Life challenges keep emerging every now and then; regardless how big or small a challenge is, it marks a part of life experiences. Though challenges are not always serious ones, they are matters that need part of our attention, time and effort to overcome them. Hence, with every dawn comes with a different surprise that might be pleasing or frustrating.
All that matters is the way of handling every challenge comes across every single day! It is our call whether to make it or break it as possibly we could receive more than a challenge on a day! Occasionally, it is our work place, others’ attitude, or finance-related issues could be the reasons behind getting us challenged or irritated. Our feelings, personalities and those working or living with us could be another reason too.
It happens like anything else in life as days are not always the same. Yet, it is us who control how we run the show on every single day in life; despite what happens around us. Being positive and looking at the positive side of each experience we come through is the best way to overcome the disappointing moments. Although it is not easy to manage our reaction, attitudes and feelings, we should always try our best to enjoy every moment of life.
Looking back at the old days of history, let’s reflect on the story of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Ascension Day. This day, which is also called Isra'a Wal Miraj, was a 2-parts night journey arranged by the Almighty Allah to the Prophet. The first part, Isra, was a travel on the back of a winged mule-like white beast, called Buraq, from Mecca to Jerusalem where he led the past Prophets in prayer. The second part was Ascension of the Prophet 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 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. 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.
The night journey was a matter of seeing Heaven and Hell and getting new revelations from Allah. Before the night was over, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had returned to Mecca where his journey started. In fact, this ascension was not the end of Prophet’s life for he lived about another 10 years after that. The Isra'a 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 journey of Isra'a Wal Miraj is described in the Holy Quran, “Glory to Him Who carried His beloved by night from the Sacred Masjid to the Furthest Masjid, whose precincts We have blessed, to show him of Our wonders! He it is Who is All-Hearing, All-Seeing! Remember when We said to you that your Lord encompasses mankind in His knowledge. Nor did We make the vision We showed you except as a test to people, as also the accursed tree in the Quran.”
It has been believed that the Isra'a 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 was met by the past Prophets Adam, Abraham, Moses and Jesus and others as well. Further, the Angel Gabriel accompanied the Prophet to some extent of the ascension.
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