What really happened on Prophet Muhammad's Night Journey?

Our discussion here – from a believer’s perspective - is about the essence of this journey. The subtle messages embedded with every bit of the story. Why did it happen? Why the Prophet Muhammad? Where was he taken during that journey? Why there and not somewhere else?
Why did he meet with the prophets and lead them in Salat (prayer)? Why did Musa (Moses), 'alayhi salaam (upon whom be peace), interfere with the divine command of Salat (prayer) for the benefit of the Ummah of Muhammad?

Lots of questions answered in an interesting article by Sh. Yaser Birjas on the Prophet's night journey from Makkah to Jerusalem (Al-Israa'), and the ascension to the Heavens (Al-Mi'raj).