Every year, on 21st March, we celebrate the festival of Navroz. This year, Navroz falls on the same day as Mi’raj. Navroz heralds the arrival of spring and new beginnings, while Mi’raj relates to the Prophet Muhammed (may peace and blessings be upon him and his family), and his ascent towards the Divine. The concept of transformation and change is common to both festivals.
Transformation occurs continuously in nature. The festival of Navroz, meaning new day, has been celebrated for over 3000 years. It has traditionally marked the end of a cold winter and the beginning of spring when the earth blossoms, blessing us with green leaves, flowers, and the fruits of harvest to enjoy. The United Nations recognizes the celebration of Navroz as part of humanity’s global cultural heritage.
Navroz is a day of renewal. We shed what no longer serves us and embrace new beginnings. It is also an occasion to commit to our beliefs, our intentions and our values. According to a hadith of Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (may peace be upon him) it was Navroz when the angel Gabriel came to the Prophet with the first revelation; and when the Prophet declared Imam ‘Ali (may peace be upon him) as the Mawla of the faithful. Navroz then is a time for new beginnings.
The occasion of Mi’raj signifies the Holy Prophet’s spiritual journey. The Qur’an says in the first verse of Surah al-Isra:
“Glory be to (Allah) Who took His servant on a night journey from the Sacred place of prayer to the furthest place of prayer, the precincts of which We did bless, so that We may show him some of Our signs. Surely (Allah) is the All-Hearing, All-Seeing.”
Mi’raj is an Arabic word meaning “ascent.” Muslims understand Mi’raj from both an exoteric and an esoteric perspective. The exoteric interpretation suggests that the Prophet took a physical night journey to heaven, while the esoteric reading proposes that it was a spiritual journey towards the Divine.
Many Sufis believe that a murid can reach the Divine through devotion, worship and piety. Prophet Muhammed is reported to have said that ‘Prayer is the Mi‘raj of the believer.’
Ibn al-‘Arabi, a 13th century Muslim philosopher from Spain said that ‘God is with you wherever you are... my journey [of Mi‘raj] took place within me.’ Mi‘raj for Ibn Arabi was a journey inwards, within oneself.
Jalal al-din Rumi, the famous 13th century poet and mystic, also understood Mi‘raj as an interior journey towards one’s true self. He compares the ascent to a candle that burns within:
“Come forth to the ascension, since you are of the Prophet’s Family, Kiss the cheek of the moon, since you are on a high roof,
... Burn at this candle, light up your heart and soul,
Put on a new body when you have flung away this old one.”
Mi‘raj signifies a journey of spiritual transformation. The guidance and blessings of our beloved Hazar Imam together with our own personal search for enlightenment can lead us to self- awareness, spiritual elevation and communion with Allah.
As we emerge from the dark and cold days of winter into the blooming light of spring, what pledge will you make towards a physical and spiritual renewal in your life?
