Prophet Muhammad’s night journey and ascension

TODAY, Muslims around the world will mark Isra wal Miraj (night journey and ascension of the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Allaihi Wassalam). It is a non-working holiday in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), composed of the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Shariff Kabunsuan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, and the city of Marawi.

Isra wal Miraj is celebrated on the 27th of Rajab, the seventh month in the Hijrah calendar, which falls this year on the 10th of August. The dates of Islamic holidays change every year because they are based on the sighting of the new moon, Hijrah being a lunar calendar. Hijrah is 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.

Isra wal Miraj is one of the most important events in the history of Islam. It tells of the "miraculous knowledge which would direct the course of mankind: The night journey of Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Allaihi Wassalam from the valley of Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascension from the sanctuary of the rock, crossing all dimensions, to the presence of divine sanctity."

The event is cited in the Qu’ran and recorded in great detail throughout Islamic history. "Glory to Almighty Allah who did carry His Servant to a journey by night from the sacred mosque to the farthest mosque, whose precincts We did bless, in order that We might show Him some of Our Signs. Lo! Only He is the Listener and Seer" (Al-Qur’an, 17:1).

Isra wal Miraj is recognized as a Legal Muslim Holiday pursuant to Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1083 and Civil Service Commission Resolution No. 81-1277.

The Muslim community in the country will celebrate the event by means of prayers and recalling the Ascent. Through their prayers on this special day, the followers of Islam are able to closely connect with the Creator and recognize the value of living the virtues of their faith. A number of the faithful who have the means will share their resources with the poor.

We extend our greetings to the Islamic Ummah (community), particularly its Filipino members, on the occasion today of Isra wal Miraj. Let us all strive to make Isra wal Miraj an event that would foster our unity and solidarity as one nation, as we remember the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Allaihi Wassalam who exemplifies the virtues of piety, wisdom, humility, service, probity, honesty, and peace advocacy.

[Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/OPED2007081099912.html]