Dr. Ramadan: Our life is a journey in which we get closer to or further from God

In the 22nd installment of his Ramadan chronicles, Dr. Tarik Ramadan discusses Mi'raj, the night journey of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), during which he received great recognition and reward, reports the BiH news agency Patria (NAP). It is a journey from Mecca to Jerusalem, as stated in the Quran for one night, and then to the celestial heights, bringing many lessons and messages.

- After the Year of Sorrow, the trial of losing the two closest to him – his wife and uncle, something special happened to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). For us, it is a supernatural experience – Mi'raj, when he was transported from Mecca to Jerusalem, and then to the Heavens, where he had a close encounter with Allah and where the five daily prayers were ordained – emphasizes Dr. Ramadan.

This event, which some scholars say was only a spiritual journey, and some say was both spiritual and physical, shows that, after hardship, Allah (SWT) brought the Prophet (PBUH) closer to Him.

- He was given the obligation to pray, and at the same time, he was enabled to be the leader of all other prophets of Allah in prayer. It was a journey in which the Prophet (PBUH) was shown a privilege – states Dr. Ramadan.

However, as usual, people doubted it, and some even advised him not to talk about it at all.

- When Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA), the closest friend of the Prophet, heard about this journey, he said: "If the Prophet (PBUH) said it, then it is true," thus justifying his nickname, the Truthful. Allah (SWT) says about this journey: "Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque, whose surroundings We have blessed, that We may show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing." – relays Dr. Ramadan.

 It is very important, as he says, to understand the meaning of this night journey and the cities mentioned, such as Mecca and Jerusalem, which hold great importance in the life and faith of Muslims.

- Our life itself is a journey, our prayers are a journey, because we want to get closer to God. Our fasting is also a journey within ourselves. And as we fast in these last ten days of Ramadan, we must make that journey deeper, more meaningful, and more purifying. Although people around us do not see it, because physically there is no ascension during fasting, we know that everything we do with the right intention is an ascension and achieving closeness to and love of Allah. Do not forget to tell the people you love that you love them – concludes Dr. Ramadan.