Majlis Talim Al-Rahman Secrets of Prayer Reflections from our readings of Chapter 3 of Rahsia Sembahyang by K.H.

M Zen Syukri The relationship between Solah and Miraj of Prophet By Muhsin Hamzah

As the weeks pass by, Kiyai brought us to travel with the Prophet in his ascension or Miraj and explaining to us the importance and the relationship between the Miraj and Solat. Kiyai begins by stating that these knowledge are based on the Zauq or knowledge of tasting. The effect of Iman and Tauhid in Solah, through understanding the Prophets ascension into the presence of the Divine. Kiyai reminds us the importance of seeking a companion before setting out on the journey of returning back to Allah, so that we would not be tricked by the desires and illusions that we might face along the way. The companion here is the Teacher. Kiyai teaches us that, in order for us to return to back to Allah in Solah we must put aside all of our desires, we need to purify ourselves following the advice of the Prophet by taking wudu. We should humble ourselves and let Allahs Mercy envelop our being and follow the guidance that has been given to us by the beloved Prophet. Then Kiyai also mentions that closeness towards Allah in solah can only be attained by how much you have surrender or how pleased we are with what Allah has decreed for us. The levels a Salik has to go through to attain Allahs pleasure on our souls.

Then we set out for the journey. And we arrived at the heaven where Prophet Adam is. Kiyai reminds us that this is known as the level or Maqam where the Salik/traveler should know themselves. As the saying of the Prophet goes whoso knows himself, knows his Lord. And that we know that we are in constant need of Allahs love and Mercy. And this is how we should approach Solat by realizing our true nature of the one who is in constant need of Allah. Then we reach the heaven where Prophet Isa is at. Kiyai tells us that this is the maqam of the Ruh or Soul. The lesson learnt from here is, we should know the reality that moves us, which is the Soul. Also Kiyai mentions that it is important not to be attached to anything which would distract us from being with Allah. This also means getting the right knowledge in knowing Allah . We should approach Solah with intention of wanting to know Allah and be an obedient servant at the same time. The third heaven we meet Prophet Yusuf and this is known as the heaven of witnessing the beauty of Allah or Jamalullah. Here Kiyai shares with us that we need to adorn ourselves with good Adab or etiquettes with the attribute of Mercy, Al-Rahman. We should leave Solah with this Mercy in our hearts. In the fourth heaven we were introduced by Kiyai Prophet Idris . Kiyai mentions that the wisdom of being in this Maqam ,is to realize and witness Allahs Mercy and be a servant that is thankful. Thankfulness is the most important feeling we should have during Solah. Then we were honored with the fifth heaven therein resides Prophet Harun which represent the Maqam of Love. As Prophet Harun was loved by his community. Kiyai tells us that after the process of purification, leaving the worldly attraction and adorning ourselves with Allahs attribute of Mercy and being a servant who is thankful. We should humbly seek Allahs love in Solah. This is the Maqam of Hubb or love

Solah is also Dua or supplication. The sixth heaven is where were introduced to Prophet Musa. Whose supplication to Allah has never been rejected. Here Kiyai shared with us that the lovers request would never be ignored and that we turn to Solah as lovers of Allah. The act of Solah is the peak of love between the servant and the Lord. Lastly, Kiyai speaks to us about the ultimate goal in Solah. Which is, Tauhid. This is the heaven of Prophet Ibrahim. Where the seeker realizes that the journey back to Allah in prayer is reaffirming the Oneness of Allah is all of the Saliks actions and the Saliks inner movement. This is the connection between Solah and the Miraj of the Prophet as taught to us fill with wisdom through his book Rahsia Solah. May Allah bless the soul of Kiyai Zen Syukri (Q.S) and bless the Jemaah of Majlis Talim Al-Rahman. For more information e-mail us at pathoftheprophet@gmail.com