Ustadh Dr. Ali Ataie speaks about the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)’s the night journey and the ascension (Al Isra and Al Miraj).

- More Dr. Ali Ataie: http://mcceastbay.org/ali-ataie
- Past talks commemorating Al Isra Wal Miraj: http://mcceastbay.org/isra

Dr. Ataie has a PhD in religions and he is a popular San Francisco Bay Area speaker and educator on religion.

This talk was delivered at the Muslim Community Center - East Bay (MCC East Bay) in Pleasanton, California on June 1, 2014.

The Isra and Mi'raj (Arabic: الإسراء والمعراج, al-’Isrā’ wal-Mi‘rāj) are the two parts of a Night Journey that, according to Islam, Muhammad took during a single night around the year 621 CE. It has been described as both a physical and spiritual journey. A brief sketch of the story is in surah al-Isra of the Quran, and other details come from the hadith, which are collections of the reports, teachings, deeds and sayings of Muhammad. In the Isra’, Muhammad traveled on the steed Buraq to "the farthest mosque". Traditionally, later Muslims identified the mosque as a location in the physical world, the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. At the mosque, Muhammad led other prophets in prayer. He then ascended to the heavens in the Mi‘raj. The remembrance of this journey is one of the most significant events in the Islamic calendar.

- More Dr. Ali Ataie: http://mcceastbay.org/ali-ataie

About Ustadh Dr. Ali Ataie
Ali Ataie is a perennial student and researcher who has been involved in interfaith activities for over two decades. He holds a Masters in biblical studies with a focus on New Testament and biblical languages. He also holds a PhD in cultural and historical studies in religion from the Graduate Theological Union. His doctoral work focused on Muslim hermeneutics of Biblical texts, especially the Gospel of John. He lives in San Ramon, CA with his wife Ustadha Roya Ataie and their three daughters.

“Glory be to the One Who took His servant by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque whose surroundings We have blessed, so that We may show him some of Our signs. Indeed, He alone is the All-Hearing, All-Seeing.” [Quran 17:1]

Of the most significant events that occurred in the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the Isra’ wa’l Mi‘raj (the Night Journey and Heavenly Ascension). On this night, the Prophet’s heart ﷺ was washed and he traveled to Jerusalem where he led all the Prophets and Messengers in prayer. He then ascended the seven heavens, arrived at the Furthest Lote Tree, and was entered into the Divine Presence where Allah the Exalted honored him and granted his Umma the five daily prayers.

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