If we compare the general level of intellect of mankind as
it existed 500 years ago with the modern level, we find a drastic change and
upward progress. If anyone would talk about flying in the air, it appered
impossible. Now the modern commercial air planes are flying from U.S.A. to
Europe in about 8 hours. Man have landed on the Moon hence the problem of
over-coming the Gravity, speed, breathing in outer space etc. have been
resolved.
When Allah took his Messenger (Abd) to the Heavens, the
people at that time-about 1,400 years back-refused to believe the Journey of
Ascension. Unfortunately, the hypocrites, who reluctantly and outwardly
accepted Islam at the time of “The Victory of Makkah”, planned to belittle the
Grand Status of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and established a factory to
create traditions falsely labeling as hadith. In this vicious venture, they
fabricated traditions (ahadith) to down grade the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s) and
also his Pure Progeny specially the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.).
There were arguments whether it was an Ascension in dream, or only soul or both
body and soul. In the Ayah below, the
word “Abd” is normally used for body and soul.
Ascension (Me’raaj)
has been described in the Glorious Qur’an in two Surah; Surah al-Isra’ and
Surah al-Najm. Surah al-Isra’
Ayah 1: “Allah is the Exalted One who took His servant one night for a visit
from the Sacred Mosque (in Makkah) to the Aqsa’ Mosque (in Jerusalem). Allah
has blessed the surroundings of the Aqsa’ Mosque. He took His servant on this
visit to show him (miracles) of His (existence). It is He Who is All-Hearing
and All-Aware.
In Surah al-Najm Ayah
8 to 18 may be mentioned: “He (the Noble Prophet) then drew near and near until he
was as close as the distance of two bows, or even less (to the point where from
Allah’s words came). He then revealed to His servant whatever He wanted to
reveal. His (Muhammad’s) heart did not lie about what he had witnessed. Do you
then argue with him even about what he observed (and saw)? He certainly saw it
(revelations) during his other descent. To the Lotus tree (in the seven heavens)
near which is Al-Ma’wa’- Paradise. Even though, a covering covers the
Lotus-tree. (Muhammad’s) eyes did not turn blind, nor did they lead him to
falsehood. He certainly saw some of the greatest signs (of the creation) of his
Lord.”
In this Surah, the
nearness to Allah is “Shuhood-e-Batini” or cryptic witnessing as Allah has no
physical body and can never be seen by the human eyes.
The Ascension commenced from the house of Lady Umme Ha’ani,
the sister of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.). The whole city of
Makkah was considered as “Masjid-al-Haram” in those days. The Noble Prophet
(s.a.w.a.s.) along with the Arch-Angel Jibra’il
went to the Aqsa’ Mosque in Jerusalem and then proceeded to the heavenly
journey on a special animal called “Buraq”. There he conversed with the souls
of the previous prophets; saw the system of the world. He also saw the Paradise
and the Hell from close quarters. Consequently, he became fully aware of the secrets
of creation, the extent of the universe, and the signs of the Omnipotent Allah.
He continued his journey and reached “Sidratal-Muntaha” and found it fully
covered with splendor, magnificence and grandeur. It is also reported that the
five times Salaat was made obligatory during his Ascension.
It is reported by Ibne Babawayh through authentic chains of
narrators that the Infallible Imam Jafar
al-Sadiq (a.s.) said: “He is not a true Shia who denies one of these four doctrines:
the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.)’s ascension to heaven; angel’s questioning the dead in
the grave; the existence of Paradise and Hell; and the intercession of the
Prophet on the Day of judgment.”
Sources used:
Hayat al-Qulub Allama Muhammad Baqir Majlisi
Al-Miraj, the night of ascension Mullah Faidh al-Kashani
Fourteen Luminaries Ahamad Ahmadi Birjandi
Life of Muhammad Sayyid Saeed Akhtar Rizvi
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