Friday sermon: Message of Prophet's ascension

The miracle of Israa and Miraj proved Prophet Mohammed's high status to Allah, this week's sermon tells worshippers.

The miracle of Israa and Miraj, commemorated this week, proved to Allah the high status of the Prophet Mohammed, this week's sermon reminds worshippers.

Israa and Miraj are the two parts of a night journey that took Prophet Mohammed from Mecca to Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem.

After leading all the prophets before him in prayer, he ascended to Heaven.

"It took place during some hard times when the Prophet had to endure the ill-treatment of those who disbelieved him in Mecca and Taif and the loss of his strong supporter Abu Talib, and the closest person to his heart, his wife Khadija," says the sermon.

In a Hadith, the Prophet tells how during the journey he saw a group of people described as backbiters, who trampled people's honour.

The sermon adds: "This Hadith is a reminder for us to avoid falling into similar sins and a call to keep away from backbiting and slander, because of their serious consequences on the individual and society."