Isra Wal Meiraj - More than a Journey

THE HOLY QURAN SUMMARISES THIS CELESTIAL EVENT

Allah sent the prophets as a mercy to the slaves and supported them with miracles to indicate the truthfulness of their message. Of all the prophets, our beloved Prophet, Muhammad SWAS was blessed with the most miracles.

Al-Isra' and al-Meraj are among the many miracles of Prophet Muhammad SWAS.

The miracle of al-Isra' is confirmed in the Qur'an. In Surat al-Isra', Ayah 1, Allah said:

Glorified be He who carried His servant at night from Masjid al- Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa, the precincts of which We have blessed so that We may show him of Our signs. Verily He is the All Hearing, the All-Seeing.

(al-Qur'an - Chapter 17, Verse 01)

Masha Allah, we all know the details of the blessed journey of Isra wa Meiraj. As a journey itself it consiste

d of two legs – the first is the Isra’ or Night Journey, a horizontal journey, which is the journey of the Prophet SWAS from the Masjid al Haraam to Masjid al Aqsa – this is the journey clearly referenced to in the Qu’ran, in the verses just quoted above.

The second leg of journey, the Mi’raaj, though parts of it could be said to be indicated in the Qu’ran, finds its categorical reference in Hadeeth. The Mi’raaj in contrast to the Isra’, was a vertical journey or ascent to the Heavens, in which the Prophet ascended through Allah’s majesty from the Bait al Maqdas, the Dome of the Rock, through the various heavens until he reached what is known as Sidrat-ul-Muntaha, or the furthermost lote tree. The Sidra or lote tree in classical Arabic lexicology was also a metaphor for the intellect, so as we see on this journey much of what he experienced in the physical had metaphorical dimensions as the Prophet literally passed beyond –the point which human intellect can comprehend; a point exclusively reserved for him in the intimate presence or meeting with his Lord.

PROPHET MUHAMMAD’S SWAS PHYSICAL ASCENSION (ME’RAJ) TO THE HEAVENS IN THE LIGHT OF SCIENCE AND THE QURAN

 RABBUL ALA’MEEN means Sustainer of all the worlds and all beings. The root word of Rabb is “Rubba”, one of the attributes of Allah, which means “provision of sustenance from moment to moment to an object, from the beginning to its final destination”. Sustenance could be physical, intellectual, moral or spiritual, best suited for that particular creature. Everyone’s sustenance is recorded in a book (Quran 11:6). He is the Rabb of the East and the West (Quran 70:40). Note the plural. This is because there are many worlds in far-off galaxies with their own solar systems, with each world having its own East and its own West.

 MILLIONS OF HABITABLE PLANETS

 “ALA’MEEN” means “worlds” or “galaxies”. It is also translated as “all beings”, and hence Rabbul Alaa’een is sometimes translated as sustainer of all beings. It was estimated many years ago that there were likely 600 million habitable planets in our galaxy alone. It would be impossible to count the number of planets in the whole universe, because, according to recent scientific evidence, the universe is expanding. As the universe expands the most distant objects move away from the earth at nearly the speed of light.

Every second that passes, millions of planets are being born, which are billions of times larger than our earth and trillions of light years away from each other, light traveling at a speed of 186,282 miles/second. When we look at the stars, we are peering back into time, because the light from these objects has traveled millions and billions of years to reach us.

In each planet, there are different types of worlds belonging to different creatures of different dimensions. Man is a three dimensional creature. The Holy Quran mentions about creatures of different dimensions, some invisible, e.g. Angels, Iblis (Satan). Ruh (Soul) and Jinn (created from fire), which are all beyond the scope of our imagination and scientific investigation. Yet they are all created beings.

 

RECENT SCIENTIFIC FINDINGS AND QURAN

Some sixty years ago, visible light was the only tool for studying the distant universe. Then with the advent of radio astronomy, followed by infrared, X-ray and gamma ray detection devices, further research was made possible. Recently, gravitational waves, which carry a different kind of energy, altogether, gave new information about the universe, and gravitational laboratories planned for the next decade, could very well detect extra-galactic signals from outer space.

Our galaxy is one of billions. Distant galaxies are RECEDING in all directions, as measured by the Doppler effect.

So verily, we call to witness the planets that recede. (Quran 81:15) The distance to the nearest cluster of galaxies is estimated to be about 300 million light years. The universe is expanding at an ever-increasing rate and the galaxies are receding at a tremendous speed, pointed out in the Holy Quran over 1,400 years ago:

With power and skill, we did construct the universe. Verily we are expanding it. (Quran 51:47).

 Allah says that there are living beings in other parts of the universe also.

 And among his signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the living creatures that he has scattered through them. (Quran 42:29). Assuming that they have existed millions of years before us, they may be more advanced (human or other) beings than ourselves.

Although some Muslims still believe that the Meraj was a spiritual ascent with Allah unveiling the guarded tablet called Lawhae Mahfooz and transferring its contents to our beloved Prophet Muhammad’s (SWAS) blessed brain, the following theorized the practicality of the physical ascension of the Meraj, a theory that does not deserve to be ignored, and not beyond the scope of Allah’s Power.

There are many verses in the Holy Quran in which Allah says that the prophet was sent to teach the Quran and scientific knowledge leading to wisdom (Al-Hikmah) (Q.62: 2 and others); that is, knowledge of life and its laws, and the understanding of the universe and also any other new knowledge that would come to light from time to time in the future (Q.2: 151).

 Could it be possible for Allah to arrange transportation for His chosen one for a celestial journey at the speed of light (186,282 miles/sec.) or even faster to a location in the universe wherein dwell beings more scientifically advanced than ourselves so that the prophet could see for himself the technology which did not yet exist at that time on planet Earth?

 Whereas this unorthodox treatment may appear absurd to some, let it not be forgotten that a new theory is first attacked by a few as being ridiculous with many to prove its absurdity; then it is admitted to be true but insignificant, with some champions to defend it. Finally, it is seen to be so important that its adversaries claim they themselves discovered it.

 Science is not only compatible with spirituality but it is a profound source. Rejection of scientific truths and logic is also eroding support for the teaching of critical thinking which the basis of scientific research is. It is also not impossible that sometime in the distant future when space technology is far advanced and interplanetary communications easy, that we will be able to contact the same planet that our leader Prophet Muhammad, PBUH, had visited. Moreover, divine and supernatural events may not be proven by human scientific theories presently available. Evidence may come at a future date as we advance in the domain of scientific research and space technology. Absence of evidence now does not mean evidence of absence.

THE MERAJ – A PHYSICAL ASCENT

Just a few salient features about the Meraj or the Ascension of Syedna Muhammad (PBUH), which leaves no doubt in our minds that it was a physical ascent by both the body and soul, in a state of wakefulness, alertness and complete consciousness. At age fifty two, probably on 27th Rajab, before the year of the Hijrah (migration) from which the Muslim calendar began, the Prophet’s ascension took place; 27th of Rajab is an important milestone in the life of Prophet Muhammad, PBUH, and also a highly significant reminder to us of the special gift from Allah of the minimum five-times daily prayers.

a)      On that date, Allah, SWT, honored Syedna Muhammad, PBUH, by transporting him to the heavens and showing him a panorama of the cosmos, where Allah also tutored him in various sciences. (Einstein’s theory of relativity may well give the answer as to how a couple of hours in space equal many years on this earth. Prophet Muhammad said that he had spent the equivalent of 27 years in his Me’raj; yet his bed was warm on his return).

b)      On that date, Prophet Muhammad was mandated that Muslims should pray a minimum of five-times daily salat, reduced from the original 50 times. If Allah rewards every good deed ten times, then the five-times daily prayers will be rewarded the original 50 times, because prayer is also a good deed.

c)      On that date, an important conversation took place between Allah, SWT, and Prophet Muhammad, PBUH, which is rehearsed many times daily by millions of Muslims all over the world, soon after they sit down after the second prostration (sajdah) to recite the tashahhud (Declaration of Faith), also called    AT-Tahiyyat (greetings), because Prophet Muhammad, PBUH, brought greetings to Allah, SWT, on behalf of himself and also on behalf of his followers. 

It has been reported that the Prophet’s chest was opened, the heart removed, washed and re-inserted. (Was this the first-ever open-heart surgery)?

THE HOLY QURAN SUMMARISES THIS CELESTIAL EVENT

 “Glory to (Allah) Who did CARRY His Servant for a journey by night from the sacred mosque to the farthest mosque, whose precincts We did bless in order that we might show him some of Our signs: Lo! Only He is the Hearer, the Seer” (Quran 17:1). And now read the Quran verses Chapter 53:1 to 18 for the facts. Allah Himself swears by the star, to convince us that it was a celestial event.

WHY NOT A DREAM

 “His mind and heart in no way falsified what he saw” (Quran 53:11).

EVERY line in the Quran is a Waa’hy or a revelation. Revelation is not a conjecture nor a dream nor a mystical experience. Revelation is realty, the message being brought by an Angel (Jibrail) from Allah to Prophet Muhammad, PBUH.

Prophet used to have many dreams, and in the morning he would narrate them to his companions. But he never referred to Isra and Meraj as a dream. It was a Waa’hy (Q. 53:4; 10 and Q.17: 1).

 The facts are that verses (Quran 17:1) and (Quran 53:1 to 18) are incidents recorded as Waa’hy (Revelations) and NOT as dreams (Quran 53:4; 10):

 It should be noted that the word “hulm” which is the Arabic word for “dream” is not mentioned in the Holy Quran with which means “sleep” and also “dream”. Even Arabic words like “sinatun” meaning “slumber”, “na’as” meaning “sleep” and “raqad” also meaning “sleep” have not been mentioned in relation to the Meraj. In fact, when Allah wants us to know about any incident which was a vision or a dream, He uses the word “ara” meaning “see” followed by “manam” meaning “dream” as in Q.37: 102…

 Inni ara fil manami anni azbahuka” meaning “I see in a dream that I shall sacrifice you”. Similarly in Q.8: 43. a) ‘Abdihi” in Q.17: 1 and in Q.53: 10 is mentioned, meaning “His servant”. A servant comprises a body AND soul. Allah did not mention “Ruh” i.e. “soul” in this verse. (Body and soul part from each other at time of death).

 “Asra bi’Abdihi” signifies that our Prophet was carried bodily alive and not in a dream. When Prophet Muhammad returned from his Ascension journey, some people asked him:

“Oh Rasulallah, SWAS how did the earth look from up there?” he replied:

 “A dinar in a sea of sand”. Who did know that the earth was a globe floating in this galaxy? What the astronauts saw the earth from space a few years ago was what Prophet Muhammad SWAS saw 15 centuries ago! The earth looked like a coin!

The translation of 17:1 should be carefully studied, wherein Allah says: “Glory to (Allah) who did CARRY His servant…” If it was a dream or a vision, or if “the Prophet was carried away spiritually”, then the services of Buraq would NOT have been required, since animals and other carriages are used to transport BODIES and not spirit, nor Ruh.

To deny the Meraj being a real physical journey and a reality is to deny the Quran and the Prophet himself.

 “What! Do you then dispute as to what he saw”?  (Quran 53:12)

 “Sadaqalla hul azim” meaning Allah speaks the Truth. Also Prophet Muhammad, PBUH, known as Al-Amin, because he always spoke the truth.

 SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE COSMOS OBTAINED DURING MERAJ

If not during the Meraj, when and where else could our beloved Prophet Muhammad have obtained so much scientific knowledge about the cosmos? In the special case of the Final Messenger, it is likely that Allah DEMONSTRATED to him during his space journey, some or all of the Revelations sent by Him through Angel Jibrail (Alayhis Salam), so that our Prophet could SEE for himself the proofs. Was it possible for Allah to arrange transportation for him during his space journey in a flying object called “Buraq”, which had the shape of an animal the size of which is like a horse and which shot into space with the speed of light at 186,282 miles/second or even faster  (“Buraq” being derived from the Arabic word “Barq” meaning lightening) to one or more of the planets inhabited by beings more advanced than ourselves in technology and in other sciences, so that our Prophet could SEE unmistakably with his naked eyes phenomena, advanced research and ultra-modern devices not yet present on earth? In support of this conclusion, the following bear stunning testimony:

Was there a demonstration for Prophet Muhammad, PBUH, of a computerized, highly sophisticated machine comprising electroencephalograph, electrocardiograph, electromyography and other instruments, or was there also a videocassette in 4-dimensional viewing of all our thoughts, intensions and actions?

(This present television set that we possess in this century gives us a picture in two dimensions only, viz. length and   breadth. Depth is the third dimension and Time the fourth. This present T.V. set can record our actions, not our thoughts). Read the following verses:

a)      “On the day of judgment, YOU will read your own record” (Quran 17:13-14).

b)      “This our record speaks about you with Truth. Lo! We have caused to put on record ALL that you did” (Quran 45:29).

c)      On that day, when their tongues, their hands and their feet will bear witness against them as to what they used to do (Q.24: 24).

d)      “On that day, we shall set a seal on their mouths, but their hands speak out and their feet bear witness to all what they did”. (Q.36: 65).

e)      “At length, when they reach the (fire), their hearing, their sight and their skins will bear witness against them as to what they used to do”. (Q.41: 20)

f)        “On that Day will men proceed in scattered groups to be SHOWN the deeds that they (had done). Then anyone who has done an atom’s weight of good shall SEE it! And anyone who has done an atom’s weight of evil shall SEE it!” (Q.99: 6,7,8).

 The Earth rotates on its axis at a speed of 1,037 miles/hour at the equator (nearly the same as in Trinidad). (We are constantly moving at twice the speed of a jet plane and we don’t even feel is)! It takes 24 hrs., to move once on its axis. A year is the time it takes the Earth to travel once around the sun, at a speed of 66,672 miles per hour in an elliptical orbit. With the Earth rotating on itself at 1,037 MPH and around the sun at 66,672 MPH, when viewed from outer space, the Earth and other planets are seen to “swim” or “float” in space. How did our Prophet know that all the celestial bodies SWIM along or FLOAT each in its ROUNDED course? And the sun and moon follow courses computed? Did he actually see millions of shooting stars like missiles in space, during his ascension journey?  Our beloved Prophet witness this and more on his journey of Isra wa Meiraj which still the science is discovering.

The above few bits and pieces provided to support the actuality of the physical ascension of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is not beyond the acceptance of anyone who is in touch with recent scientific developments in space travel. Moreover, Allah Himself says in Q.38: 88 that the truth of all that is in the Quran will manifest itself after a while. 

If I have said anything wrong may Allah forgive me.  Allah Knows Best!

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, the One Who exists without a place. To Him belong the endowments and proper commendations. May Allah raise the rank of his beloved Prophet Muhammad SWAS his blessed Family and his kind Companions and protect his nation from what he fears for them. May the Lord of Heavens and Earth grant us the sincere intentions and guide us to the acceptable deeds, Allah Huma Ameen.