Theologian Prof. Dr. Niyazi Beki stated that Miraj is not just a miracle exclusive to our Prophet, but a call to consciousness for all humanity, reminding that prayer in this sense is also "the believer's miraj."
Prof. Dr. Beki explained that Miraj Night, which falls on the 27th night of the month of Rajab, holds a special place in the spiritual atmosphere of the blessed three months, which include the nights of Raghaib, Berat, and Laylat al-Qadr. He added, "Miraj is the name of humanity's ascent in its inner world. This period, which our Prophet greeted with the prayer, 'Oh Allah! Make Rajab and Sha'ban blessed for us, and let us reach Ramadan,' is seen as an opportunity for purification and renewal for Muslims."
Prof. Dr. Niyazi Beki, a faculty member at Üsküdar University Institute of Sufi Studies, emphasized in his assessment regarding Miraj Night that Miraj is not merely a historical miracle but a universal call symbolizing humanity's spiritual ascent.
One of the exceptional nights that open the door to spiritual ascent in the Islamic world
Prof. Dr. Beki stated that Miraj Night is observed as one of the exceptional nights that open the door to deep introspection and spiritual ascent within the Islamic world. He said, "This sacred night, when our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ascended from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa, and from there past Sidrat al-Muntaha to the presence of Allah Almighty, is considered a divine encounter where faith, submission, and the consciousness of servitude reach their peak."
It holds a special place in the spiritual atmosphere of the blessed three months
Prof. Dr. Beki explained that Miraj Night, which falls on the 27th night of the month of Rajab, holds a special place in the spiritual atmosphere of the blessed three months, which include the nights of Raghaib, Berat, and Laylat al-Qadr. He added, "Miraj is the name of humanity's ascent in its inner world. This period, which our Prophet greeted with the prayer, 'Oh Allah! Make Rajab and Sha'ban blessed for us, and let us reach Ramadan,' is seen as an an opportunity for purification and renewal for Muslims."
The three months are a spiritual fair where Allah opens the doors of His mercy to the fullest
Prof. Dr. Niyazi Beki emphasized that the blessed three months should be utilized properly, stating, "The three months are a fair established by Allah, abundant in mercy, where, so to speak, Allah sells His spiritual goods cheaply."
Prof. Dr. Beki, stating that the three months are special times that keep the consciousness of the afterlife alive for Muslims, continued his words as follows:
"A Muslim believes in the afterlife just as they believe in Allah. A rational, conscious believer constantly asks themselves, 'What should I do to earn Paradise?' Allah Almighty, with His mercy, offers countless opportunities for His servants to reach Paradise. Friday, the hours of acceptance within that day, Arafah days, holy nights, and especially Laylat al-Qadr are among these opportunities. These are virtually like spiritual markets, spiritual fairs."
Prof. Dr. Beki emphasized that such divine opportunities should not be wasted, stating, "It is not befitting for a Muslim who believes in the afterlife to miss these opportunities that have come their way. The three months are the season of the afterlife."
The essence is purification through repentance
Prof. Dr. Beki stated that repentance and seeking forgiveness are paramount among the things to be done in the three months, saying, "There is an important principle in Sufism: Def'i sharr, jalb'i naf'a rajihdir. That is, first one must cleanse evils and sins, and then adorn oneself with good deeds. The most important aspect in the three months is purification from sins through repentance and seeking forgiveness."
Emphasizing that this purification is not limited to physical sins, Prof. Dr. Beki stated, "It is essential to purify the heart with sincere repentance and seeking forgiveness, not only for the sins we commit outwardly but also for the whispers (waswasa) and evil thoughts that come to our hearts."
Prayer, fasting, and the Quran are the spirit of these months
Prof. Dr. Beki stated that the spiritual process beginning with repentance should be crowned with acts of worship, drawing attention to the importance of reciting the Holy Quran during the three months, and, if possible, completing recitations (khatm) and mutual recitations (mukabala).
Prof. Dr. Beki also stated that the Tahajjud prayer holds a special place in these months, saying, "Tahajjud, which was obligatory for Prophet Muhammad, is an important Sunnah for his community. At least rising for Tahajjud a few days a week would be an important deed that distinguishes these months from other times."
Miraj is humanity's call to inner ascent
Prof. Dr. Niyazi Beki, stating that Miraj is not just a miracle exclusive to our Prophet but a call to consciousness for all humanity, reminded that prayer in this sense is also "the believer's miraj."
Drawing attention to the central position of Jerusalem and Masjid al-Aqsa in Miraj, Prof. Dr. Beki emphasized that the Islamic world should allocate a special place in its heart for these sacred sites.
Prof. Dr. Beki pointed out that Miraj Night is a powerful call for individual purification, social peace, and humanity's re-encounter with the axis of truth, and wished this blessed night to bring goodness to the entire Islamic world.
