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Al-Israa and Al-Mi’raj: Prophet Mohammad's Night Journey to Al-Aqsa Mosque (Jerusalem) & to Heaven The event of Israa’ and Mi’raj is recorded in Al-Quran and Ahadith. It is the miraculous night journey of our Noble Prophet Muhammad (SAS), which consists of two phases. Phase one covers his trip from Makkah to Jerusalem, known as Al Israa’, and phase two covers his ascent from Jerusalem into the Heavens, known as Al Mi’raj. It is the opinion of some of the historians that the Prophet went on this remarkable journey on the 27th night of Rajab (seventh month of the Islamic Calendar). Some authors refer to the year in which this event is recorded as the “Year of Sorrow.” It was the year in which Muhammad (SAS) lost his beloved wife Khadijah (RA) and his dear uncle, Abu Talib, who had nurtured him as a child and protected him when he was proclaimed a Prophet of Allah. During this same year, he went to the city of Ta’if to invite the people to Islam, but he was stoned and driven out of the City. The Prophet is reported to have said that the day in Ta’if was the most difficult day of his life.
English transcript of a TV episode of Amr Khaled’s Islamic Show broadcasted in Arabic Amr Khaled is a renowned caller to Islam. He is a PhD candidate in Islamic Studies at Wales University , UK Today's episode is about the outcome of the prophet's journey to At-Ta'if. It is now the10th year following the revelation. We talked yesterday about the hardships prophet Muhammad (SAWS[1]) went through in At-Ta'if. A few weeks later after he returned to Makkah, he made the greatest journey ever in the history of humanity; Al-Israa and Al-Mi’raj[2]. Notice how this journey takes place after his persistence and endurance when badly hurt and injured. Do you remember when Allah (SWT[3]) ordered the wood-worm to eat the document inside al-Ka'ba[4]? That followed a long three-year siege. Likewise, Al-Israa and Al-Mi’raj is a supernatural miracle that took place after 10 whole years of persistent da'wa (missionary activity). It is said that Al-Israa and Al-Mi’raj took place on the 27th of Ragab Islamic month in the 10th year after the beginning of Quran’s revelation. Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) made dua’a (supplication) to Allah (SWT) about the grief he went through following the death of both Khadijah (RA) and his uncle Abu-Taleb, and Al-Ta'if hardships. Therefore, Al-Israa and Al-Mi’raj came to honor him, to answer his prayers, and to show him his rank in heaven. Three different stories explain where Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) was that night. He was either in (a) his house, (b) in the house of Om-Hani' (Ali Ibn-Abu-Taleb's sister visiting them), or (c) sleeping beside Al-Ka'ba. Al-Israa and Al-Mi’raj was a journey that involved both the body and soul, unlike what some people claim that it involved only the latter. The main proof is that Abu-Bakr got his title "As-Seddiq" (the most sincere) based on this incident. Moreover, there were several cases of people embracing Islam following this event. Furthermore, the disbelievers of Quraysh were in a state of chaos after this journey. Had this journey only involved the soul, none of this would have happened as Gabriel (AS[5]) "Gabriel" used to come regularly to the prophet (SAWS) without any similar consequences. Gabriel came to Muhammad (SAWS) on that night and told him to circumambulate Al-Ka'ba seven times. From Al-Ka'ba, he told him that he (SAWS) was going to the Aqsa mosque and from there; they shall be ascending to the seventh heaven to meet Allah (SWT). We should all thus prepare ourselves for that day when we shall meet Allah (SWT). Will you be happy on such a day, or will you be ashamed of what you have committed your life? Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "All Extolment be (to Him), Who made His slave (bondman or servant) to set forth (on a journey) by night from the Sanctuary Mosque (of Mecca) to the Remotest Mosque (of Jerusalem), around which We have blessed, that We might show him (some) of Our signs. Surely He, Ever He, is The Ever-Hearing, The Ever-Beholding" (Quran, 17:1) [6]. The choice of timing to be at night is due to the fact that it has different implications to different people. For the decadent people, it represents a time of adultery, drinking, and doing everything that is forbidden. For believers, it is the time when they feel nearest to Allah (SWT). It is the time when the soul is pure. Therefore, take advantage of this Ramadan and pray at night as much as you can and worship Allah (SWT). Notice as well the choice of the word "slave" in the ayah (verse). Whenever Allah (SWT) honors a human being, he either reminds him that he is a human being, or bestows upon him the blessing of remembering that he is His slave. Along the history of all prophets, there comes a moment when they embark upon a glorious victory, yet remain humble and in gratitude to Allah (SWT). When prophet Muhammad (SAWS) finally conquered Mecca, he entered it on his camel with his head bowed in humbleness. Prophet Joseph"(AS) also kept to the same humbleness and modesty when his parents and brothers kneeled before him after a long life of hardships. Joseph appeals to Allah (SWT) as Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "Lord! You have already brought me (my share) of kingship and You have taught me (my share) of the interpretation of discourses. O Originator (Renderer or Creator) of the heavens and the earth, You are my Ever-Patronizing Patron in the present (life) (the lowly life of this world) and the Hereafter, Take me up to You as a Muslim (One who submits to you) and join me with the righteous." (Quran, 12:101). Likewise, Solaiman "Solomon" (AS) with all his gifts for communicating with all creatures, appeals in humility to Allah (SWT) in Surat[7] An-Naml (Ants). "Lord! Dispense me to thank (You) for Your favor wherewith You have favored me and (both) my parents, and to do righteousness that satisfies You, and cause me to enter by Your mercy, among Your righteous bondmen." (Quran, 27:19). Therefore, no matter how successful, famous, wealthy, or religious you get, always maintain your humility before Allah (SWT) and He shall elevate you and raise your status even more. The journey of Al-Israa and Al-Mi’raj is of a highly symbolic nature. After prophet Muhammad (SAWS) circumambulated Al-Ka'ba, he found al-Buraq[8]. It was going to be his means of transportation at first from the Holy mosque to the Aqsa mosque. Anas Ibn-Malik provides a description of Al-Buraq, 'Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) said, "I was brought al-Buraq which is an animal white and long, larger than a donkey but smaller than a mule, who would place his hoof a distance equal to the range of his vision."'[9]. From this Hadith we learn the degree of faith of the prophet's companions who believed in such an incident that is beyond human comprehension in a time when even modern means of transport like trains and planes had not yet been invented. Moreover, Allah (SWT) used al-Buraq to challenge and remind us that His capability and power shall always surpass our knowledge no matter how far we reach in science and technology until the Day of Judgment. Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) described how Gabriel (angel Gabriel) accompanied him closely along his journey saying, “I got on the back of Al-Buraq and he got on it with me. Neither did I let go of him nor did he let go of me” thus referring to the importance of a having good companion and to how it should be chosen to aid you in your life’s journey. Al-Buraq in Arabic is derived from the word "Barq" meaning lightening (or illuminating). It corresponds to the fast pace with which al-Buraq travels from one place to another. Likewise, only a good companion can push you forward with such speed. A few weeks earlier, prophet Muhammad (SAWS) was not able to move freely in Makkah and life was so suppressing on earth. However, now he was able to penetrate the whole universe. Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) and Gabriel (AS) reached the Aqsa mosque. They landed next to the wall of the mosque and Muhammad (SAWS) did a strange thing. He tethered/tied al-Buraq to a ring. Why do you think he instinctively did so, though the creature had come just for this purpose and was not expected to run away? This is to teach us an extremely important lesson. Entrusting one's soul to Allah (SWT) does not mean that you dispense with the causes or the means. We must do our best to achieve our goals. We must all tie our own Buraq. Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) entered the mosque. Even though, it was in the middle of the night, the mosque was amazingly full of the prophets of Allah (SWT) from the time of Adam (AS) until Jesus (AS). They all came especially to welcome Muhammad (SAWS). Such a gathering of all the prophets at the same time and place was an unprecedented event. It had an important significance; the unity of humanity regardless of the difference in time. How can unity be achieved in light of the current wars, feelings of hatred and the shedding of blood all over the world? Islam calls for unity, for the coexistence of civilizations and not for the clash of civilizations. There is another significance in the descent of the prophets from Heaven to the Al-Aqsa mosque, even though Muhammad (SAWS) was going to see them later during his journey in the seven heavens. All of the prophets stood aligned to pray. They were waiting for what Gabriel had to say. Gabriel asked Muhammad (SAWS) to lead the prayer and they all prayed two Raka'a(s)[10] (Islamic prayers). As much as this incident came to honor Muhammad (SAWS), it was also a commandment. The prophets came to handover to him the leadership banner of mankind. Accordingly, prophet Muhammad (SAWS) was now responsible for the Earth and so are we now. Do you feel that you are responsible? We (Muslims) represent 20% of the World’s population, yet we still get most of the advanced scientific breakthroughs & technologies from the other 80%. We stopped giving and adding to humanity 200 years ago. 'Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) said, "The upper hand is better than the lower hand (i.e. he who gives in charity is better than him who takes it)"'[11]. Therefore, there is no other way for us now but that of revival. We are the ones responsible for this Earth now. Al-Mi’raj honored Muhammad (SAWS), yet Al-Israa was similarly important. The Aqsa mosque (in Jerusalem) is where the prophets gathered, where the ascension to the seven heavens started, and where the descent ended before returning to Makkah. Leading the prophets in prayer has an important significance. It is known in Islam that a man is not to be led in prayer in his own home, so what does that say about Prophet Muhammad’s (SAWS) responsibility towards the Aqsa mosque? A short film is displayed showing the Aqsa mosque accompanied by a nasheed[12]. Anas Ibn-Malik narrates: 'Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) said, "I prayed two Raka'a(s) in it, and then came out and Gabriel brought me a vessel of wine[13] and a vessel of milk. I chose the milk, and Gabriel said: You have chosen the natural thing."'[14]. The milk here represents Allah (SWT)'s creation that is pure and intact. The wine, on the other hand, stands for the interference of Man in what Allah (SWT) has created that sometimes leads to its ruin or corruption; in this case, wine is originally made of grapes. Accordingly, the natural instinct and not the fake one is the foundation for Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) and for his nation, and we must search for this pure instinct within ourselves. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "All Extolment be (to Him), Who made His slave (bondman or servant) to set forth (on a journey) by night from the Sanctuary Mosque (of Mecca) to the Remotest Mosque (of Jerusalem), around which We have blessed, that We might show him (some) of Our signs. Surely He, Ever He, is The Ever-Hearing, The Ever-Beholding. And We brought Műsa (Moses) the Book and We made it a guidance to the Seeds (Sons) of Israel (saying), “Do not take to yourselves any trustee apart from Me.” Offspring of whomever We carried with Noah, surely he was a constantly thankful bondman." (Quran, 17:1-3). These three ayahs (verses) talk about three consecutive generations: Muhammad (SAWS), preceded by Moses (AS), who in turn is preceded by Noah (AS). All three of them have a common bond; their love towards Allah (SWT), sharing the same message, and having the same target. Notice as well that Muhammad (SAWS) passed through Al-Israa journey by Moses's mount At-Tur, Jesus's Bethlehem, and the road, which Abraham (AS) and Ishmail (AS) took, between Palestine and Makkah to build al-Ka'ba (of Mecca). Hence is the connection among them. Muhammad (SAWS) started his ascension journey of Al-Mi’raj from a rock which became known as Al-Mi’raj rock in Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque. They reached the seven heavens within seconds. Even nowadays, a spaceship traveling 7000 km/h takes three whole years to cover a distance from earth to the nearest planet in the sky. In an authentic Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith, the Prophet (SAWS) says, “Then he took my hand and ascended with me to the nearest heaven, when I reached the nearest heaven, Gabriel said to the gatekeeper of the heaven, 'Open (the gate).' The gatekeeper asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel answered: 'Gabriel.' He asked, 'Is there anyone with you?' Gabriel replied, 'Yes, Muhammad I is with me.' He asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel said, 'Yes.' So the gate was opened and we went over the nearest heaven and there we saw a man sitting with some people on his right and some on his left. When he looked towards his right, he smiled and when he looked toward his left he wept. Then he said, 'Welcome! O pious Prophet and pious son.' I asked Gabriel, 'Who is he?' He replied, 'He is Adam and the people on his right and left are the souls of his offspring. Those on his right are the people of Jannah (Paradise) and those on his left are the people of Hell and when he looks towards his right he laughs and when he looks towards his left he weeps”. Adam (AS) is the father of the whole of humanity, which confirms the unity of humanity. Can you see how this theme keeps recurring in the journey? The only one who knows the dwellers of Jannah and the dwellers of Hell is Allah (SWT). We do not know with which group our names are written. It is said that one of the followers once prayed to Allah in his Qiyam prayers saying, “Allah, you are the only one who knows the dwellers of Jannah and the dwellers of Hell. With whom have you written my name” If Allah wills, you become one of the dwellers of Jannah. Now why did Adam (AS) smile and cry? He is happy with those who learned from his experience, and at the same time, sad that there are those who have not learned. You see, his experience with Iblis (Satan) was like an example of an answered question, as in mathematics; it is something you have to learn from in order to resolve your own problems. The other questions come in different shapes, but the idea is the same. In the previous Hadith, the Prophet (SAWS) goes on narrating that journey saying, “ Then, we ascended to the second heaven. Gabriel (AS) (asked the door of heaven to be opened), and he was asked who he was. He answered: Gabriel; and was again asked, “Who is with you?” He replied, “Muhammad” It was said, “Has he been sent for?” He replied, “He has indeed been sent for” The gate was opened. When I entered, Jesus, son of Mary, (AS) and John, son of Zakariya, (AS), cousins from the maternal side, welcomed me and offered me their best regards. Then, I was taken to the third heaven and Gabriel asked for the gate to be opened. He was asked, “Who are you?” He replied, “Gabriel” He was (again) asked, “Who is with you?” He replied, “Muhammad” (SAWS) It was said, “Has he been sent for?” He replied, “He has indeed been sent for” (The gate) was opened for us and I saw Joseph (AS) who had been given half of (World’s) beauty. He welcomed me prayed for my well-being. Then he ascended with us to the fourth heaven. Gabriel (AS) asked for the (gate) to be opened, and it was said, “Who is he?” He replied, “Gabriel” It was (again) said, “Who is with you?” He said, “Muhammad” It was said, “Has he been sent for?” He replied, “He has indeed been sent for” The gate was opened for us, and lo! Idris (Enoch) was there. He welcomed me and prayed for my well-being. Then, he ascended with us to the fifth heaven and Gabriel asked for the gate to be opened. It was said, “Who is he?” He replied, “Gabriel” It was (again) said, “Who is with thee?” He replied, “Muhammad” It was said, “Has he been sent for?” He replied, “He has indeed been sent for” (The gate) was opened for us and then I was with Harun (Aaron-AS). He welcomed me prayed for my well-being. Then, I was taken to the sixth heaven. Gabriel (AS) asked for the gate to be opened. It was said, “Who is he?” He replied, “Gabriel” It was said, “Who is with thee?” He replied, “Muhammad” It was said, “Has he been sent for?” He replied, “He has indeed been sent for” (The gate) was opened for us and there I was with Moses (AS). He welcomed me and prayed for my well-being. Then, I was taken up to the seventh heaven. Gabriel asked the (gate) to be opened. It was said, “Who is he?” He said, “Gabriel” It was said, “Who is with thee?” He replied, “Muhammad” It was said, “Has he been sent for?” He replied, “He has indeed been sent for” (The gate) was opened for us and there I found Abraham (AS) reclining against (the wall of) Al-Baitul-Ma'mur (The Much-Frequented House) which is visited by seventy thousand angels every day, never to visit (this place) again.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari) Now, where are the rest? Why does not he meet Noah (AS)? The presence of these particular prophets is symbolic. Some of the prophets made establishing communities, for their followers, their main concern, which was what Prophet Mohammad (SAWS) was going to do when he goes to Madinah. Some were prophets who migrated from their homelands and returned to them, like Joseph and Moses (AS), which is a foreshadowing for the Prophet (SAWS) as he was going to do that in two years. Others were prophets who had been persecuted and whose people murdered or attempted to murder them. It is as if Allah (SWT) chose for him a “sample” of the prophets in whose lives he would see his own in the future. These are Allah’s arrangements for his prophet (SAWS). Al-Bayt al-Ma'mur (The Much-Frequented House), is a place in Heaven exactly above the Holy Ka’ba on Earth and identical to it in the seventh heaven. We (Muslim pilgrims) perform tawaf (circumambulation) around Ka’ba (in Mecca) on Earth, and right above us, the angels perform tawaf around Al-Bayt al-Ma'mur, and above them both is Allah’s throne. You will feel it when you go to Makkah; it is the holiest place on Earth. A point directly connected to the holiest of places. Now, let me ask you this question. Why is it that Abraham (AS) was reclining against its wall of Al-Bayt al-Ma'mur,? It is because he built al-K’aba and the rule is, you sow what you reap. He is leaning against it because he strived enough in his life to rest later. We should strive in the present life so that Allah (SWT) allows us to rest on the Day of Judgement. Life is like that! We want to rest, but there is no rest in it. Imam Ahmad Bin-Hanbal was once asked, “When does a man get to relax?” and he replied, “It is the moment he sets his foot in Jannah (Paradise); there is no relief before that”. Do not let comfort be your purpose in life; you live in the present life, which was made so you could farm, learn, rise, reform, make life, worship and pray, help people, and take initiatives. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Indeed We already created man in suffering” (Quran, 90:04) Thus, work, toil, and fulfill your destiny. Prophet Mohammad said, “Seventy thousand angels enter into it (al-Bayt al- Ma’mur) daily and, after they come out, they never return again”. Can you imagine the number of angels? You cannot even compare the number of human beings to the number of angels. Listen to this evocative Hadith; the Prophet (SAWS) says, in an authentic Hadith reported by Al-Albani, “The heavens resounded in yearn, worthy it is to sound in yearn and in pride, as there is no place in them, but occupied by an angel prostrating in adoration and worship of Allah (SWT)”. Therefore, Allah (SWT) does not need our worship. We are the ones who need to worship Him in order to save ourselves from Hellfire. We need to kneel and prostrate. The angels are many. The Prophet (SAWS) saw crowds and crowds of angels as he ascended. They were true worshippers performing all parts of prayer—prostrating, kneeling, and standing. Can you see Allah’s Kingdom? Do you now understand what the Sovereign, The Ever-Magnificent, The Eternal Owner of Sovereignty, and The Owner of Majesty and Bounty mean? It is a message to the Prophet (SAWS) not to be depressed due to what happened in At-Ta’ef or to Quraysh’s persecution since Allah (SWT) is the Ever-Great and his Kingdom is boundless. Abraham (AS) gave him a message for us. Yes, he did. He said, "Oh, Muhammad convey peace to your nation (followers) on my behalf. Further inform your nation that the Jannah (Paradise) has pleasant scented earth (said to be scented of musk and saffron); its waters are fresh and pleasant. Its trees are Subhan Allah (Glorify Ye Allah), alhamdu lillah (Praise Ye Allah), la ilaha illa Allah (Allah is but the One and Single God), and Allahu akbar (Allah is the Great and the Exalted)" Humanity’s beauty is in its unity. Conflict between civilizations is not the rule. Those who hear the story of Al-Israa and Al-Mi’raj will never conclude that Muslims favor conflict. On the contrary, harmony among humanity is the basis. We are one nation and one world. After this encounter, the Prophet (SAWS) saw wonderful things. He had an encounter with a woman called “the Hair-dresser of Pharoah’s Daughter.” As he (SAWS) ascended, he could smell an exquisite fragrance filling the air. He then he asked Gabriel (AS) what the smell filling the air was, and Gabriel said that it was the smell of “the Hair-dresser of Pharoah’s Daughter”, and her four sons. She was secretly one of the followers of Moses (AS) and she believed that Pharoah was not a God, but she never revealed it in order to protect herself. One day, she was combing the girl’s hair and the comb accidentally fell on the floor. The first word she said was bismAllah (invocation of the name of Allah). The girl said, “You mean father?” The Faithful woman, unable to hide her faith anymore, said, “My Lord and your father’s and yours.” The girl then exclaimed, “Do you have other God than my father?!” The hair dresser repeated, “Yes, my Lord and your father’s and yours,” The girl told Pharoah, so he summoned her and asked, “Do you have another God than me?” and she insisted, “My Lord and yours is Allah”. Can you see the persistence of women? Pharoah thought he knew how to make her break down. He asked if she had children and when he was told she had four, he ordered his guards to bring them all. He also ordered them to make a brass oven in the shape of a cow. Imagine how she felt as he pulled her sons one by one towards it. He asks, “Do you have another God than me?” she kept answering confidently, “My Lord and yours is Allah,” and he threw one of her sons in the oven. People heard him cry for a while, then silence reigned, and his other brothers followed. When the only one left of her children was the baby in her arms, she held him tight while they tried to pull him away, so the baby miraculously said, “Mother, persist for you are the one who is right” Thus, she and her baby were taken and thrown with the rest of the children. It is a mercy from Allah that she was burnt with her children, so she could be saved from a life without them. The story ends here, but to us it does not. The prophet (SAWS) could smell their pleasant fragrance filling the air as he ascended. Allah (SWT) gave them this fragrance, as a compensation for the day they were burnt to death when the last smell was that of their flesh burning. As you sow, you shall reap seems to be the rule. Allah (SWT) never forgets to reward his worshippers their rightful rewards. The prophet (SAWS) saw more scenes as he ascended. He saw men and women in front of whom there was an edible and attractive dish of meat, but they abandoned it and ate foul meat instead and they went on devouring it. The Prophet (SAWS) asked Gabriel (AS) who they were and he replied, “These are the adulterers; they leave the halal (permissible) good meat and eat foul haram (sinful) meat instead.” Bear in mind that this is not their punishment in Hell; but rather their punishment after their death only. The Prophet (SAWS) also saw as he went on people in whose mouth balls of fire were crammed. He asked Gabriel (AS) who they were and he answered, “These are the ones who take over the property of orphans unlawfully”. This is clear in the ayah where Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Surely the ones who devour (take over) the wealth of the orphans unjustly, they surely only eat (up) Fire in their bellies and will roast in a Blaze”? (Quran, 4:10). The Prophet (SAWS) also heard the Paradise’s sweet voice as it addresses Allah saying, “Oh Lord, where are my dwellers? I have prepared myself, and my silk, trees, water, and plants are in abundance. Where are my dwellers?” The Prophet (SAWS) also saw people with brass nails with which they scratched their faces and chests. He asked Gabriel (AS) who they were and he answered, “These are the ones who gossip about people in their absence and whose speech stigmatizes a woman’s honor.” The Prophet (SAWS) and Gabriel (AS) kept ascending, until they reached a point where Gabriel stopped. That was the farthest place Gabriel was allowed to reach; it was the Lote-Tree (Sidrat-ul-Muntaha meaning the Tree of the End) which indicates the point beyond which creatures (be it angels, jinn, or humans) cannot not go, except Prophet Muhammad (SAWS). By this, prophet Mohammad was given a great rank and we all should love him and revere him for that. Gabriel said to prophet Mohammad, “If you walk further, you will penetrate, but if I walk further, I will incinerate.” Prophet Mohammad (SAWS) said that Gabriel at that moment looked more like a threadbare carpet from fear of Allah. Imagine Gabriel so humble and modest out of Allah’s fear. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “And indeed he (prophet Mohammad) did already see him (Gabriel at) another descent (time), At the Lote-Tree of the Utmost Boundary. At it is the Garden of the Eternal Abode. This was when a shroud covered the lote-Tree. In no way did (prophet Mohammad’s) eyesight deviate, and in no way did it wander. Indeed, he saw the greatest of the Signs of his Lord.” (Quran, 53: 13-18) This verse means that Prophet Mohammad (SAWS) only saw Gabriel’s (AS) real physical appearance twice; once in the cave of Hiraa’, and once that day. Prophet Mohammad saw what no man has ever seen. The Prophet (SAWS) said that he reached a place where he could hear the scraping of pens as they wrote the destinies of mankind. There is a great controversy among scholars whether prophet Muhammad (SAWS) saw Allah (SWT) or not. The Prophet (SAWS) himself does not mention any details on this subject. We are all going to see Allah (SWT) on the Day of Judgement. We will all-if Allah wills-see him in Jannah (Paradise). Can you imagine that? I personally find myself speechless. We should grasp the level to which Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) got in order to feel what it is going to be like when we are in Jannah (Paradise). Look at us, how the story of Mi’raj detached us from the present life and took us to other realms of Allah’s Kingdom. Do you realize that what we are talking about is our destination? Imagine the day you look at Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Faces upon that Day will be blooming, Looking towards their Lord” (Quran, 75: 22-3). What is the most beautiful scene you have ever scene in your entire life? Do you remember the times you sighed while you were at the beach watching the sun set? Many are the times you cried out “Allah!” at the sight of lovely things, but the truth is, they are worldly creations that cannot be compared to Allah (SWT). The pleasure of looking at Allah exceeds all pleasures; the scene outshines all scenes. Let us try another one. Do you remember the first time you saw Ka’ba? Do you remember the amazement you felt at that sight? It is still much less than the awe you would feel when you see Allah. I will tell you something. Allah gave me the honor of entering Ka’ba, but what happened is that out of Allah’s fear, I could not remember any of the Dua’as I knew by heart! However, it is nothing compared to seeing Allah (SWT). Allah gave his creature Joseph (AS) half the Beauty of the world, can you imagine the beauty of the creator of that creature. We all yearn for the day we meet Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) and we must yearn more for meeting Allah. Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) says, as narrated by Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri: "Allah will say to the people of Paradise, "O the people of Paradise!" They will say, 'Labbaik, O our Lord, and Sa'daik, and all the good is in Your Hands!' Allah will say, "Are you satisfied?' They will say, 'Why shouldn't we be satisfied, O our Lord as You have given us what You have not given to any of Your created beings?' He will say, 'Shall I not give you something better than that?' They will say, 'O our Lord! What else could be better than that?' He will say, 'I bestow My Pleasure on you and will never be angry with you after that.' "(Authentic Hadith, Al-Bukhari) The Prophet (SAWS) got there and Allah (SWT) said to him, “Muhammad! I have enjoined on your Ummah fifty prayers daily.” Prayer is the only obligation that was decreed in the Heavens and we should pray bearing in mind this fact. You should feel that the moment you say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is Great), you start a meeting with Allah (SWT), that Allah gives you attention, that Allah looks at you, and that if you look or drift away, He says, “Are you looking at who is better than me?” Have you turned away because you found someone who is better than me? You should feel what you mean by saying “Allahu Akbar”. Nothing should be more important when you start your meeting with Allah. Allah is greater. That is why “Allahu Akbar” works like the joints between the parts of the prayer. That is because nothing is greater than meeting Him and at His own time. Fifty prayers a day were decreed in the Heavens. Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) had to go all the way to the Lote Tree, so we could appreciate prayer and realize how essential it is. You who do not pray, or do not pray on a regular basis, or if you always pray late, or miss prayers, how could you see the importance of prayer and yet simply procrastinate. We were ordered to perform prayers in Al-Israa and Al-Mi’raj. Prayer in itself is a kind of spiritual Mi’raj to Allah. The Prophet (SAWS) said, “Then the prayers were enjoined on me: They were fifty prayers a day. When I descended, I passed by Moses (AS) who asked (me), “What have you been ordered to do?” I replied, “I have been ordered to offer fifty prayers a day” Moses (AS) said, “Your followers cannot bear fifty prayers a day, and by Allah, I have tested people before you, and I have tried my level best with Children of Israel (in vain). Go back to your Lord and ask for reduction to lessen your followers' burden” So I went back, and Allah reduced ten prayers for me. Then again I came to Moses, but he repeated the same as he had said before. Then again I went back to Allah and He reduced ten more prayers. When I came back to Moses he said the same, I went back to Allah and He ordered me to observe ten prayers a day. When I came back to Moses, he repeated the same advice, so I went back to Allah and was ordered to observe five prayers a day. When I came back to Moses, he said, “What have you been ordered?” I replied, “I have been ordered to observe five prayers a day” He said, “Your followers cannot bear five prayers a day. No doubt, I have got an experience of the people before you. I have tried my level best with Children of Israel. So go back to your Lord, and ask for reduction to lessen your follower's burden” I said, “I have requested so much of my Lord that I feel ashamed, but I am satisfied now and surrender to Allah's Order” When I left, I heard a voice saying, 'I have passed My Order and have lessened the burden of My Worshipers” (Authentic Hadith, Al-Bukhari) The question now is, when Allah (SWT) already knew that the prayers were going to be five eventually, why did He start with fifty? Moses (AS) cannot have altered the order of Allah (SWT), can he? It is because we have to appreciate Allah’s mercy. It is also because we have to know that the basis of this religion is simplicity and clearness. How can we neglect prayers now? How can we when we know that on the Day of Judgement, the first thing man is judged for is prayer. The Prophet (SAWS) also said that he saw Jannah (Paradise), and that he entered it. Once, the Prophet (SAWS) teased his companions by asking if any of them had ever been to Jannah. No one answered, except Abdullah Ibn-Omar, who raised his hand saying that he has. The Prophet (SAWS) asked if any of them had ever drunk of the rivers of Jannah, so Abdullah said that he did. Omar Ibn Al-Khattab (Abdullah’s father) put his hands over his head. The Prophet (SAWS) asked if any of them had ever eaten of the fruit of Jannah, so Abdullah Ibn-Omar said that he had. People got confused. So the Prophet ordered Abdullah to tell them how he had done those things. So he said that he entered Jannah the day prophet Muhammad (SAWS) entered it, and that he drank of its rivers when the prophet (SAWS) did, and that he ate of its fruit the day the prophet (SAWS) did. This is how much the companions believed in him (SWAS) and in what he said. We too ate of its fruit! The Prophet’s visit to Jannah is a symbol that inspires us all. The Prophet (SAWS) says that he saw in Jannah what no eyes have seen, and what no ears have heard, and what never crossed the minds of humankind. Thus, the Prophet (SAWS) widens the scope as he goes; first, what no eyes ever saw. You certainly have seen many things in your life. Moreover, your ears must have heard about what you have not seen. Finally, what your senses stand short of grasping may be envisioned in your imagination. Nevertheless, the Prophet’s (SAWS) descriptions go beyond that all to include what have never flitted into a man’s heart! The Prophet (SAWS) told many magnificent Ahadith about Paradise. He once said, “While I was sleeping, I saw myself in Jannah (Paradise), and suddenly I saw a woman performing ablution beside a palace. I asked, “For whom is this palace?” They replied, “It is for Omar (Bin Khattab, one of prophet Mohammad’s closest companions)”. Then I remembered Omar's ghira (jealousy and self-respect) and went away quickly” Omar (RA) then wept and said, “O Allah's Messenger! How dare I think of my ghira (self-respect) being offended by you ? ” (Authentic Hadith, Al-Bukhari) Prophet Mohammad (SAWS) also saw the Kawthar River that Allah (SWT) promised him. He asked Gabriel what it was and he said that it was the river Kawthar, whose banks are made of gold, as Allah promised in what can be translated as, “Surely We have given you the Abundance; So pray to your Lord and slaughter (the sacrifice). Surely your antagonist is he who is without offspring” (Quran, 108: 1-3). He also saw our houses in Jannah (Paradise). He says that the houses are made of blocks of gold and silver, the cement that sticks them together is made of pure musk, the pebbles are pearls, and its ceiling is Allah’s throne. Imagine that wherever you look up from your house, you will see Allah’s throne. Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) was once asked who the lowest classes of the Jannah dwellers will be. He said that they are those who could walk in their properties for a thousand years without reaching their boundaries. Then, he was asked who the upper classes were, so he said that they are the ones who see Allah’s face day and night.
Return to Mecca After Prophet Mohammad (SAWS) saw Jannah (Paradise), he descended and then he was brought home by the Buraq. He then said that his pillow was as warm as it was when he left it, as if the trip was short. The next morning, prophet Muhammad (SAWS) woke up depressed and confused; he did not know whether to tell Quraysh about his journey or not, as the Sura explaining it was not revealed yet. Abu-Jahl (one of the leading enemies of Muslims in Mecca) approached Prophet Mohammad and asked him what was wrong. Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) started telling him what happened. Abu-Jahl then decided to seize the opportunity to ridicule the Prophet (SAWS) and his message and asked Prophet Muhammad whether he would repeat the same story if he gathers the dwellers of Mecca, to which the Prophet (SAWS) agreed. For the very first time, Abu-Jahl started to gather people to listen the Prophet (SAWS) who narrated what happened with confidence. However, the people kept clapping their hands as a sign of disbelief mockery. When Abu-Bakr (Prophet Mohammad’s closest companion) heard about this, he said his famous quotation “If he (Prophet Mohammad) had said that, then it is true. I believe what is far more than that” The people of Quraysh tried to challenge the Prophet (SAWS), asking him to describe the Aqsa mosque to them. At that moment, the Prophet (SAWS) somehow could not recall exactly what it looked like. Therefore, Allah (SWT) revealed to prophet Mohammad detailed description and he started describing it to them. In defiance, the people of Quraysh asked for another sign, to which the Prophet (SAWS) said that he saw a convoy on the way from the Aqsa mosque to Makkah, and that it was going to be late because some of their goods were stolen. Soon after that, what the Prophet (SAWS) foresaw actually took place, but the people of Quraysh still were not satisfied and claimed that it was only magic.
In conclusion, the goal of this journey was to provide us with significant
symbols and precious knowledge. It tells us that we are responsible for the
Aqsa mosque. It also shows Allah’s support prophet Muhammad (SAWS). [1] SAWS = Sala-llahu Alaihi Wa-Sallam [All Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him]. [2] Al-Israa and Al-Mi’raj = The night journey of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) from Makkah to Jerusalem and his ascension to the seventh Heaven [3] SWT=Subhanahu wa Ta'ala [Glorified and Exalted Be He]. [4] Al-ka'ba = The sanctified house of Allah (SWT). [5] AS = 'Alayhi-s-Salam [Peace be upon him]. [6] Translation of the Meaning of the Qur'an. This translation is for the realized meaning, so far, of the stated (Surah:Ayah) of the Qur'an. Reading the translated meaning of the Qur'an can never replace reading it in Arabic, the language in which it was revealed. [7] Sura = Chapter of the Qur'an. [8] Al-Buraq is the creature which Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) used to ascend to the seventh heaven. [9] Authentic Hadith, Narrated by Anas Ibn-Malik, , Sahih Muslim, Book 001, Number 309. [10] Raka'a = One unit of prayer. [11] Authentic Hadith, Narrated by Hakim Ibn-Hizam, Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 24, Number 508. [12] Song. [13] At that time, drinking wine had not yet been forbidden. [14] Authentic Hadith, Narrated by Anas Ibn-Malik, , Sahih Muslim, Book 001, Number 309.
The Significance of Al-Israa and Al-Mi`raj
The Al-Israa' and Al-Mi`raj
is full of lessons and significant messages to all humans—Muslims and
non-Muslims. It proves that Islam is a universal religion. It says that Islamic
message is continuation of all previous divine messages. Prophet Muhammad's
leadership to other prophets in Prayer refers to the fact that he is the final
prophet that all nations should follow so as to succeed both in this world and
the world to come. Furthermore, when Gabriel who accompanied the prophet throughout the journey reached a specific point, he said to the prophet, "You can go. I can't! If you go up, you will go through. If I go up, I'd burn!" This signifies the tremendous honor God gave His beloved prophet Mohammad. Finally, during this journey, one of the most important obligations for Muslims was established. Allah initially made fifty Prayers a day obligatory for Muslims. Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him) constantly implored Allah for the reduction of the Prayers until the Lord agreed to reduce the required prayers to only five times daily. The Lord was also pleased to declare that whoever properly performs these five times daily Prayers would be recompensed for all the fifty daily Prayers enjoined earlier. Prophet Mohammad has emphasized to Muslims the importance of praying when he said that a prayer is ascension to Heaven for a believer (Mi`raaj Al-Mu'min).
Proving Prophet Mohammad’s Night JourneyBy: Shahid Bin Waheed شاهد بن وحيد بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم الحمدلله رب العالمين والصلوة والسلام على اشرف الانبياء وسيدالمرسلين نبينا محمد صل ا لله عليه وعلى آله واصحابه وازواجه اجمعين - امابعد All the praises and thanks be to Allah, Sustainer of the Universe, and blessing and salutation to be the most distinguish of the Messengers and foremost among the Prophets, our Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be on him and on his wives, children and Companions. There has been voluminous work authored on this subject by Muslims and non-Muslims including anti-Islam forces, who have attempted to obscure and obfuscate the truth, but hopelessly failed for doing so. However, this treatise will In-sha-Allah give a new dimension without departing from correct Islamic aqidah that the Isra & Miraj was in body and soul both. And it was not a dream. Christian sources have also been included as supporting evidence. Let us examine the verse 1 of Surah Al-Israa in the Quran: سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَى بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلًا مِنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الْأَقْصَى الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ لِنُرِيَهُ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ Glorified (and Exalted) be He (Allah) (above all that (evil) they associate with Him) {1} Who took His slave (Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) for a journey by night from Al-Masjid-al-Harâm (at Makkah) to Al-Masjid-al-Aqsa (in Jerusalem), the neighborhood whereof We have blessed, in order that We might show him (Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) of Our Ayat ( signs, evidence, lessons, etc.). Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer {2} . {1} (V.17: 1) وقد روى طلحة بن عبيد الله أنه قال للنبي صلى الله عليه وسلم ما معنى سبحان الله؟ قال تنزيه الله من كل سوء؛ {2} (V.17: 1) Narrated Jabir bin ‘Abdullah رضي الله عنهما that he heard Allah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم saying, "When the people of Quraish did not believe me (i.e. in the story of my Isrâ’ - (Night Journey)), I stood up in Al-Hijr and Allah displayed Jerusalem in front of me, and I began describing it to them while I was looking at it. (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.5, Hadith No.226). This is our primary duty to try to understand and comprehend the Glorious Qur’an rather than just a cursory look and general concept. The Ayah 17:1 is self-evidence of Isra (night journey) that it took place in body and soul (both) i.e. physical and spiritual combined. The following is the evidence to that: أَسْرَى = took for a Journey ! Take, taking or took is a physical act, not a spiritual act. According to American Heritage Dictionary the meaning of the word “took” is as follows: took (t‹k) v. Past tense of take. take (tłk) v. took (t‹k), tak·en (tł“k…n), tak·ing, takes. --tr. 1. To get into one's possession by force, skill, or artifice, especially: a. To capture physically; seize: take an enemy fortress. The Arabic word أَسْرَى is derived from root letters: س ر ي and means, أَسْرَى: جعله يسير ليلا carried by night, made to travel by night. The word أَسْرَى is used only once in Glorious Qur’an 17:1. The word Isra أَسْرَى in the Ayah 17:1 itself denotes to a night journey. لَيْلًا is added to emphasize the miraculous nature of the act i.e. the colossal distance being covered in a fraction of a single night. لَيْلًا is used in the above Ayah instead of لَيْلَةً , because when they say لَيْلَةً أَسْرَى the meaning generally is “he occupied the whole night in journeying.” Readers must note that traveling and/or carrying (both) are physical things/acts.
Show him = لِنُرِيَهُ is another physical act; require the use of eyes and brain. Thus the act was with his (Muhammad {SAW}) bodily eyes. مِنْ آيَاتِنَا = Our Ayât (proofs, evidence, lessons, signs, etc.). in the Ayah 17:1 is confirmed by Allah (SWT) at another place in Glorious Qur’aan by saying, Surah An-Najm 18 لَقَدْ رَأَى مِنْ آيَاتِ رَبِّهِ الْكُبْرَى Indeed he (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) did see of the Greatest Signs, of his Lord (Allah). This again, confirms the corporeal nature of Israa. مَسْجِدٍ {(Mosque) in English} properly denoted to the site, not the building of a Mosque (this is often confused by people as “building”); therefore there is no question of the existence or not of the actual Temple at that time. It is called الْأَقْصَى, (furthest or farthest) because it was at that time farthest place of worship of one God from Makkah. We find further proof from a Hadith of Rasool Allaah (SAW) that entire earth is Allah’s Masjid for Muslims: Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah: "The Prophet said, 'I have been given five things which were not given to any one else before me. 1. Allah made me victorious by awe, (by His frightening my enemies) for a distance of one month's journey. 2. The earth has been made for me (and for my followers) a place for praying and a thing to perform Tayammum, therefore anyone of my followers can pray wherever the time of a prayer is due. 3. The booty has been made Halal (lawful) for me yet it was not lawful for anyone else before me. 4. I have been given the right of intercession (on the Day of Resurrection). 5. Every Prophet used to be sent to his nation only, but I have been sent to all mankind. (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 7, Number 331)
Proof from Glorious Qur’aan that earth is a Masjid for Muslims: Surah Ar-Ra'd 15 وَلِلَّهِ يَسْجُدُ مَنْ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ طَوْعًا وَكَرْهًا وَظِلَالُهُمْ بِالْغُدُوِّ وَالْآصَالِ “And unto Allah (Alone) falls in prostration whoever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly, and so do their shadows in the mornings and in the afternoons.” Surah An-Nahl 49 وَلِلَّهِ يَسْجُدُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ مِنْ دَابَّةٍ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ وَهُمْ لَا يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ “And to Allah prostrate all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, of the moving (living) creatures and the angels, and they are not proud (i.e. they worship their Lord (Allah) with humility).”
Proofs from Christian Sources that Israa occurred
Testimony of the Patriarch of Jerusalem In his book Dala’il An-Nubuwwah, Al-Hafiz Abu Nuaym al-Isbahani recorded via Muhammad bin ‘Umar Al-Waqidi who said: Malik bin Abi Ar-Rajjal told me from ‘Amr bin Abdullah that Muhammad bin Ka’b Al-Qurazi said: “The Messenger of Allah (SAW) sent Dihyah bin Khalifah to Caesar.” He mentioned how he came to him, and described an incident that showed how wise Caesar was. He sent for the Arab merchants who were in Syria and Abu Sufyan Sakhr bin Harb and his companions were brought to him. He asked them the well-known questions that were recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim, as we shall discuss below, and Abu Sufyan tried hard to give the impression that this was an insignificant issue. [The narrator] said that Abu Sufyan [later] said: “By Allah, nothing stopped me from saying something to Heraclius to make him despise [Muhammad] but the fact that I did not want to tell a lie that would later be found out, and he would never believe me again after that. Then I told him about the night on which he was taken to the Night Journey. I said: ‘O King, shall I not tell you of something from which you will know that he is lying? He said, “What is it?” I said: ‘He claims that he went out of our land, the land of Al-Haram, in one night, and came to your sanctuary in Jerusalem, then came back to us the same night, before morning came.’ The Patriarch of Jerusalem was there, standing next to Caesar. The Patriarch of Jerusalem said: ‘I know that night.’ Caesar looked at him and said, ‘How do you know about this?’ He said, ‘I never used to sleep at night until I closed all the doors of the sanctuary. On that night I closed all the doors except for one, which I could not manage to close. I asked my workers and others who were with me to help me deal with it, but we couldn’t move it. It was like trying to move a mountain. So I called the carpenters, and they looked at it and said: The lintel and some part of the structure have fallen onto it. We cannot move it until morning, when we will be able to see what the problem is. So I went back and left those two doors open. The next morning I went back, and saw that the stone at the corner of the sanctuary had a hole in it, and said to my companions: This door has not been closed last night except for a Prophet, who prayed last night in our sanctuary.”
Proof from the Bible Christian missionary love to misrepresent the truth that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) didn’t perform any miracles, which of course is not true. He performed over three hundred fifty (350) miracles. Their own Bible testifies and/or contains the prophecies about the miracles performed by Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Readers must remember that no Biblical prophet including Jesus has performed more miracles than Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and no Biblical prophet has performed miracle of splitting the moon into two halves, it is the miracle of Muhammad (SAW) that Bible has prophesied and Glorious Qur’an has vouched for that. Let us examine the reference from the Bible containing three prophecies about Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his miracle/s.
Bible’s Isaiah 24:23 Isaiah 24:23 states: “Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.” The above verse has three prophecies mentioned in it: (a) First, it is referring to the miracle of moon splitting that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) performed and that was also mentioned in Glorious Qur’an 54:1-3), (b) The second thing that this verse is describing is the conquest of Khaiyber by Muslims. Khaiyber was a very the strong hold of Jews. (c) The third thing in the same verse is about Israa & Mi'raj (see Glorious Qur’an 17:1, 60; 53: 10, 12, 14-18; 94:1). In other words this verse contains THREE prophecies about Prophet Muhammad. All three prophecies have come to pass! Bible’s Haggai 2: 7-9Furthermore, in modern English translations of the Bible, Haggai 2: 7-9 states: “And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,saith the LORD of hosts. The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of Hosts."
In older (Assyrian) version of the Bible, Haggai 2: 7-9 can be translated as follows: “And I will shake all nations, and the Himada of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. 002:008 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts. 002:009 The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give Shalom, saith the LORD of hosts.” وَإِذْ قَالَ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ يَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ إِنِّي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ إِلَيْكُم مُّصَدِّقاً لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيَّ مِنَ التَّوْرَاةِ وَمُبَشِّراً بِرَسُولٍ يَأْتِي مِن بَعْدِي اسْمُهُ أَحْمَدُ فَلَمَّا جَاءهُم بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ قَالُوا هَذَا سِحْرٌ مُّبِينٌ And (remember) when ‘Îsâ, son of Maryam, said: "O Children of Israel! I am the Messenger of Allah unto you, confirming the Torah (which came) before me, and giving glad tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad. {1} But when he (Ahmad i.e. Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) came to them with clear proofs, they said: "This is plain magic." {2} {1} (V.61: 6) i.e. the second name of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم and it (Ahmad) literally means: "One who praises Allah more than others". {2} (V.61: 6) (a) Narrated Jubair bin Mut‘im رضي الله عنه: Allah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "I have five names: I am Muhammad and Ahmad; I am Al-Mahi through whom Allah will eliminate Al-Kufr (infidelity); I am Al-Hashir who will be the first to be resurrected, the people will be resurrected thereafter; and I am also Al-Âqib, there will be no Prophet after me." ( Sahih Al-Bukhari , Vol. 4, Hadîfh No.732). (b) Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه: Allah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "By Him (Allah) in Whose Hand my soul is, surely, the son of Maryam (Jesus) عليهما السلام * will shortly descend amongst you people (Muslims), and will rule the world justly by the Law of the Qur’ân, and will break the Cross and kill the pigs and abolish the Jizyah (a tax taken from the people of the Scriptures, Jews and Christians, who are under the protection of a Muslim government. This Jizyah tax will not be accepted by Jesus عليه السلام and all mankind will be required to embrace Islam with no other alternative. Then there will be abundance of money and nobody will accept charitable gifts." (See Fath Al-Bari, Page No. 304 and 305, Vol. 7), (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith No.425).
B. Shalom: Hebrew Shalom and Shlama and Arabic Salam and Islam are derived from one and the same root, meaning peace and submission.
Bible’s Malachi 3:1 This prophecy becomes more clear when it is read and understood with another prophecy in the Bible’s Malachi 3:1: “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the LORD, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.” Now let us compare it with Glorious Qur’an chapter 17, Ayah 1, which reads: سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَى بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلاً مِّنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الأَقْصَى الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ لِنُرِيَهُ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ البَصِيرُ Glorified (and Exalted) be He (Allah) (above all that (evil) they associate with Him) {1} Who took His slave (Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) for a journey by night from Al-Masjid-al-Haram (in Makkah) to Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa (in Jerusalem), the neighborhood whereof We have blessed, in order that We might show him (Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) of Our Ayat (proofs, evidence, lessons, signs, etc.). Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer {2} . {1} (V.17: 1)وقد روى طلحة بن عبيد الله أنه قال للنبي صلى الله عليه وسلم ما معنى سبحان الله؟ قال تنزيه الله من كل سوء؛ {2} (V.17: 1) Narrated Jâbir bin ‘Abdullâh رضي الله عنه that he heard Allah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم saying, "When the people of Quraish did not believe me (i.e. in the story of my Israa - (Night Journey)), I stood up in Al-Hijr and Allah displayed Jerusalem in front of me, and I began describing it to them while I was looking at it. (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.5, Hadith No.226). Thus, this prophecy is absolutely about Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم and his sudden arrival at the temple in Jerusalem.
Al-Masjid al-Aqsa and the Dome of the Rock Al-Masjid al-Aqsa (in Jerusalem) was the first of the two qiblas, and is one of the three mosques to which people may travel for the purpose of worship. And it was said that it was built by prophet Solomon (peace be upon him), as stated in Sunan al-Nasaa’I (693) and classified as Sahih (Valid or Authentic) by al-Albani in Saheeh al-Nasaa’i. And it was said that it existed before Solomon (peace be upon him) and that he rebuilt it; this is based on the evidence narrated in Al-Saheehayn from Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: “I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, which mosque was built on earth first?’ He said, ‘Al-Masjid al-Haram [in Makkah].’ I said, ‘Then which?’ He said, ‘Al-Masjid al-Aqsa.’ I said, ‘How much time was there between them?’ He said, ‘Forty years. So wherever you are when the time for prayer comes, pray, for that is the best thing to do.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 3366 and Sahih Muslim, 520) The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was taken on the Night Journey (Israa) to Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem), where he led the Prophets in prayer in this blessed mosque. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Glorified (and Exalted) be He (Allah) Who took His slave (Muhammad) for a journey by night from Al‑Masjid Al‑Haram (at Makkah) to Al‑Masjid Al‑Aqsa (in Jerusalem), the neighborhood whereof We have blessed, in order that We might show him (Muhammad) of Our Ayaat (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, etc.)? Verily, He is the All‑Hearer, the All‑Seer” [Quran 17:1] The Dome of the Rock was built by the caliph ‘Abd al-Malik ibn Marwaan in 72 AH. It says in al-Mawsoo’ah al-Filasteeniyyah (4/203): “The name al-Masjid al-Aqsa was historically applied to the entire sanctuary (al-Haram al-Shareef) and the buildings in it, the most important of which is the Dome of the Rock which was built by ‘Abd al-Malik ibn Marwaan in 72 AH/691 CE, which is regarded as one of the greatest Islamic historical buildings. But today, the name is applied to the great mosque which is situated in the southern part of the sanctuary plateau.” In conclusion we learn that: Israa (the Night Journey) was corporeal. Allah (SWT) Himself testified for that in Quran 53:18 as cited above. Israa was not in a state of dream or vision as sometime incorrectly perceived. The testimony of Christian Patriarch of Jerusalem is another evidence in favor of Isra. Masjid is any site on earth where Muslims perform Salat. The entire earth is Allah’s Masjid for Muslims, as proved above from Glorious Qur’an Ar-Ra’d Ayah 15, and An-Nahl, Ayah 49, along with Hadith. Divine Wisdom for taking the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to Jerusalem (where 1st Qibla used to be) to tell the mankind that religion of Allah has always been Islam.
The Night Journey of Prophet Mohammad (s.a.a.w.s.)
Physics of the Night Journey of Prophet Muhammad
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