The Wisdom behind the Israa and Mi’raaj

By the time the tenth year after receiving Prophethood had passed, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had traversed all the different stages of tests and difficulties. By this time, there was no form of humiliation that he had not borne for the sake of Allah Ta‘ala. However, it is clear that after Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) suffered and tolerated humiliation in the path of Allah Ta‘ala, then the outcome could be nothing but him gaining honor and lofty ranks, and being blessed with the Mi’raaj and the ascension.

Thus, when the humiliation Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was subjected to reached its peak with the boycott in the valley of Abu Taalib and the journey to Taa’if, then Allah Ta‘ala thereafter honored him with the Israa and Mi’raaj. Allah Ta‘ala elevated him to such a lofty level that even the greatest of all angels, Hazrat Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam), was left behind. Allah Ta‘ala took him right to the edge of the universe i.e. to the divine throne of Allah Ta‘ala, beyond which there is no other rank and level.

It is for this reason that some Aarifeen (pious saints blessed with the special recognition of Allah Ta‘ala) have mentioned that this journey to the divine throne was an indication of Khatm-e-Nubuwwah (the termination of prophethood). The entire creation and universe terminates at the divine throne. The existence of any creation beyond the throne is not established from the Qur’aan Majeed and Mubaarak Hadith. In the same way, all the virtues and noble attributes of prophethood reached completion with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).

(Extracted from Seeratul Mustafa 1/487-489)