ISRA AND MIRAJ - Part IV

ISRA AND MI'RAJ - Part IV

The gift of Salah (prayer)

Prior to Isra and Mi’raj, the characteristics of prayer were different from what Muslims observe today. The current format of salah was revealed to the Muhammad SAW during his meeting with Allah SWT – if we think about it, it is a gift directly from Allah to all of us. Originally it was prescribed to be observed fifty times a day for Muslims. On his return from Sidrat ul Muntaha, Prophet SAW passed by Musa AS who persuaded him that his followers would not be capable of fulfilling this task and to ask Allah SWT for a reduction. The Prophet SAW returned to Allah SWT a few times and each time it was reduced by ten in number until Allah SWT ordained five prayers during the day and equalled them in reward to fifty. Thus, the second pillar of Islam was established in the heavens, the Salah, the most structured, blessed and intimate way of worshipping and communicating directly with Allah SWT, which none of the previous nations were blessed with.

Forgiveness

During Isra and Mi’raj, Allah SWT promised that He will forgive the sins of true believers even if they are major sins. As long as a believer does not associate anything with Allah SWT, he is promised forgiveness from his Lord. Again, this was a message of encouragement, inspiration and hope.

Compared to the nations of the previous Prophets and Messengers, the nation of Prophet Muhammad SAW has been showered with more mercy and compassion than any other. Allah SWT has lightened the burden on us, and multiplied the rewards of our deeds. No other nation has enjoyed this extent of forgiveness and forbearance from Allah SWT. The mercy of Allah SWT on the followers of Prophet Muhammad SAW is explained below in the process of recording of our deeds - the Messenger of Allah SAW said that Allah the Glorious said:

"Verily, Allah Ta'ala has ordered that the good and the bad deeds be written down. Then he explained it clearly how (to write): He who intends to do a good deed but he does not do it, then Allah records it for him as a full good deed, but if he carries out his intention, then Allah the exalted, writes it down for him as from ten to seven hundred folds, and even more. But if he intends to do an evil act and has not done it, then Allah writes it down with him as a full good deed, but if he intends it and has done it, Allah writes it down as one bad deed."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Is this not proof of Allah’s boundless generosity to us, and sufficient encouragement for us to remain strong in the path of Allah?