ISRA AND MI'RAJ - Part III

ISRA AND MI'RAJ - Part III

Mi’raj

From Masjid Al-Aqsa, Prophet SAW went to the second part of his journey known as Mi’raj or ascension to the heavens.

Accompanied by Jibril AS, he ascended from heaven to heaven and was introduced to some previous prophets of Allah including Adam, the father of all mankind; Isa and his cousin Yahya, Yusuf, Idris, Harun and Musa— peace and blessings of Allah be upon them all.

In the seventh heaven, Prophet SAW saw Al-Baytil-Ma'mur, a building that is identical to the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah. Al-Baytil-Ma'mur is situated in the heavens exactly over the earthly Ka’abah. Each day, a continuous batch of 70,000 different angels enter it to worship Allah, a practice that will last till the end of time. There, Muhammad SAW met and exchanged greetings with his father-in-prophethood and the friend of Allah, Ibrahim AS, who incidentally was the Prophet who built the Holy Ka’abah on earth.

At Al-Baytil-Ma'mur, (and on some other reports, while they were still in Masjid Al-Aqsa) the Prophet SAW was offered a cup of wine and a cup of milk and was asked to choose between the two. He chose milk and at this Jibril AS remarked that Prophet SAW had chosen fitra, nature, over the artificial and thus he and his followers will be on the natural religion of Islam.

Muhammad SAW witnessed the glories of Paradise, which is promised to the followers of truth. He was also shown hellfire and the horrific tortures, which await those who perpetrate corruption and sins on earth. He related to us the punishments specific to some crimes such as backbiting, adultery, usurping the money of orphans and eating riba; things that many commonly indulge in and need to be warned against in strictest terms.

Finally, the Prophet SAW ascended to Sidrat ul Muntaha the boundary beyond which no one, not even Jibril AS can cross. At this point, the angel parted from the Prophet SAW and he went on alone to face his Lord, Allah SWT.

It is not known in which form the Prophet SAW beheld Allah SWT. There is speculation on whether he saw Allah SWT in His true form or whether he saw the light of Allah. However, such incidental details do not make a difference in the overall lesson and wisdom that we can gain from Isra and Mi’raj. What is important is that during this meeting, the Ummah of Muhammad SAW was given gifts of mercy previously unknown to any nation.

Prophet SAW received two gifts for his ummah – the format of our prayer and forgiveness.

Continued in Part IV
Link for Part IV👇

http://duniyaakhirah.blogspot.in/2017/04/isra-and-mi-part-iv.html