The Prophet’s (S) Leadership in Prayer on the Night of Mi'raj

 According to authentic Sunnah, it is narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) led all the previous prophets in prayer during the Night Journey (Mi'raj).

Introduction:

Mi'raj is a miraculous event that holds great significance in Islamic history. It was a night when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), by the special command of Allah, ascended to the higher realms. This journey had two phases — Isra (from Makkah to Bayt al-Maqdis) and Mi'raj (ascension through the heavens to Sidrat al-Muntaha). On this blessed night, all the prophets gathered at Bayt al-Maqdis, and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) led them in prayer as their Imam.

Description of the Leadership in Prayer:

It is narrated in Hadith that when the Prophet (ﷺ) arrived at Bayt al-Maqdis with the angel Jibreel (A.S.), he saw all the previous prophets gathered there. At that moment, Jibreel (A.S.) asked the Prophet (ﷺ) to lead them in prayer. The Prophet stood in prayer, and all the prophets formed rows behind him and offered salah (prayer) together.

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“I found myself among a group of prophets. Musa (A.S.) was standing and praying. He was a tall man with wavy hair, resembling a man of the Shanu’ah tribe. Isa ibn Maryam (A.S.) was also standing and praying; he resembled ‘Urwah ibn Mas’ud ath-Thaqafi in appearance. And Ibrahim (A.S.) was standing and praying, and he looked very similar to your companion (i.e., to me). When the time for prayer came, I led them all in salah.”

(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 172)

Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated:

“When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) entered Bayt al-Maqdis, he stood for prayer. He turned around and saw that all the prophets were standing behind him, joining him in prayer.”

(Musnad Ahmad, 4/167)

Significance of the Leadership in Prayer:

Recognition of Superiority:

The Prophet’s (ﷺ) leadership of the prophets was a clear declaration of his superiority. Through this act, Allah made it known that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) is the leader of all prophets.

Completion of Prophethood:

The leadership in prayer also signifies that Prophethood reached its perfection through the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It symbolizes that the final and complete form of divine guidance was revealed through him.

Honor of the Ummah:

Since the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is the Prophet of this Ummah, his leadership also signifies the elevated status of his followers. Through his Imamate, the superiority of his Ummah is implicitly recognized.

Importance of Prayer:

The offering of prayer at Bayt al-Maqdis and the obligation of the five daily prayers during Mi'raj indicate how essential prayer is in Islam.

Conclusion:

The incident of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) leadership in prayer on the Night of Mi'raj is not merely a historical event. It carries deep messages about the principles of Islam, the honor of the Prophet (ﷺ), and the elevated status of his Ummah. For believers, this event is a key reminder to strengthen their faith (iman) and understand the immense significance of prayer and Prophethood in Islam.