Friday, March 29, 2024 | Ramadan 18, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

A ‘Journey’ beyond man’s thought

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Challenges never stop arising every now and then during our lifetime. Regardless how big or small these challenges and difficulties are, they mark part of the daily experiences we come across. However, they don’t always tend to be serious one, but they are matters that take share of our attention, time and effort. This is the beauty of life; every dawn comes with a different surprise that might be pleasing or frustrating.


Occasionally, it is our work place, others’ attitude, or finance-related issues that stand behind us getting challenged or irritated. Our feelings and personalities as well as those whom we work or live with could be another reason too. This happens like anything else in life as days are not always the same. As we could receive more than a challenge on a day, what actually matters is the way we perceive every challenge that we face.


It is us who control how we run the show on every single day! Being positive and looking at the brighter side of each experience is the best way to overcome disappointing or unpleasant challenges. Although it is not easy to manage our reactions, attitudes and feelings, we should always try to enjoy every moment of life.


As we look back at the old days of history, we recall the story of Ascension Day of the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH). The day, called Al Israa Wal Miraj, was a two-part night journey arranged by the Almighty Allah to the Prophet. The first part, Israa, was a travel on the back of a winged mule-like white beast, called Buraq, from Mecca to Jerusalem in Palestine where he led the past Prophets in a prayer. The second part was the Prophet’s ascension to Heaven where he was instructed by Allah of the duty for Muslims to pray five times a day, which is still a pillar of Islam.


The story of Al Israa Wal Miraj is described in the Holy Quran in the versus: “Glory be to Him, who carried His servant by night from the Holy Mosque to the Further Mosque the precincts of which We have blessed, that We might show him some of Our signs. He is the All-hearing, the All-seeing”.


It is believed that the Al Israa Wal Miraj was not only a physical journey, but of a high spiritual level where the Prophet made the journey through spiritual vision. During his ascension, he met the past Prophets Adam, Abraham, Moses and Jesus and others as well. It is also stated that the Angel Gabriel accompanied him to some extent of the ascension.


The ascension was a matter of seeing Heaven and Hell and of getting new revelations from Allah. Before the night was over, the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) had returned to Mecca where his journey began. It is important to remember that this ascension was not the end of Muhammad’s life for he lived about another 10 years after that. The Al Israa Wal Miraj journey was a relief to the Prophet after he lost his wife Khadija and his uncle Abdulmotalib who was signifying the real family support to him.


The occasion is being observed by Muslims all over the world on the 27th of Rajab, the seventh month in the Islamic Calendar. It is one of the most important events in the history of Islam. Commemorating the anniversary of this historical story signifies the importance of patience while facing challenges of life. As well, it teaches human beings how strong they should be like all the Prophets of Allah who were struggling with their people. They were sparing no effort to guide their people and teach them the religions and messages from Allah.


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