Dear Brothers and Sisters!

InshAllah we will observe the Night of Miraj, which holds great importance for the Islamic world, on the night between Tuesday and Wednesday next week. During the later part of the Meccan period, when the polytheists increased their oppression of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) and the believers, the miraculous event of the Isra and Mi’raj took place by the grace of Allah (swt). This blessed event is referenced in the Noble Qur’an, as mentioned in the verse we have recited at the beginning of our khutba: “Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing.”[1]

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

The Meccan polytheists did everything to torture and persecute to silence the call of Islam. They subjected the Prophet Muhammad (saw) and his companions who had embraced faith to social and economic boycott. When the boycott ended, the Prophet (saw) faced another trial: the passing of his uncle Abu Talib, who had protected him, and his dear wife, Khadijah (ra), who had been his support during the most difficult times. Sensing the Prophet’s vulnerability, the polytheists intensified their pressure. Seeking a way out, the Prophet (saw) went to Taif to preach Islam, but he was not received warmly there either. He faced severe insults and was stoned, leaving his blessed feet bloodied. It was at such a time, when he was in dire need of comfort, that Allah (swt) provided relief by granting him the miracle of the Isra and Mi’raj.

Dear Jama’ah!

The Messenger of Allah (saw) returned from the Mi’raj with three great gifts for his ummah. Abdullah ibn Umar, one of the great companions, narrates: “When the Messenger of Allah was taken on the night journey (Isra and Mi’raj), three things were given to him: 1- The obligation of the five daily prayers, 2- The last portion of Surah Al-Baqarah (‘Amenarrasul), 3- The glad tidings that the sins of those from this ummah who do not associate partners with Allah will be forgiven.””[2] The five daily prayers, which our Prophet referred to as the “apple of my eye,” are the greatest act of worship in the daily life of Muslims. They are an opportunity to remember, recall and never forget Allah. Prayer is a means of strengthening the bond between Allah and His servant. It is the spiritual rise of a believer. Regularly performing prayers also shapes a person to be virtuous, honest, humble, compassionate and just. As Allah (swt) says, “Verily, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing.”[3] 

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

The land of Jerusalem and Palestine, which encompasses the Al-Aqsa Mosque where the Isra and Mi’raj event took place, is currently engulfed in bloodshed and oppression. No believing Muslim who believes in Allah, His Messenger and the Last Day can remain unresponsive to these injustices. Our beloved Prophet (saw) said: “The example of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.”[4] Let us take advantage of the blessings of the Night of Miraj and pray to Allah on that day for the relief our Palestinian brothers and sisters.

May Allah (swt), with His names of Merciful and Compassionate, treat all the oppressed with kindness. Ameen!

[1] Surah Al-Isra, 17:1

[2] Muslim, İman,173; Bab 6

[3] Surah Al-‘Ankabut, 29:45

[4] Buharî, Edeb, 27

Khutba – Laylatul Miraj