Before the Journey
What difficult period in the Prophet's ﷺ life occurred shortly before Isra and Mi'raj and is often called the
Year of Sorrow
Which angel requested permission before entering each heaven with the Prophet ﷺ?
Jibril (AS).
Which surah begins by mentioning the night journey?
Surah Al-Isra (Surah 17, Juz 15).
Which quality was especially needed to believe in the miracle of Isra and Mi'raj?
What does the command to perform Salah during Mi'raj tell us about its importance relative to other acts of worship?
It shows Salah has a unique status because it was commanded directly by Allah.
Which city rejected the Prophet ﷺ, causing him great sadness shortly before this miraculous journey?
Taif
What question was asked each time the gates of heaven were opened?
"Who is it?" (followed by asking whether Muhammad ﷺ had been invited.
The Prophet witnessed many things during the Miraj. Complete the Quranic verse: "So that We may show him..."
"...Our signs."
Why did many Quraysh reject the story of Isra and Mi'raj?
They believed such a journey was impossible for a human.
Why do Muslims often describe Salah as the "Mi'raj of the believer"?
Because Salah is the believer's closest connection with Allah
Why do many scholars say Allah blessed the Prophet ﷺ with Isra and Mi'raj after these hardships?
To comfort, strengthen, and honour him after the trials he faced.
What does the repeated request for permission teach us about the manners of Islam?
Good manners include asking permission before entering and respecting others.
According to Surah Al-Isra, who is described as "the One who took His servant by night"?
Allah.
How can Muslims today show trust in Allah even when they don't fully understand His wisdom?
By obeying Allah, making du'a, being patient, and trusting His knowledge
If the Prophet ﷺ experienced great hardship before receiving this honour, what lesson can Muslims learn when facing their own challenges?
Hardships can lead to greater blessings, and we should remain patient and trust Allah.
Why was the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ spiritually prepared before the Isra' and Mi'raj?
Because he was about to witness extraordinary signs of Allah and be honoured with a unique meeting and mission. His heart was purified to prepare him for this incredible experience.
Why was Jibril (AS) unable to continue past Sidrat al-Muntaha?
Because that was the limit Allah had set for him.
Why does the Qur'an describe the Prophet ﷺ as "His servant" ('abdihi) instead of mentioning his name in the first verse of Surah Isra?
Answer: To honour the Prophet ﷺ by highlighting that the highest status a person can attain is that of a devoted servant of Allah.
Why is believing in miracles an important part of a Muslim's faith?
Because Allah is capable of everything, even things beyond human understanding.
Explain why the Prophet ﷺ meeting with earlier prophets was meaningful for the message of Islam.
It showed that all the prophets came with the same message: to worship Allah alone, and that Muhammad ﷺ completed that line of prophethood.
What did Jibrīl (AS) do to prepare the Prophet for Miraj
He opened the Prophet's chest, purified his heart with Zamzam water, and filled it with faith and wisdom
What does Sidrat al-Muntaha represent?
The utmost boundary of creation that only Allah allowed the Prophet ﷺ to pass beyond.
What is Baytul Ma'mur?
The Frequented House, the heavenly counterpart to the Ka'bah, which is visited and circumambulated by seventy thousand angels every day.
Explain why Isra and Mi'raj are considered both a miracle and a test of faith.
It was a miracle because Allah made the impossible possible, and a test because people had to decide whether to believe in Allah and His Messenger ﷺ despite not being able to explain it.
What is one reason scholars say Allah chose to gather all the prophets behind Muhammad ﷺ in prayer before the ascension?
It symbolized that Muhammad ﷺ was the final prophet and leader of all previous prophets, while affirming the unity of their message.