On the occasion of the blessed night of Laylat al-Isra wal-Miraj

Dear brothers and sisters! Dear compatriots!

On behalf of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia, we cordially
congratulate you on the occasion of the blessed night of Laylat al-Isra wal-Miraj.

The month of Rajab holds a special place in the Muslim calendar, as it is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Holy Quran. When we talk about this month, we remember the great and miraculous event that confirms the truth of the prophetic mission of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) - the night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascension of his soul and body to heaven, known as Laylat al-Isra wal-Miraj. According to Muslim scholars, this event took place in the month of Rajab, on the night of the 26th to the 27th day, which corresponds to the night of January 15 to 16 this year. There is no doubt about the authenticity of this event, as it is the subject of a whole surah in the Holy Quran, "Al-Isra," which begins with the words: 

ذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ لِنُرِيَهُ 3 نَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الْأقَْصَىٰ ال B ذِي أَسْرَىٰ بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلاً م 3 سُبْحَانَ ال
مِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ 3 هُ هُوَ الس 3 مِنْ آيَاتِنَا إِن

"Blessed is He Who carried His servant by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Mosque of al-Aqsa, to which We have granted a blessing. Indeed, He is the Hearer and the Seer."(Quran, Surah Al-Isra, verse 1) The miracle of the night journey took place during the Meccan period, when the Kaaba was filled with idols, before which sacrifices and rituals of worship were performed. This period was particularly difficult for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions, due to the constant humiliation, oppression, and persecution by the Quraysh, which intensified after the deaths of his uncle Abu Talib and his wife Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with them), who were his reliable support and protection. In Islamic history, this year is known as the "year of sorrow and grief." However, Allah the Almighty supported His Messenger and revealed to him signs that were beyond the reach of not only humans and jinns, but also angels. According to the biography of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), on this blessed night, he was near the Kaaba when the angel Jibril appeared to him, opened his chest, and washed his heart. Then, placing him on an animal named Burak, the Messenger (peace be upon him) and Jibril traveled to Jerusalem, from where he began his ascent to heaven, swift as lightning, through seven levels of heaven.
Allah the Almighty revealed to His chosen Prophet (peace be upon him) the greatness of His Dominion, allowed him to see the prophets in heaven, who were his brothers in faith, and brought him to the highest point, "Siddratul-Muntaha," where he had a conversation with Him. These great miracles are confirmed in the Holy Quran:

هِ الْكُبْرَى B دْرَةَ مَا يَغْشَى مَا زَاغَ الْبَصَرُ وَمَا طَغَى لَقَدْ رَأَى مِنْ آيَاتِ رَب B إِذْ يَغْشَى الس

"Then the Lotus was covered by what was covered (the golden locusts, or the groups of angels, or the command of Allah), and His gaze did not stray or become excessive, and He saw the greatest of the signs of His Lord." (Quran 53:16-18) In a hadith of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), it is said:"During the Miraj, three gifts were bestowed: the five-prayer salat, the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah, and the joyful news that the grave sins of his community would be forgiven if they had not committed shirk (polytheism)." Having been elevated to the highest level, beyond the reach of even the angels, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) returned with a special gift for his Ummah: the obligation to perform the daily five-prayer Salat. This is the only commandment established not on earth but in heaven. Through the grace of the Almighty and the guidance of the Prophet Musa (peace be upon him), the original commandment was simplified, and to this day, Muslims around the world perform the five-prayer Salat. We ask the Almighty Creator to accept all the supplications and prayers offered on this blessed night. May Allah grant us the opportunity to spend it with sincere intentions, pure thoughts, and good deeds. May our faith be strengthened, our hearts be cleansed, and our intentions be genuine. We urge you to offer Duas for peace throughout the world, especially during this challenging time when many people are deprived of peace, security, and shelter.