About The Book

The Isrāʾ & Miʿrāj by Shaykh Muhammad al-Mahi ‘Ali Cissé, popularly known amongst his students as Shaykh Mahy, is an exploration of the miraculous night journey of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Makkah to Jerusalem and his ﷺ ascension to the heavens. This book delves into the intricate details of this journey, presenting a vivid narrative that combines Qur’anic verses, Hadiths, and scholarly interpretations to relate the events of that blessed night. It examines the significance of the journey, not only as a miraculous experience, but also as a moment of covenant and affirmation of the Prophet's ﷺ mission, culminating in the establishment of the daily prayers as a gift to the Ummah.

Through meticulous research and eloquent presentation, Shaykh Mahy offers insights into the spiritual themes, along with subtle points and lessons from the Isra’ and Mi‘raj. The narrative brings to life the meetings with various prophets, the witnessing of heavenly and hellish realms, and the profound conversations with Allah.

This book serves not only as a historical account of this important moment in the sīrah, but also as a source of spiritual inspiration, inviting readers to reflect on the significance of this blessed night beyond the event itself. Matters of zakāh, usury, dunya, the prayer, our struggle in the way of Allāh, and more are discussed.

This edition includes the Arabic text with full vowels, with English translation on facing pages.

Important topics covered in this text include:

The timing and significance of the Isrā’ and Mi‘rāj.
Was this journey bodily or spiritual?
The establishment of obligatory prayers during the Mi‘rāj.
The connection between world peace and prayer.
The Messenger’s ﷺ vision of Allah and theological implications.
The general possibility and discussions on seeing Allah.
Lessons and insights from the Isrā’ and Mi‘rāj for today’s reality.
Application of these events in our own lives and spiritual struggles.
Significance of prayer, zakāh, and warnings against societal ills.

About the Author

Shaykh Muḥammad al-Māḥī ‘Alī Cissé, known to his lovers, students and disciples simply as Shaykh Mahy, is a contemporary, consummate scholar and erudite, accomplished Shaykh of the Tijānī Order. He resides in Medina Baye, Kaolack, Senegal and has students all over the world.

At age 12, he completed memorization of the Qur'an under the supervision of Mauritanian scholar, Abdullah Ould Rabbani. After extensively studying in the Majalis al-Ilm under his father, he traveled to Egypt and began studying at al-Azhar University. He lived there for ten years, graduating in 1996 with honors in Arabic Language and Islāmic Studies. He is currently the Director of Studies at the African American Islamic Institute.

The Isra' & Mi'raj: The Night Journey & Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ