Al Mi’raj, commemorated on the 27th of Rajab, marks one of the most profound miracles in Islamic history. In a single blessed night, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) embarked on a miraculous journey from Masjid al Haram to Masjid Al Aqsa in Jerusalem, followed by his ascension through the Heavens (Al Mi’raj). This extraordinary event, mentioned in the Quran (Surah Al-Isra’ 17:1), was a divine gift of comfort and strength to the Prophet during a time of great hardship.
During the Mi’raj, the Prophet (PBUH) ascended through the seven heavens, met previous prophets, witnessed heavenly wonders, and ultimately received the command for the five daily prayers directly from Allah, reducing an initial obligation of fifty prayers to five, through the Prophet’s humble intercession. This gift of Salah became the believer’s direct link to Allah, a mercy for the Ummah.
A beautiful narration from the Prophet (PBUH) ties this sacred night to the virtue of giving. As reported in Sunan Ibn Majah, he said: “On the night on which I was taken on the Night Journey (Isra), I saw written at the gate of Paradise, ‘Charity brings a tenfold reward and a loan brings an eighteenfold reward”. When asked why a loan exceeds charity, the angel Jibril explained that a beggar may still have some means, while one seeking a loan asks only out of genuine need.
Charity in the Light of the Night Journey
This vision during Isra’ wal Mi’raj highlights how generously Allah rewards acts of compassion. Giving Sadaqah (voluntary charity) extinguishes sins, purifies wealth, and builds bridges to Jannah, much like the Prophet’s ascent bridged earth and heaven.
Rajab is one of the four sacred months, where good deeds carry multiplied rewards. On the night of Al Isra’ wal Mi’raj, Muslims are encouraged to engage in extra worship; nafl prayers, Quran recitation, sending salutations upon the Prophet (PBUH), supplication, fasting (if possible), and especially Sadaqah.
Charity during this time echoes the mercy shown to the Ummah through the gift of prayers. It helps those in need, whether through feeding the hungry, supporting orphans, or aiding the afflicted, and serves as a practical way to honor the Prophet’s journey. As the Prophet (PBUH) taught, Sadaqah not only benefits the recipient but returns manifold to the giver, offering shade on the Day of Judgement and ongoing rewards.
In a world of trials, Al Isra’ wal Mi’raj reminds us that Allah’s mercy knows no bounds. Let us respond by increasing our generosity, sharing our blessings, and turning to Allah in gratitude.
May Allah accept our efforts, multiply our rewards, and make us among those who enter Jannah through faith, prayer, and charity. Ameen.