(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) With almost one month left for the holy months of Ramadan Muslims across the UAE are all set to celebrate and commemorate the annual Islamic festival of Isra Wal Mi'raj.
Employees at both public and private sector institutions have been given a paid holiday today (May 05) to mark the ascension of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Whereas some may enjoy themselves on the auspicious occasion by eating and distributing sweets some others exchange visits and gifts according to a prominent scholar here. Islamic researcher Dr Mohamed Ashmawy told Khaleej Times that the best thing to do is to spend the night in spiritually uplifting rites including fasting Quran recitation supplication saying zikr praying late at night and listening to lectures. "It is so valuable not just to narrate the events of the miraculous journeys whether from Makkah to Jerusalem or the ascension of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to far above the seven heavens; a sacred place where no one ever has approached but him." Dr Ashmawy said there are so many lessons to learn from this great journey. "This miracle was basically kind of support and relief to the Prophet (PBUH) who lost both his uncle and his wife in the same year." The Prophet (PBUH) was also gifted and instructed to start the five daily prayers which represent one of the main five pillars of Islam he added. "The Prophet (PBUH) saw so many people who were tortured in hell for an array of evil deeds. Roua Abd Elalim a pharmacist said she is used to celebrating the occasion by fasting the day "though some scholars said it is not a Sunnah." "All my family members gather to recite Quran and say zikr on this day and night." The department of Islamic affairs and charitable activities in Dubai always celebrates the occasion by giving lectures on and spotlighting lessons from the miraculous journey during which the Prophet (PBUH) talked directly to Allah. Dr Mohammed Ahmed Al Qurashi Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Scholars' Council said the commemoration was a good instance to learn lessons from the holy journey and renew commitment and dedication to the teachings of Islam. "The Isra and Mi'raj holy journey is inspiring" he said. "We need to think about every step of it and mull over 'The Prayers'- the gift bestowed on the Holy Prophet and the Muslim nation." Shaikh Asadullah Imam of the Fatima Mosque told Khaleej Times that the journey took place in 621 AD. "The journey is one of the most turning milestones in the Islamic calendar." Through the sacred journey the Holy Prophet was acquainted with events from the past present and future he added. "It was this night when Allah instructed that every Muslim should pray five times a day."
Ahmed Shaaban Originally from Egypt I have been in Dubai since December 2005. Before coming here I worked as an English language instructor chief En/Ar translator proofreader reporter in Egypt and Qatar. I have also worked as a reporter correspondent and simultaneous translator with two satellite channels in Dubai. I have a masters degree in media Cairo University 2014 a bachelor degree in English language and translation Ain Shams University Cairo 1996 and three post-graduate diplomas in English language and Instruction. With over 19 years of experience in translation interpretation EFL instruction and reporting. I am interested in technology aviation politics as well as community parliament and defence issues. I enjoy reading writing exercising and surfing the web.