This is the meaning of carrying out salaam (the last act in prayer), namely being committed to maintaining the brotherhood of the nation (ukhuwwah wathaniyyah) and the brotherhood of mankind (ukhuwwah insaniyyah).
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has urged Indonesian Muslims to commemorate Isra Miraj, the night journey of Prophet Muhammad Shalallaahu Alaihi Wassalam (SAW), by maintaining religious harmony to make Indonesia a great nation.

The Isra Miraj is a milestone in the implementation of the five daily prayers, which are one of the primary obligations of Muslims. The event is commemorated every Rajab 27 of the Islamic calendar. In 2023, it fell on February 18.

"I invite all people to learn lessons from the Isra and Miraj events of the Prophet Muhammad SAW by maintaining our faith and obedience to God Almighty," the minister said here on Saturday.

He emphasized that religion aims to prevent humans from committing crimes and to eliminate moral corruption.

Religion also makes humankind civilized by guarding their soul, their mind, their honor, and their wealth, he added.

Qoumas said that prayer has a positive influence on maintaining interactions with all living creatures and encouraging the harmony of life.

“Prayer prevents oneself from (committing) wicked and unjust acts, as the order to implement prayer shows that religion and humanity can coexist with each other," he added.

He said that Indonesia is a nation blessed with various languages, cultures, and religions, hence the Indonesian people should be grateful for these potentials, which can be used to maintain national harmony.

"This is the meaning of carrying out salaam (the last act in prayer), namely being committed to maintaining the brotherhood of the nation (ukhuwwah wathaniyyah) and the brotherhood of mankind (ukhuwwah insaniyyah)," the minister added.

He said that Isra Miraj has become a valuable moment for Muslims as a milestone in Islamic history and the prophethood of Muhammad SAW.

Muslims believe that on the night of Rajab 27, Muhammad SAW was brought to the Grand Mosque, the Aqsa Mosque, and Sidrat al-Muntaha (the utmost boundary in the seventh heaven).

The journey was believed to comfort the prophet after the death of his uncle, Abu Talib bin Abdul Muthalib, and his wife, Khadijah Rabiul Anha (RA).

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Translator: Hreeloita Shanti, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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