Reflections from the Prophet's ﷺ Night Journey

Al-Isra wal Mi’raj commemorates the miraculous night journey of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, from Makkah to Jerusalem, and then through the heavens. But beyond the miracle itself, this night carries a deep message for all of us who are navigating hardship, uncertainty, and struggle. This journey came at one of the most difficult moments in the Prophet’s life ﷺ. He had just endured the Year of Sorrow, losing Khadijah (ra), his beloved wife and greatest supporter, and his uncle Abu Talib. He faced rejection, ridicule, and isolation. And it was in this moment of exhaustion and grief that Allah honored him with elevation and reassurance.

This year, Laylat al-Isra wal Mi’raj comes at a time when so many of our communities are carrying fear, grief, and uncertainty. Across the world, people are facing violence, displacement, and loss. Here at home, our communities are experiencing increased authoritarianism, heightened surveillance, and escalating ICE raids and attacks that are tearing families apart and terrorizing our neighbors.

This is a night to make du‘a for every family living in fear of a knock on the door. For every parent wondering if they will make it home. For every child carrying anxiety no child should have to hold. For all those who are incarcerated, displaced, targeted, or erased by unjust systems. It is also a night to make du‘a for courage, for steadfastness, and for a community that refuses to look away.

Let us take time tonight to pray, reflect, and reconnect. We ask Allah for protection for our communities, for relief for those under oppression, and for strength to continue standing for justice with wisdom and compassion. May Allah grant relief to the oppressed, protection to the vulnerable, and make us a people who stand firmly for dignity and justice. Ameen.