Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh!
Today is the 27th of Rajab, a date that is significant in the Islamic history. It is the date that Rasulullah went on a miraculous journey called al-Isra’ wal Mi’raj. To commemorate that, today’s post will be free for all.
Welcome to Day 27 of the BeQuranic 2025 Challenge! Today, we reflect on ayah 27 of Surah Al-Mulk. But before we begin, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the date: 27th of Rajab. This is the day traditionally believed to mark the miraculous journey of Isra’ wal Mi’raj—a powerful reminder of prayer as our direct connection to Allah.
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The miraculous journey of Isra’ wal Mi’raj came at a critical moment in Rasulullah ﷺ’s life, during the Year of Sorrow (Aam al-Huzn). He had recently lost two of his strongest pillars of support:
• Sayyidatuna Khadijah (RA): His beloved wife, confidante, and the first believer in his mission. She was the emotional bedrock of his life and da’wah.
• Abu Talib: His uncle, protector, and shield against the Quraysh’s physical harm and assassination attempts.
The Prophet ﷺ faced mounting hostility in Mecca, rejection in Ta’if, and what seemed like a roadblock in his mission. At this juncture, Allah provided spiritual solace through this miraculous journey.
The Gift of Salah: A Timeless Connection
Among the most significant outcomes of Mi’raj was the direct gift of Salah—five daily prayers—given by Allah without the mediation of Jibreel. Unlike other obligations that came through revelation on earth, Salah was delivered during this divine meeting, emphasizing its centrality in our faith.
Salah as a Solution
Rasulullah ﷺ faced external challenges—opposition, rejection, and grief—yet Allah provided him with an internal solution. Instead of armies or material aid, Allah gave him a direct means of communication: prayer.
• Salah is our daily mi’raj, a spiritual ascent that allows us to connect directly with Allah, no matter where we are or what we face.
• It teaches us that when life becomes overwhelming, the first step is to turn inward, strengthen our connection with Allah, and seek His guidance through prayer.
The Ayah
Allah says:
فَلَمَّا رَأَوۡهُ زُلۡفَةٗ سِيٓـَٔتۡ وُجُوهُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ وَقِيلَ هَٰذَا ٱلَّذِي كُنتُم بِهِۦ تَدَّعُونَ
“But when they see it approaching, the faces of the disbelievers will turn gloomy, and it will be said, ‘This is what you used to call for!’”
Context and Meaning
This ayah concludes the conversation between the Quraysh and Rasulullah ﷺ, where they mockingly questioned the Day of Judgment:
“When is this promise (of Qiyamah), if you are truthful?”
Allah responds by describing the scene when Qiyamah is finally upon them:
1. “When they see it approaching…”
• The disbelievers will see the terrifying signs of Qiyamah drawing near.
2. “…the faces of the disbelievers will turn gloomy.”
• Their mockery and arrogance will be replaced with dread and despair.
3. “…and it will be said: ‘This is what you used to call for!’”
• They will be reminded of their own mockery, but at that moment, belief or regret will have no value.
Lessons from the Ayah
1. Faith Before It’s Too Late
• Allah gave us intellect, hearing, and sight to reflect on His signs and embrace faith before we see Jahannam with our eyes.
• Waiting until death or the Day of Judgment to believe is too late.
2. Life Is a Test of Trust
• The test isn’t in seeing and believing but in trusting Allah’s guidance and preparing for the unseen reality.
3. Mockery Reveals Arrogance
• The Quraysh mocked the Prophet ﷺ, but their arrogance blinded them from the truth.
• In life, dismissing reminders or belittling the deen often stems from the same arrogance.
Connecting to Isra’ wal Mi’raj
The 27th of Rajab reminds us of the gift of Salah—a direct line to Allah. What’s fascinating is that at a time when Rasulullah ﷺ faced immense external challenges (the Year of Sorrow), Allah gave him a spiritual tool rather than an immediate worldly solution.
• Prayer is Our Mi’raj: Salah elevates us spiritually, just as the Mi’raj elevated Rasulullah ﷺ.
• Internal Solutions for External Problems: Fixing our internal connection with Allah strengthens us to face life’s challenges.
Practical Takeaways
1. Evaluate Your Salah
• Are you praying all five daily prayers? If not, make this your priority.
• If you’re praying, focus on praying on time and improving your khushu’ (concentration).
2. Turn to Allah Immediately
• Don’t delay repentance or self-improvement. If you struggle with a sin or weakness, start addressing it today.
3. Strengthen Relationships
• Life is short. If there’s friction with family or loved ones, mend those relationships before it’s too late.
Final Thought
This ayah is a stark reminder: Don’t wait until Qiyamah to believe or change. The time to act is now.
As we reflect on the lessons from Isra’ wal Mi’raj, let’s remember the incredible gift of Salah and ensure it’s central in our lives. Pray, reflect, and improve.
Jazakum Allahu Khairan for joining me today. See you tomorrow, inshaAllah! Wassalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
