcile this event with their limited understanding, argued that it must have been spiritual or visionary. However, Shaykh Hammad noted that the vast majority of scholars, including companions such as ʿAbd Allāh b. ʿAbbās (RA), Jābir b. ʿAbd Allāh (RA), and Anas b. Mālik (RA), affirmed the journey’s physical reality.

Shaykh Hammad Mustafa al-Qadri provided rich context, explaining that this miracle occurred after a period of immense grief in the Prophet’s ﷺ life, known as the “Year of Sorrow.” During this time, the Holy Prophet ﷺ lost two of his closest supporters: his uncle Abū Tālib (RA) and his beloved wife, Khadījah (RA). This period was marked by great emotional burden and opposition from the Quraysh, culminating in the incident at Ta’if where the Holy Prophet ﷺ was pelted with stones. The Night Journey and Ascension was a divine consolation for the Holy Prophet ﷺ, meant to honour and bring joy to him by inviting him into the Divine Presence.

Shaykh Hammad then turned to the details of the journey itself, beginning with the Holy Prophet’s ﷺ location. While some narrations place him at the house of Umm Hānī (RA), others suggest he was near the Ka‘bah. Three angels approached the Holy Prophet ﷺ, recognising him as “the best of creation.” They carried him to the Well of Zamzam, where his chest was opened, his heart removed, and it was purified with Zamzam water. The heart was filled with wisdom (ḥikmah) and faith (īmān), preparing him for the journey. Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Qadri pointed out that while the Holy Prophet ﷺ was inherently pure, this act symbolised the divine preparation for the extraordinary revelations he was about to witness, and that rather than the blessed heart being purified, it was the water of ZamZam that got purified with the blessed heart of the Holy Prophet ﷺ.

The Holy Prophet ﷺ was then provided with al-Burāq, a radiant celestial steed, described as larger than a donkey but smaller than a mule. Shaykh Hammad Mustafa al-Madani al-Qadri clarified misconceptions about al-Burāq, stating that it did not fly but moved swiftly, covering vast distances with each step, moving to the furthest point it could see. The journey to Jerusalem included several sacred stops. At Yathrib (later Masīnah), the Holy Prophet ﷺ was informed that this land would become his future home. At Mount Sinai, he prayed where Allah ﷻ spoke to Prophet Mūsā (AS), and at Bethlehem, he honoured the birthplace of Prophet ʿĪsā (AS). Along the way, the Holy Prophet ﷺ also encountered Prophet Mūsā (AS), standing in his blessed grave and praying.

Upon reaching Jerusalem, the Holy Prophet ﷺ tied al-Burāq and entered Masjid al-Aqsa. He ﷺ was welcomed by a congregation of Prophets and led them in prayer, affirming his status as the Imam of all Prophets. This moment marked the culmination of al-Isrāʾ and the beginning of al-Miʿrāj, the ascension through the heavens. Shaykh Hammad described the Holy Prophet’s ﷺ encounters with the Prophets in each heaven. He met the prophets Ādam (AS), ʿĪsā (AS), Yaḥyā (AS), Yūsuf (AS), Idrīs (AS), Hārūn (AS), Mūsā (AS), and Ibrāhīm (AS). At the seventh heaven, the Prophet reached Bayt al-Maʿmūr, a heavenly Ka‘bah where 70,000 angels worship daily, never to return. He also witnessed Sidrat al-Muntahā, the ultimate boundary of creation.

At this point, Jibrīl (AS) halted, stating that he could not proceed further, as even his wings would burn in the Divine Light beyond this boundary. Only the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was granted permission to continue. Shaykh Hammad Mustafa al-Qadri highlighted this as a unique honour, unparalleled in the history of creation. The Holy Prophet ﷺ was drawn into the Divine Presence, described in sūrah al-Najm as a closeness akin to “two bows’ length or closer.” Although the details of this meeting remain veiled, Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Qadri cited narrations affirming that the Prophet ﷺ saw Allah ﷻ with his physical eyes, a point supported by companions like ʿAbd Allāh b. ʿAbbās (RA).

During this meeting, the Holy Prophet ﷺ was gifted three monumental blessings: the five daily prayers, the last verses of Surah al-Baqarah, and the assurance that those who avoid shirk and major sins would be forgiven. Originally prescribed as fifty prayers, the number was reduced to five after the recommendation of Prophet Mūsā (AS) to the Holy Prophet ﷺ to return to Allah Almighty, acknowledging the limitations of the Holy Prophet’s ﷺfollowers. Despite this reduction, the reward for the five prayers remains equivalent to fifty. It was also pointed out here that although Allah Almighty had full knowledge of this limitation, the frequent return of the Holh Prophet ﷺ can be understood as a divine excuse to facilitate multiple encounters between the Holy Prophet ﷺ and Allah ﷻ.

The Holy Prophet’s ﷺ return journey included visions of paradise and hell and encounters with various punishments and rewards for human deeds. Upon returning to Makkah, the Holy Prophet ﷺ recounted his journey to Quraysh, who mocked him. To test his claim, they demanded descriptions of Masjid al-Aqsa and the caravans he had seen. Shaykh Hammad Mustafa al-Qadri described how Allah ﷻ miraculously displayed Masjid al-Aqsa before the Holy Prophet’s ﷺ eyes, enabling him to provide precise details of its structure. He also accurately described the caravans, including the colour of their camels and the timing of their arrival in Makkah. In one instance, Allah ﷻ delayed the setting of the sun to ensure the Prophet’s ﷺ prophecy about the caravan’s return was fulfilled.
Shaykh Hammad Mustafa al-Madani al-Qadri concluded by emphasising the spiritual significance of al-Isrāʾ w’al-Miʿrāj. The event underscores the Holy Prophet’s ﷺ unique status and serves as a reminder of the gift of salah, a means for believers to ascend spiritually and connect with Allah ﷻ.

The Shaykh urged the audience to honour this gift, safeguarding their prayers and cherishing the blessings bestowed upon the Ummah. Through this lecture, Shaykh Hammad Mustafa al-Madani al-Qadri provided a comprehensive and deeply moving account of one of the greatest miracles in Islamic history, inspiring all to reflect upon its profound lessons.