登霄节：一次穿越七重天的精神升华之旅
在伊斯兰教历七月（莱哲卜月）的第二十七夜，全球穆斯林以敬畏与虔信之心纪念一个神圣而独特的事件——登霄节（الإسراء والمعراج）。这不仅是先知穆罕默德（愿主福安之）一次从麦加禁寺到耶路撒冷远寺的夜间旅程，更是一次从耶路撒冷升至七重天，最终抵达神圣帷幕之前、与真主直接对话的终极精神升华。登霄节深刻地阐释了伊斯兰教关于信仰、祈祷与人类精神潜能的核心理念。
一、历史叙事：一夜之间的两大神迹
登霄节包含紧密相连的两部分：
夜间旅行（الإسراء）：根据《古兰经》第十七章（夜行章）首节的启示，先知穆罕默德在天使吉卜利勒的陪伴下，于一夜间从麦加的禁寺乘骑仙马布拉格，抵达远寺（即耶路撒冷的阿克萨清真寺所在地）。这一旅程强化了耶路撒冷作为伊斯兰第三圣城的地位，并将伊斯兰教与亚伯拉罕系信仰的先知传统紧密相连。
登霄升华（المعراج）：从远寺开始，先知经历了穿越七重天的精神升华。在每一层天，他遇到了历代先知：阿丹、叶哈雅、尔萨、优素福、易德里斯、哈伦，直到在第七层天见到易卜拉欣。最终，他抵达极境的酸枣树旁，感受到真主的临在，并领受了每日五次礼拜的主命。这次升华象征着灵魂克服物质束缚、趋近神圣的终极路径。
二、神学与精神内涵：超越时空的启示
登霄节远非一个神话故事，其蕴含着多层深意：
信仰的终极考验与巩固：旅程发生时，先知正经历“悲伤之年”，失去至亲并面临麦加贵族的 intensified 迫害。登霄是真主赐予的慰藉与坚振，证明了使者使命的真实性。
五番礼拜的起源：登霄的最终果实是每日五番礼拜的定制。这是穆斯林与真主之间最直接的纽带，被视为“信士的登霄”，是日常的精神升华仪式。
人类精神的卓越潜能：登霄展示了被净化的人类灵魂所能抵达的至高境界，激励信徒不断进行自我净化（تزكية），超越世俗局限。
伊斯兰教的普世性：在诸天与众先知的相遇，象征伊斯兰教承认并承接自阿丹以来所有先知传递的同一性真理。
三、纪念习俗与当代意义
穆斯林不将登霄节作为欢庆的节日，而是以沉思、纪念和增加善功来度过此夜：
夜间礼拜与诵经：许多穆斯林会在当晚自愿举行额外的礼拜，诵读《古兰经》，特别是夜行章。
讲述故事：长辈向年轻一代讲述登霄的故事，传承其精神教诲。
慈善行为：通过施舍和行善来体现信仰的实践。
社区集会：在清真寺或家中举行宗教讲座，探讨登霄的精神内涵。
在当代，登霄节的精神鼓励穆斯林：
结语
登霄节如同夜空中的一道灵光，指引着方向。它提醒每一位信仰者：人生是一场朝向真善美的旅程，只要心怀纯正信仰并践行不懈，即使是最普通的个体，也能在精神的世界里穿越重重考验，触摸神圣的恩典，实现生命的崇高意义。在这个夜晚，纪念不仅关乎过去的神迹，更关乎当下内心的觉醒与未来永恒的向往。
Article: The Night Journey and Ascension: A Spiritual Voyage Through the Seven Heavens
On the 27th night of the Islamic month of Rajab, Muslims around the world commemorate with reverence and devotion a sacred and unique event—Al-Isra' wal-Mi'raj (the Night Journey and Ascension). This was not only a nocturnal journey of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from the Sacred Mosque in Makkah to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem but also a profound spiritual ascension from Jerusalem through the seven heavens, culminating in a direct communion with Allah beyond the Lote Tree. This occasion deeply elucidates Islam's core tenets concerning faith, prayer, and the potential of the human spirit.
1. The Historical Narrative: Two Miracles in One Night
Al-Isra' wal-Mi'raj consists of two intimately connected parts:
The Night Journey (Al-Isra'): As revealed in the first verse of Surah Al-Isra' (Chapter 17) of the Qur'an, the Prophet Muhammad, accompanied by the Angel Jibril (Gabriel), was transported from the Sacred Mosque in Makkah to the "Farthest Mosque" (Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem) in one night on the heavenly steed Al-Buraq. This journey cemented Jerusalem's status as Islam's third holiest city and firmly linked Islam to the lineage of prophets from the Abrahamic traditions.
The Ascension (Al-Mi'raj): From Al-Aqsa, the Prophet experienced a spiritual ascent through the seven heavens. At each level, he met previous prophets: Adam, Yahya (John the Baptist), Isa (Jesus), Yusuf (Joseph), Idris, Harun (Aaron), and finally Ibrahim (Abraham) in the seventh heaven. Ultimately, he reached the Sidrat al-Muntaha (the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary), experienced the divine presence, and was given the commandment of the five daily prayers (Salah). This ascension symbolizes the soul's ultimate path of transcending material constraints and drawing near to the Divine.
2. Theological and Spiritual Significance: Revelation Beyond Time and Space
Al-Isra' wal-Mi'raj is far more than a story; it carries profound layers of meaning:
The Ultimate Test and Affirmation of Faith: The journey occurred during the "Year of Sorrow," a time when the Prophet faced intense persecution in Makkah and personal loss. The Isra' and Mi'raj were a divine solace and affirmation, proving the truth of his mission.
The Origin of the Five Daily Prayers: The ultimate gift of the Ascension was the injunction of the five daily prayers. This direct link between a Muslim and Allah is considered "the believer's Mi'raj," a daily spiritual ascension.
The Exemplary Potential of the Human Spirit: The event demonstrates the supreme heights a purified human soul can reach, inspiring believers to continual self-purification (Tazkiyah) and transcendence beyond worldly limitations.
The Universality of Islam: The meeting with prophets in the heavens symbolizes Islam's recognition and confirmation of the same essential truth conveyed by all prophets since Adam.
3. Commemorative Practices and Contemporary Relevance
Muslims observe this night not as a festive celebration but through contemplation, remembrance, and increased worship:
Night Prayers and Qur'an Recitation: Many Muslims perform voluntary night prayers (Tahajjud/Qiyam) and recite the Qur'an, especially Surah Al-Isra'.
Storytelling: The narrative is shared with younger generations, passing on its spiritual lessons.
Acts of Charity: Giving in charity and performing good deeds embody the spirit of the night.
Community Gatherings: Religious lectures (Durus) are held in mosques or homes to discuss the spiritual dimensions of the journey.
In the modern context, Al-Isra' wal-Mi'raj inspires Muslims to:
Maintain patience and absolute trust in Allah during times of hardship.
Uphold the spiritual center of life through the steadfast observance of Salah.
Pursue knowledge, self-improvement, and social justice, elevating individual and collective spiritual states.
Conclusion
Al-Isra' wal-Mi'raj is a spiritual luminary in the night sky, offering eternal guidance. It reminds every believer that life is a journey toward truth, goodness, and beauty. With sincere faith and steadfast practice, even the most humble individual can transcend trials, experience divine grace, and realize the sublime purpose of existence. The commemoration of this night is not only about a past miracle but also about present spiritual awakening and eternal aspiration.
