Describe the events of the Prophet's night journey and ascension (al-isra wal miraj).

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2019). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] (a) Use the AO1 Mark Grid. A comprehensive answer will provide an account of the main events both journey to Jerusalem and the journey to the heavens, as well as mentioning the names of those the Prophet (pbuh) met and what he saw.
2. [Content] In the year before migration the Prophet (pbuh) was taken on a journey, "from the sacred mosque to the farthest mosque” (17.1). The Prophet (pbuh) was woken from his sleep and his heart was washed with zamzam.
3. [Content] He was then taken on Buraq from Makka to Jerusalem by the angel Jibril. There the Prophet (pbuh) led all the previous prophets in prayer. He was asked to choose between milk and wine, and he chose the milk, to which Jibril said, "You have been guided on the fitra".
4. [Content] After that, Jibril took him to the heavens. He (pbuh) met Adam at the door to heaven, and thereafter he ascended and met various other prophets (some of whom should be mentioned).
5. [Content] On the first heaven he met Adam, on the second Isa and Yahya, on the third Yusuf, on the fourth Idris, on the fifth Harun, on the sixth Musa, and on the seventh Ibrahim.
6. [Content] He was led to the Lote Tree, past which Jibril could not go, and then met with his Lord. He was given prayers and the last 2 verses of Sura Baqara.
7. [Content] On his way down he met Musa who suggested the Prophet (pbuh) ask God to reduce the number of prayers given to his people. The Prophet (pbuh) did this several times, then at five, stopped, saying he was too embarrassed to ask for further reduction. He was shown some of the inhabitants of Heaven and Hell.
8. [Content] Answers should also mention that this all took place in one night, and when the Prophet told the people, the Quraysh laughed at him. Abu Bakr believed in the event straight away.
9. [4] (b) The Prophet (pbuh) had been through a period of difficulty and this event made him realise that God had not left him. It allowed him to see what he, and all Muslims, should be striving for which gave him renewed strength.
10. [Content] He realised his status amongst prophets (as seal of the prophets, he led them in prayer), and realised the blessings God had given his community (by giving the five prayers), which gave him renewed hope in his message and he began to work towards better prospects for him and his community. It was one of the main miracles other than the Qur'an.
11. [Content] Candidates can put forward other points, and relevant answers should be credited.