The correct answer is Miraj.
The obligation of the five daily prayers, known as Salat or Namaz, is one of the most significant milestones in Islamic history. Unlike other pillars of Islam, such as Fasting (Sawm) or Zakat, which were revealed...
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The correct answer is Miraj.
The obligation of the five daily prayers, known as Salat or Namaz, is one of the most significant milestones in Islamic history. Unlike other pillars of Islam, such as Fasting (Sawm) or Zakat, which were revealed through the Angel Jibreel (AS) on Earth, Salat was gifted to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) directly during the miraculous journey of Isra and Mi'raj. This event took place around the year 621 CE, roughly three years before the Migration (Hijrah) to Madinah.
The journey is divided into two parts: Isra, the night journey from the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah to the Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, and Mi'raj, the ascension through the seven heavens to the Divine Presence. It was during this final stage of the ascension, beyond the Sidrat al-Muntaha (the Lote Tree of the Farthest Boundary), that Allah (SWT) addressed the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) without any intermediary and ordained the daily prayers.
According to Sahih Bukhari and other authentic historical records, the obligation was initially set at fifty prayers per day. Upon his descent, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) met Hazrat Musa (AS) in the heavens. Hazrat Musa (AS), drawing from his experience with his own people, advised the Prophet (SAW) to go back and ask for a reduction, fearing that the Muslim Ummah would find fifty prayers too burdensome to maintain.
The Prophet (SAW) returned to the Divine Presence multiple times, and with each request, the number of prayers was reduced by five. This continued until the number reached five daily prayers. However, Allah (SWT) declared that while the number was reduced to five in practice, the reward for performing them would still be equivalent to fifty. This highlights the immense spiritual value placed on this specific act of worship.
The timing of this obligation is crucial. The event of Mi'raj occurred during what is known as the "Year of Sorrow" (Aam al-Huzn), shortly after the Prophet (SAW) lost his beloved wife Hazrat Khadija (RA) and his protective uncle Abu Talib. The Muslim community was facing extreme social isolation and physical threats in Makkah. In this period of deep emotional and social distress, the gift of Salat served as a direct spiritual link between the believer and the Creator, offering a means of peace and steadfastness amidst the chaos of persecution.
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