The journey of Al-Isra and Al-Mi’raj was a source of consolation and relief for the Prophet ﷺ, dispelling the loneliness that had enveloped his heart after the loss of two beloved figures: his wife Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) and his uncle Abu Talib. This profound journey revealed that Allah Almighty alone is the ultimate beloved and supreme protector.
You are already aware of the harm inflicted upon the Prophet ﷺ by the people of Ta'if when he approached them, inviting them to Allah. He returned from Ta'if carrying immense sorrow due to their excessive resistance to the message. While he had hoped for support and positive reception to the call of monotheism, they proved to be even harsher and more ignorant than the people of Mecca.
Amidst these successive calamities, hardships, and sorrows, Allah, in His mercy and kindness, comforted His chosen Prophet ﷺ. He lifted his distressed spirit and wounded heart by granting him an extraordinary journey during which he witnessed the greatest signs of Allah as a token of love and honor—this was the journey of Al-Isra and Al-Mi’raj.
The Station of Servitude
Allah says:
“Glory be to the One Who took His servant ˹Muḥammad˺ 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.” [Surah Al-Isra: 1]
This is a station of dignity, elevation, and great honor bestowed upon the Prophet ﷺ. Allah describes His beloved Prophet ﷺ as "His servant" (abdihi). This is the Qur'an’s consistent manner of highlighting the status of servitude when referring to the Prophet ﷺ, so it becomes clear to all believers that the Prophet’s ultimate honor lies in his servitude to Allah. This safeguards their faith from any deviation, such as venerating the Prophet ﷺ to the level of divinity, as had happened to earlier nations with their prophets and righteous individuals, leading to idolatry.
Reflect on the Qur'anic verses exalting the Prophet ﷺ in various contexts—whether during revelation, his call to the message, his triumphs, or his supplications. In all these instances, the prominent descriptor remains "servitude" (‘abdiyyah). For example:
- “All praise is for Allah Who has revealed the Book to His servant, allowing no crookedness in it.” [Surah Al-Kahf: 1]
- “Blessed is the One Who sent down the Decisive Authority1 to His servant, so that he may be a warner to the whole world.” [Surah Al-Furqan: 1]
- “Is Allah not sufficient for His servant?” [Surah Az-Zumar: 36]
- “Then Allah revealed to His servant what He revealed ˹through Gabriel˺.” [Surah An-Najm: 10]
- “He is the One Who sends down clear revelations to His servant to bring you out of darkness and into light.” [Surah Al-Hadid: 9]
- “Yet when the servant of Allah1 stood up calling upon Him…” [Surah Al-Jinn: 19].
The description of "servitude" in these noble contexts signifies the greatness and exaltation of this station. In fact, it is the highest rank a human being can achieve. The utmost a believer can aspire to is attaining servitude to Allah. The station of divinity remains solely for Allah, ensuring no confusion between servitude and divinity. Thus, believers are safeguarded from deifying any human being, regardless of the signs, miracles, or honors bestowed upon them by Allah.
Servitude to Allah: A Mark of Honor and Praise
Ibn Taymiyyah writes in his book “Al-Ubudiyyah” (p. 75):
"The perfection of the created being lies in achieving servitude to Allah. The more the servant realizes this servitude, the greater his rank and perfection. Whoever imagines that a created being can transcend servitude in any way or that escaping servitude is a form of perfection is among the most ignorant and misguided of people."
Allah says:
"And they say, ‘The Most Merciful has taken a son.’ Exalted is He! Rather, they are honored servants. They do not precede Him in speech, and they act by His command. who do not speak until He has spoken, ˹only˺ acting at His command." [Surah Al-Anbiya: 26-27]
This refers to the angels, whom Allah honored and brought close to Him as His chosen servants. He elevated their rank above many of His pious creations. Because of their servitude to Allah, the angels possess lofty ranks and noble stations, excelling in absolute obedience in both word and deed. Thus, servitude is a mark of honor, praise, and commendation.
Allah describes all His chosen prophets in the Qur'an with the attribute of servitude, as in:
- “The Messiah would never be too proud to be a servant of Allah, nor would the angels nearest to Allah. Those who are too proud and arrogant to worship Him will be brought before Him all together.” [Surah An-Nisa: 172]
- “And remember Our servants: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the men of strength and insight. Indeed, We chose them for an exclusive quality: remembrance of the Hereafter. And in Our sight they are truly among the chosen and the finest.” [Surah Sad: 45-47]
