Who else is awake on this holy night for Muslims? :)
Then I'll tell you a story...
Although this is not a fairy tale at all. And whatever is the real story, in which all Muslims believe.
About what happened dark centuries ago on this very night...
“The night in which it happened has been described as the darkest, most silent that people have ever experienced. No roosters crowing, no dogs barking, no wild animals roaring, no owls were heard. The waters stopped murmuring, the whistle of the wind fell silent, all nature seemed motionless, dead. At midnight, a loud voice woke up Muhammad: “Wake up, you sleeper!” The Archangel Gabriel stood before him. His forehead was clear and serene, his complexion was as white as snow, his hair flowed over his shoulders, his wings were blinding with their brilliance, and his clothes embroidered with gold were studded with pearls...”
In fact, it’s not me who’s telling it to you, but the father of American literature. Washington Irving who described this event in the book “The Life of the Prophet Muhammad”.
3 interesting facts that I learned from this excerpt:
1. Burak, which I constantly make fun of, because in Belarusian it’s the same as calling a person Svekla (hey, Svekla! Come here! :)), from the point of view of Islam can be considered a very respectable name, because it is that was the name of the horse on which the venerable prophet Muhammad made his ascent to heaven.
2. What are the seven heavens made of, and what is the very last, the seventh, to which both we and Muslims ascend with happiness.
3. That Muslims should be grateful to Moses for praying only 5 times a day. But they could - all fifty! Why? Read on. :)
Preface
In offering readers the life story of Muhammad, I consider it necessary to preface it with a little explanation. Many years ago, during my stay in Madrid, I intended to describe in a series of essays the time of Arab rule in Spain and wanted to preface them with the life of the founder of Islam. I borrowed many details from Spanish sources and from the translation of the Arab historian Abulfeda, a copy of which I found in the Jesuit library in the monastery of St. Isidora in Madrid.
During my last stay in Spain, I took advantage of the tedious boredom of a rather prolonged illness to look through the manuscripts, benefiting from the explanations made lately by various writers, and especially by the librarian of the University of Heidelberg, Gustav Weil, to whose careful research I owe much.
This is the origin of the work now offered to the attention of the public. It bears the imprint of a work intended for a family library, and I most of all had in mind to convey in an easy, understandable form the facts relating to the life of Muhammad, and those legends and traditions that are constantly found in Eastern literature; at the same time I have endeavored to convey the essence of the faith of Muhammad as far as it may interest the ordinary reader. Under such circumstances, I considered it unnecessary to litter the pages with references and quotations.
IN AND.
Sunsaid, 1849
Chapter 12
The prophet's night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and from there to the seventh heaven
When shelter was found for Muhammad in the house of Mutem ibn Adi, one of his followers, the prophet ventured to return to Mecca. The supernatural appearance of spirits in the valley of Naklah was soon followed by an even more extraordinary vision or revelation, which has since become the subject of various rumors and conjectures. We are talking about the famous night journey of Muhammad to Jerusalem, and from there to the seventh heaven. The details of this journey belong to the realm of legends, although they are allegedly conveyed in the true words of Muhammad himself; however, some cite various texts scattered throughout the Koran as confirmation.
We do not have the opportunity to present this event in its entirety, but we will try to highlight its most significant features.
The night in which it happened has been described as the darkest, most silent that people have ever experienced. No roosters crowing, no dogs barking, no wild animals roaring, no owls were heard. The waters stopped murmuring, the whistle of the wind fell silent, all nature seemed motionless, dead. 
At midnight, a loud voice woke up Muhammad: “Wake up, you sleeper!” stood in front of him Archangel Gabriel. His forehead was clear and serene, his complexion was as white as snow, his hair flowed over his shoulders, his wings were blinding with their brilliance, and his gold-embroidered clothes were studded with pearls. 
He brought Muhammad a white horse, wonderful in quality, which the prophet had never seen before; and indeed, she was different from all animals described by anyone before. Her face was human, but her cheeks were that of a horse; the eyes were like hyacinths and sparkled like stars. Her eagle wings shone with light rays, and her whole body sparkled with diamonds and precious stones. For her radiant beauty and incredible speed, this mare was called Burak, or “lightning.”
Muhammad was about to jump on this extraordinary horse, but as soon as he extended his hand, the horse recoiled and reared up.
“Attention, Burak! - said Gabriel. - Respect the prophet sent by God. No other mortal who has ridden you has been so glorified by Allah.”
- “Oh Gabriel! - answered Burak, who miraculously received the gift of speech at that time. “Didn’t Abraham, the friend of God, ride on me in the old days to his son Ishmael?” O Gabriel! Or maybe this person is a mediator, intercessor and creator of the rules of faith?
“That’s right, Burak, this is Muhammad ibn Abdallah, a true believer, the son of one of the tribes of Happy Arabia. He is the head of the sons of Adam, the greatest of the divine messengers, the last of the prophets. No creature can enter heaven without his intercession. To his right is heaven, which will be a reward for those who believe in him; to the left is fiery Gehenna, into which all who do not recognize his teachings will be thrown.”
- “Oh, Gabriel! - Burak asked. “In the name of the faith that binds you and him, influence the prophet so that he will intercede for me on the day of general resurrection.”
- “Be sure, Burak! - exclaimed Muhammad. “By my intercession you will enter heaven.”
As soon as he had spoken these words, the horse approached him and lowered itself to enable him to mount; then she rose with Muhammad and ascended far above the mountains of Mecca. 
As they flew like lightning between heaven and earth, Gabriel shouted: “Stop, O Muhammad! Come down to the ground and pray, making two bows!”
Having descended to the ground and prayed, Muhammad said: “O beloved friend of my soul! Why did you command me to pray in this place?” - “Because this is Mount Sinai, on which Moses communicated with God.”
Rising into the air, they again quickly rushed between heaven and earth, but Gabriel shouted a second time: “Stop, Muhammad! Go down and pray, making two bows.”
They descended to the ground. Muhammad prayed and asked again: “Why did you command me to pray in this place?” - “Because this is Bethlehem, where Jesus, the son of Mary, was born.”
They resumed their aerial flight, but soon a loud voice was heard from their right: “O Muhammad! Stop for a minute. I need to talk to you; I am more devoted to you than all created beings.”
But Burak hurried forward, and Muhammad refrained from stopping, because he felt that it was not up to him to stop the flight, but to the almighty and all-glorious God.
Then another voice was heard, uttering the same words, asking Muhammad to stop, but Burak, as before, hurried forward, and Muhammad did not stop. Then a girl of dazzling beauty appeared before him, adorned with all the riches and all the luxury of the earth. She beckoned him with attractive smiles: “Stop for a minute, O Muhammad, let me talk to you. I am the creature most devoted to you." 
But the horse rushed on, and Muhammad did not stop, but turned to Gabriel: “Whose voices did I hear,” he asked, “and what kind of girl was beckoning me to her?” “The first voice, O Muhammad, was the voice of a Jew. If you had listened to him, then all your people would have bowed to the side of Judaism. The second voice was Christian. If you had listened to him, all your people would have swung to the side of Christianity. The girl who appeared to you is the world with its wealth, vanity and seduction. If you had listened to her, your people would have rather chosen the pleasures of this life than eternal bliss, and would have been all condemned to eternal destruction.”
Continuing their air journey, they reached gate of the holy temple of Jerusalem, where Muhammad got off his horse and tied it to the ring to which the prophets had previously tied Burak. Then he entered the temple and found Abraham, Moses, Jesus and many other prophets in it. 
After praying with them for some time, he saw a ladder descending from the sky, bathed in radiance, the lower end of which rested on the main stone of the holy temple. Supported by Gabriel, Muhammad began to climb the stairs with lightning speed. 
Arriving at first heaven, Gabriel knocked on the gate. "Who's there?" - asked from inside. "Gabriel". - "Who's with you?" - “Muhammad.” - “Has he accepted his mission?” - “Accepted.” - “In that case, may he be a welcome guest!” And the gates opened before them. 
The first heaven was made of pure silver
, and from its radiant arch stars descended on golden chains. An angel stood guard on every star to prevent demons from climbing to the sacred heights. As Muhammad entered, an old man approached him and Gabriel said, “This is your father Adam; give him his due greeting.” Muhammad fulfilled what was required, and Adam embraced him, calling him the greatest of his sons and the first among the prophets. 
In this sky there were countless different kinds of animals; according to Gabriel, these were angels who took on such forms in order to intercede with Allah on behalf of the various earthly breeds of animals. Among them was a huge, dazzling white rooster, whose crest touched the second sky, which could only be reached in five hundred years. This wonderful bird greeted Allah every morning with its wonderful singing. All creatures living on earth, excluding humans, are awakened by her voice, and other roosters sing hallelujah, imitating her.
Then they climbed up second heaven. Gabriel, as before, knocked on the gate; the same questions were asked to him, and the same answers followed, after which the door opened and they entered.
All this sky was polished steel
and sparkled with bright light. Here they found Noah, who, hugging Muhammad, greeted him as the greatest among the prophets. 
Arriving at third heaven, they entered the gate with the same ceremonies; the sky was all decorated precious stones
, too brilliant for mortal eyes. Here sat an angel of enormous stature; the distance between his eyes was equal to seventy thousand days' journey. Under his authority were one hundred thousand battalions of armed men. 
There was a large book in front of him; he was constantly either writing something into it or crossing it out. “This, O Muhammad,” said Gabriel, “is Azrael, the angel of death, fulfilling the will of Allah. In the book in front of him, he constantly writes the names of those who are about to be born, and crosses out the names of those who have lived their time and are dying at the moment.”
Then they ascended to fourth heaven , consisting from the purest silver . Among the angels living on it there was one whose height was equal to five hundred days of walking. His expression was sad, and streams of tears flowed from his eyes. “This,” said Gabriel, “is the angel of tears, appointed to mourn the sins of the sons of men and to foretell the sorrows that are coming to them.”
The fifth heaven was made of gold.
Here Aaron met him, hugging him and greeting him in every possible way. An angel of vengeance sat in this sky and controlled the fire element. Of all the angels that Muhammad had to see, this was the ugliest and most terrible. His face, covered with bumps and warts, seemed copper, and his eyes flashed lightning. He clutched a fiery spear in his hand and sat on a throne engulfed in flames, having in front of him a pile of red-hot chains. If he could descend to earth in his real form, the mountains would collapse from horror. He and other angels, his assistants, are entrusted with divine vengeance on infidels and sinners. 
Having left this terrible place, they climbed the sixth heaven, consisting made of clear hazala stone, or red garnet
. Here was a huge angel - half made of real snow, and half of unquenchable fire. Around him was a choir of junior angels, constantly exclaiming: “O Allah, who united snow with fire, unite all Your devoted servants in obedience to Your law!”
“This angel,” said Gabriel, “guards heaven and earth. He sends angels to the people of your people to persuade them to recognize your mission and call them to serve God; he will continue his work until the day of resurrection from the dead.” 
Was here Prophet Musa (Moses), who, instead of joyfully greeting Muhammad like the other prophets, began to cry at the sight of him.
“What are you crying about?” - Muhammad asked him.
“I weep because I see a successor who is destined to bring more of his people into paradise than I was able to bring the sons of Israel who had fallen away from the faith.” 
Rising from here to Seventh heaven
, Muhammad was met forefather Abraham. This blissful dwelling was full of such divine light and radiance that human language is not able to describe them. 
One of these heavenly inhabitants will give a sufficient understanding of the rest. It was larger than all the earth and had seventy thousand heads; each head had seventy thousand mouths; every mouth seventy thousand tongues; each language was expressed in seventy thousand dialects, and they all sang the praises of the Most High without ceasing.
While Muhammad was looking at this wonderful creature, he was suddenly transported to lotus tree, called sedrat and blooming on the right side of the invisible throne of Allah. The branches of this tree spread wider than the space between the sun and the earth. Angels, more numerous than the grains of sand on the seashore or in the beds of streams and rivers, rejoice under his shadow. Its leaves are like the ears of an elephant; thousands of immortal birds flutter on its branches, repeating the great verses of the Koran. Its fruits are more pleasant than milk and sweeter than honey, and one of them is enough to feed all God's creatures. Each seed contains a houria, or heavenly virgin, destined for the bliss of true believers. 
Four rivers originate from this tree: two of them flow into paradise itself, and two flow outside it - they are called the Nile and Euphrates.
Then Muhammad and his heavenly guide went to al-Mamur, or the house of worship, built of red hyacinths and rubies and surrounded by countless unquenchable lamps. When Muhammad entered the main entrance, he was offered three vessels: one of them contained wine, another - milk, the third - honey. He drank from the vessel of milk. 
“You did well; your choice is correct! - Gabriel exclaimed. “Drink wine, and all your people would go astray!”
The sacred house is similar to the Kaaba in Mecca and is located directly above it, but in seventh heaven. Seventy thousand angels of the highest ranks appear in it every day. Just at this time they were making a sacred circumambulation, and Muhammad walked around him seven times with them.
Gabriel could not go further. Faster than thought, Muhammad now flew through vast spaces, passing two areas of bright light and one area of \u200b\u200bdeepest darkness. Coming out of this absolute darkness, he was filled with awe and fear, feeling himself in the presence of Allah, at a distance of double flight from His throne. The divine face was covered with twenty thousand veils, because a person would burn when looking at its glory. Allah stretched out his hands and placed one on the chest and the other on the shoulder of Muhammad, who felt a chilling chill seize him from the heart to the marrow of his bones. This feeling gave way to a feeling of rapturous bliss, and freshness and fragrance spread around him. Only those who have been in the presence of God can understand this. 
Here Muhammad received from God Himself many teachings found in the Koran, and fifty prayers that were prescribed as a daily duty for all true believers.
When he departed from the throne of God and met again with Moses, the latter asked about the command of Allah.
“Allah commanded me to perform fifty prayers daily.”, answered Muhammad.
“And you think of fulfilling this command? I tried even before you to accustom the children of Israel to the same thing, but in vain; Better come back and ask for a reduction.”
Muhammad agreed to return, and the original number of prayers was reduced by ten. When he told Moses about this success, he raised the same objections regarding forty daily prayers. On his advice, Muhammad returned several times until the number of prayers was reduced to five. 
But Moses continued to object:
“Do you really think of requiring your people to pray five times a day? I swear by Allah! I tried with the children of Israel, but such a demand is impossible; come back and ask for even more relief.”
“No,” objected Muhammad, “I have already asked so much for leniency that I am ashamed.”
With these words he said goodbye to Moses and left. Muhammad went down the radiant staircase to the Temple of Jerusalem, where he found Burak tied up in the same form as he had left her. Having sat astride her, in one minute he was transported back to the same place from where he was taken. 
The story of this vision or night journey is conveyed mainly on the basis of the words of the historians Abulfeda, al-Bukhari and Abu Horeyra; a more detailed description of it is in the book by J. Gagne “The Life of Muhammad” (Amsterdam, 1732). The journey itself caused various disputes and interpretations among scientists. Some claim that it was simply a dream or a vision of the night, and as evidence they cite a tradition that arose from the words of Aisha, the wife of Muhammad, who stated that on the night in question the prophet remained physically calm and that the night journey was made by him only in spirit. But, referring to this legend, they do not take into account that at the time to which the journey relates, Aisha was still a child and, although she was engaged to the prophet, she had not yet entered into marriage with him.
Others insist that the heavenly journey was completed physically - everything happened miraculously in the shortest possible time, and upon his return, Muhammad managed to prevent the fall of a vessel with water, which Gabriel, flying away, touched with his wing. 
Further traditions relate that after Muhammad related his night journey in the presence of a significant assembly in Mecca, many were amazed, but nevertheless believed; some were perplexed and doubted; The Quraysh laughed at him. “You say that you were in the temple of Jerusalem,” said Abu Jahl. “Prove that you are telling the truth, describe him.”
This question troubled Muhammad for a moment, because he was in the temple at night, when its forms could not be distinguished; but then suddenly the angel Gabriel appeared invisibly next to him and placed before his eyes an exact model of the sacred building, so that he was able to answer the most trivial questions without hesitation.
This story, however, was not entirely trusted even by some of the prophet’s disciples, until Abu Bakr, seeing that they wavered in their faith, and fearing their complete apostasy, openly certified its truth; as a reward for this support, Muhammad gave him the title of al-Seddeq, Witness to the Truth, which has remained with him ever since. 
Isra– the journey of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) from the Meccan mosque al-Haram to the al-Aqsa mosque in al-Quds (Jerusalem). Mi'raj is the subsequent ascension of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) into heaven and the achievement of that place about which neither angels, nor jinn, nor people have knowledge.
Ibn Sad says that this happened 18 months before the Hijrah (migration). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) performed the transfer and ascension with body and soul. Therefore, Isra wal-Miraj is one of the most amazing miracles with which Allah honored His Favorite (peace and blessings be upon him).
The Holy Quran says:
سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَى بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلاً مِّنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الأَقْصَى الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ لِنُرِيَهُ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ البَصِيرُ.
Meaning: “Glory to the One who carried His servant at night from the forbidden mosque (Masjid Al-Haram) of Mecca to the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, the surroundings of which were blessed with various fruits and rivers, in order to show him Our amazing power. Verily, He is the All-Hearing, All-seeing "("Isra", 1).
The transfer to Jerusalem and ascension is in the life of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) a great miracle that Allah granted him. This happened after the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) preached to the Meccans for ten years, calling them to Islam, but in response he received only ridicule, humiliation and insults.
On the night of ascension Al-Isra wal-Mi'raj Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) slept near the venerable Kaaba in a place called “Hijru Ismail”, between Hamzat and Jahfar.
According to one version, then three angels came to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): Jabrail, Mikail and Israfil. They took the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) so that those sleeping nearby did not know about it. Jabrail and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came to the source of Zam-Zam, where Jabrail cut his chest without pain and blood, after which he pulled out his heart and washed it three times, after which he filled it with wisdom and faith, and put the seal of prophecy on it . Then they put the heart back and squeezed the chest - and it began to beat as before. Then they brought an animal called “Burak” to him.
Muslim cites a hadith about this from Anas ibn Malik: “Burak was brought to me. This is a long white animal, taller than a donkey, shorter than a mule. He quickly reached any goal that his eyes reached. I rode him until I reached Bayt-ul-Muqaddas , along the way we stopped in Medina, where I prayed two rak'ahs. We also stopped in the Madyan area near the tree of the prophet Musa (peace be upon him), where I prayed two rak'ahs, then continued the journey until we reached the mountain "Tur Asayna" where Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) spoke with the Almighty, I also performed two rakats there, after which we reached the place where Prophet Isa, the son of Maryam, was born, here I also performed two rakats.”
At every stop, Gabriel asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): “Don’t you know where you are performing prayer?” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) answered: “I don’t know,” after which Gabriel told him what kind of place it was.
When they arrived in Jerusalem at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) tied Buraq to the ring to which all the prophets tied animals, and then entered the mosque and performed a congregational prayer of two rak'ahs along with all the prophets as the imam.
Then, when he left the mosque, Jabrail approached him with two vessels containing wine and milk, and asked him to choose. The choice of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) fell on milk. Dzhabrail said to this: “You chose purity.”
Soon they ascended to the First Heaven. There Dzhabrail was asked: “Who are you?” He replied: "Jabrail." Then they asked him again: “Who’s with you?” And he answered: "Muhammad." "Is he sent?" “Yes, he has already been sent,” answered Jabrail. When the gates of heaven opened, they saw Adam, who greeted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and asked Allah for good for him.
After this they ascended to the Second Heaven. He was asked the same questions and he answered exactly the same. This happened in every heaven. In the Second Heaven, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) met the Prophet Isa, the son of Maryam and Yahya ibn Zakarya, in the Third - Yusuf, who was given half the beauty of the world, in the Fourth - Idris, in the Fifth - Harun, in the Sixth - Musa, in the Seventh - Ibrahim, leaning against Baitul Mamur, into which seventy thousand angels enter every day and never return to him. After that, he and Dzhabrail reached the Sidratul Muntaha area - the limit of everything that can be reached. None of the angels can cross this line. Even Jabrail, stopping, said: “My degree ends here. O Beloved of Allah, if I take one more step, I will burn.”
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) went forward alone. Then the curtains opened before him, and he saw a great many mysteries and signs of the Creator. He saw the greatness and beauty of Allah. And the Almighty addressed him, speaking without an intermediary and showing him respect.
The Prophet talks about this as follows: “Then Allah inspired me with what He inspired. On this night, the Almighty prescribed 50 prayers per day.
Afterwards I went down to Musa, and he asked me:
What has God ordered for your ummah?
I said:
50 prayers.
And he advised me:
Return to the Lord and ask for relief: your ummah will not bear it. Verily, I tested the children of Israel; they could not bear it.
I returned to the Lord and asked:
O Lord, grant relief to my ummah!
Then Allah reduced the five prayers, and I returned to Musa, saying:
The Almighty has reduced the number of daily prayers by five prayers.
However, Musa again suggested:
Truly, your ummah will not tolerate this either. Return to the Lord and ask for more relief.
And so I walked from Musa to the Lord and back several times until the Lord said:
Truly, these five prayers a day - for each of them I will reward you tenfold! Whoever plans to do something good and does not do it, then I will write down one good deed for it. If he does it, then I will write down ten. Whoever plans to commit a bad deed and does not do it, I will not write anything down for him. If he thinks and does something bad, then I will write down one bad deed for him.
Then I went down to Musa and told him everything.
Return to the Lord and ask for relief,” he said again. “I returned to Him until I felt ashamed,” was my answer.”
Al-Isra wal-Miraj is a special honor given by the Almighty only to our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
In Miraj, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was shown many miracles incomprehensible to the minds of people, he was shown rewards for people corresponding to their deeds.
During the Heavenly Heavens, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) also saw the heavenly al-Kaaba (inhabited house), Paradise, Hell, Arsh, Course and much more.
Also, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) saw amazing things along the way. He saw people who sow every day and reap every day, and every time they reaped the harvest, they returned to the same place, that is, they had to reap the harvest one after another. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) asked Gabriel what kind of people they were? Jabrail replied that these people fought in the path of Allah in order to magnify the word of the Almighty (i.e. with sincere intentions). Allah increases their good deeds up to 700 times, and what they spend from their wealth, the Almighty saves them as an inheritance.
When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) reached Egypt, he smelled a pleasant smell. He asked: “What is this, O Jabrail?” Dzhabrail replied: “This is the smell of the martyrs - Firavn’s maid Mashitat and her children, whom Firavn brutally killed.”
Also, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) saw people breaking their heads on stones and then coming to life. When asked who these people were, Jabrail replied that they were lazy to perform prayers.
He also saw that night people chained and making sounds like the sounds of camels, they ate thorny brushwood, wild olives and the fruits of the tree of Hell with a nasty smell, and swallowed the stones of Hell.
Gabriel said about them that they did not give alms...
That night the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) saw people near whom there was good meat and vile, rotten meat, and they ate bad meat, leaving the good. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) asked who it is? Jabrail replied: “This is an example of a man from your ummah who has a wife who is permitted to him, but, leaving her, he goes to another woman who is forbidden to him and commits adultery with her. This is also an example of a woman who has a good husband, permitted to her, but leaving him, she goes to another man and spends the night with him, committing a sin.”
Even that night, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) saw a man bathing in a river of blood and swallowing stones. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) asked who it is? Jabrail replied that this is the one who eats from usury (riba).
Also that night, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) saw people whose nails were made of iron, and they scratched their faces with them. The Prophet asked who these people were? Gabriel replied that they were gossiping about each other.
Also, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), passing by the gorge, felt an unpleasant smell and heard a nasty voice. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) asked what is this? Jabrail replied that it was the voice of Hell calling out to the Almighty.
Malik, the ruler of Hell, on whose face a smile never appears, opened before Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) one of the outlets of Hell and showed the tortures prepared for sinners. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saw a crowd of people swallowing the fruits of the tree of hell. "Who are these people?" - asked Muhammad. - “They are from your people. These are those who did not pay zakat and sadaqah from their wealth.”
The man tried in vain to lift a huge pile of wood. “This man appropriated someone else’s property that was left for him to keep,” explained Dzhabrail.
A woman who bore her husband a child conceived from a sinful relationship was hanging on hooks pierced into her chest.
The people who stole the orphans' property swallowed hot coals. Other sinners were also severely punished...
On the morning of the next day after the Ascension, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) reported what happened to him and what he saw. Having heard his story, the mushriks began to tell each other this news and ridicule it. Then one of them invited the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) to describe al-Quds and its surroundings.
However, while there, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not pay much attention to the city. And then the Almighty revealed to his eyes the view of al-Quds, and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) described in detail everything that was required of him. This is conveyed in the collections of hadiths of al-Bukhari and Muslim.
Abu Jahl ibn Hisham sarcastically asked the Prophet: “Oh, Muhammad, are you going to tell us something incredible again?”
“Yes,” answered the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and began to talk about his night journey. Abu Jahl and other people who had gathered to listen to Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) were surprised: “How is it possible to get to Jerusalem and return in one night back to Mecca?" Abu Jahl could not believe Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him): “The distance between Mecca and Jerusalem is so huge that it takes camels to drive in one direction for a whole month, and Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) claims that this is a huge distance. passed in one night and returned to Mecca."
Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) replied that this was the will of Allah. He said that while returning to Mecca, he saw a caravan on the way heading to the city and described it in detail. Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said that the caravan would arrive in Mecca on Wednesday at sunrise. And the caravan arrived precisely at this time.
Talking about the night journey, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) emphasized that it happened almost instantly. When he went into it, Dzhabrail knocked over a jug of water. Upon returning, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) managed to pick him up.
Some mushriks hastened to report the miracle that happened to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) in the hope that he would doubt and retreat from the faith. However, the faithful friend of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) replied: “If the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) told about this, then it is true. I am ready to believe him in even more incredible things,” and therefore they called him “Siddiq” - due to the fact that he justified the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), without looking for confirmation of what was told.
If the enemies of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) questioned his story, then Muslims immediately believed him. In the souls of believers there should be no room for doubts about the truth of what was told by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
Before Isra wal-Mi'raj, the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) prayed like Ibrahim (peace be upon him) two rak'ahs in the morning and in the evening. After this, Gabriel (peace be upon him) taught the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) prayer and the time of its performance as we know it today.
14.05.2015
“Let us glorify Allah (s.t.) and extol His greatness, rejecting from Him everything that does not suit Him! It is He who assisted His servant Muhammad (s.t.a.w.) to travel from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca to the “most distant” mosque in Jerusalem, where We bestowed a blessed lot on the inhabitants of its surroundings, in order to show him by Our signs, that God is one and He is Almighty. Truly, Allah (s.t.) is One – All-Hearing and All-Seeing!”
People did not believe and refuted the words of the blessed Prophet (s.t.a.w.). He walked around tired, hungry and sad. Unbelievers prevented him from calling people to Islam, persecuted him, and threatened to kill him.
Enemies lay in wait all around, and, in general, there was nowhere to go. The house of Ummi Hani (that was the name of his cousin, the daughter of Abu Talib) was located in the same place where his uncle Abu Talib lived. And the Prophet (s.a.w.), thinking that it was more dangerous in other places, headed towards her house.
“Who’s there?” she asked. “Your uncle’s son is Mugyammad (s.t.a.v.). I’ve come to visit you if you accept,” answered the Prophet. Ummi Hani said: “How can one not accept such a fair, noble guest. Welcome! But there’s nothing to treat you with. If I had known you were coming, I would have prepared something to eat.” The Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.) said: “I have no soul for food. The only thing I ask you is to prepare a place for worshiping Allah Almighty (s.t.). I want to turn to Allah (s.t.) with prayer, humbly asking for help.” The sister quickly prepared a jug of water and a basin for him, and laid out a rug. At that time, Ummi Hani was not yet a Muslim.
Respectful treatment of the guest and protecting him from enemies were considered a sacred duty by the Arabs. It would be a shame for the owner of the house if someone harmed his guest. Ummi Hani thought, because he has a lot of enemies in Mecca. There are also militant idolaters who are very determined against him and are ready to kill. Deciding to take precautions, she took her father's saber and went out into the courtyard to guard her house, her guest.
That day, the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.) was very sad in his soul. Having completed his ablutions, he stood up for prayer. In a long prayer, he asked Allah Almighty (s.t.) for forgiveness of his sins, for guidance of the servants of the Almighty on the true path. Finally, tired and hungry, exhausted, he fell asleep on a straw mat.
At this time, the Creator of the worlds, Almighty Allah (s.t.), said to Jabrail (peace be upon him), his messenger: “I have tormented My Prophet too much with trials. And all the same, He doesn’t think about anything except Me. Fly to earth and bring My Favorite to Me! Show him Heaven and Hell. Show what riches and blessings are prepared for him and his followers. Let him see what grave punishments await all who opposed him in word or deed. I want to console him, heal his emotional wounds.”
Jabrail (peace be upon him) in an instant found himself near Mugyammad (s.t.a.w.). Seeing that he was sleeping, he did not dare to wake him up by pushing or screaming. The angel was at that time in the form of a man. Bending down, very carefully, he kissed the foot of the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.) and this woke him up. The Prophet of Allah (s.t.w.) immediately recognized the Messenger of Allah (s.t.): “Oh, my brother Jabrail! Why did you come at such a late hour? Did I somehow upset Allah Almighty (s.t.) by making a mistake, and you brought me sad news?”
Gabriel said: “Oh, greatest of all creation! Favorite of the Almighty, Prophet of all Prophets, possessor of all the highest human qualities! Your Lord sends you greetings and bestows blessings that no Prophet or mortal has ever received. He invites you to Himself. Please stand up and follow me.”
The beloved Prophet (s.a.w.) performed ablution. The Blessed Jabrail (a.s.) placed a turban made of rays on the blessed head of the Prophet (s.t.a.w.). I put lucha clothes on him and attached a belt with a ruby. He gave into his blessed hands a staff decorated with four hundred pearls and emeralds. Each pearl sparkled like the star Venus. He put green emerald shoes on his feet. Then, holding hands, they came to the Kaaba. Here the angel Jabrail (a.s.) cut his blessed chest and took out his heart. Zamzam washed it with water and poured the contents of the cup filled with faith and wisdom into it.
Having done all this, he put the heart back in its original place and healed the wound. Then he pointed to a white animal called Burak, which he had brought from Paradise, with the words: “O Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.), sit on it. All the angels are waiting for you, guarding your path.” Suddenly, sadness came over the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.), and he plunged into thought. At this time, Almighty Allah (s.t.) ordered Zhabrail (a.s.): “Oh, Zhabrail! Ask My Beloved why he is sad.” To the angel’s question, our Prophet (s.a.w.) replied: “I have been given so much respect and honor, I am treated so well. So I thought, what will be the fate of my weak community on Judgment Day? How will they carry their burden (sins) on Arasat (Arasat is a huge square (field) where all people will gather after the resurrection. Another name is “Mahshar”. From the word “Hashr” - resurrection. 50 special places have been identified on Arasat ( Maukif), on each of which people will stay for a thousand years), fifty thousand years and how they will pass through the Syrat bridge (Syrat is the Bridge leading to Paradise, located above Hell. It is thinner than a hair, sharper than a saber. Those who believe in the Unity of Allah (with .t.) and in His Messenger (s.t.a.w.), to whom Paradise was granted, some will cross it faster than lightning, some faster than the wind, some at the speed of a racehorse. The infidels (kafirs) will fall from this bridge to Hell) that will take thirty thousand years to cross? Allah Almighty (s.t.) replied: “Oh, my Favorite! Do not worry! I will make this transition of fifty thousand years for your community in one moment.”
The Prophet (s.t.a.w.) sat astride Burak, who covered the distance to the horizon with one step. Along the way they stopped three times to pray. Jabrail (a.s.) explained what these places were. The first is the city of Yathrib (later Medina), to which Muslims will soon move, the second is the place of conversation of the blessed Musa (a.s.) with Allah Almighty (s.t.) in a form unknown to anyone - the mountains of Turi Sina and the third is the place of birth blessed Isa (a.s.) - Bayti Lakhm (Bethlehem). And finally, they arrived at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is located in Jerusalem. The souls of some Prophets in the form of people have gathered here. The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) became the imam, and everyone performed the prayer behind him together. From the words of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.): “They brought me Paradise drink and milk. I chose milk. Jabrail (a.s.) told me that I chose the happiness of two worlds (this and the other world). Then they offered me water and honey. I tried both. I was told that honey means the duration of the existence of my community until the Day of Judgment, and water is a sign of the cleansing of the community from sins. Then we rose to the skies. The Blessed Jabrail (a.s.) knocked on the door and we heard a voice asking who we were. Jabrail (a.s.) replied that I was standing next to him, and that Allah Almighty (s.t.) invited me to his place. The door was opened for us, and I saw blessed Adam (a.s.). He said that I was a blessed traveler, greeted me and offered a prayer. There were a lot of angels standing there, humbly remembering Allah (s.t.) with the words: “Subbuhyun quddusun rabbul Malaikati wa-r-rukh.” Jabrail (a.s.) said that their remembrance of Allah (s.t.) while standing will continue until the Day of Judgment. “Ask Allah (s.t.) to give such an opportunity to your community,” he said. I made a prayer to Allah Almighty (s.t.), and He gave my community such an opportunity - he ordered us to perform part of the prayer standing, submissively bowing our heads.
I met a group of people there whose heads were periodically crushed by angels. Their heads were immediately restored, and they pressed them again. I asked, “Who are they?” I was told: “These people did not go to Friday and Common Prayer, and did not perform bows and bows to the ground clearly enough.”
I saw a group of naked people suffering from hunger, whom the angels of Zabani dragged to graze in the pastures of Hell. I asked, “Who are they?” Jabrail (a.s.) told me that these people did not show mercy to the poor and the poor, and did not pay Zakat (obligatory charity in favor of needy Muslims).
I met a group of people there, in front of whom stood, on the one hand, wonderful, delicious dishes, and on the other, various carrions. They, leaving excellent food, ate carrion. I asked: “Who are these unfortunate people?” I was told: “These people ate forbidden, illicit food (Haram), while they had the opportunity to eat lawful food (Halal).
I saw a group of people who could not walk under the weight of the weights lying on their shoulders. They were punished by loudly asking others to put a little more weight on them. “Why are they doing this?” - I asked. I was told that these people abused the trust placed in them.
People from the other group turned out to be gossips in worldly life, and were punished by cutting off and consuming pieces of their own bodies.
I also saw people who made donkey noises. Their faces were black, their eyes were blue, their upper lips were raised to their foreheads, and their lower lips were torn so that they hung down to their knees. Blood and pus flowed from their mouths. They were forced to drink the poisoned sewage that flows in Hell with fiery glasses. These were people who drank alcoholic beverages.
There were also people whose tongues were torn out and their bodies turned into pig carcasses. They were constantly punished for being false witnesses.
I also saw a group of blue people with their hands and feet tied. They could not get up from their seats due to their incredibly swollen bellies. It turned out that they took or gave interest in worldly life.
We met a group of women dressed in fiery clothes, with blackened faces and blue eyes. The angels beat them with fiery clubs, and they squealed like pigs and barked like dogs. “Who are these women?” - I asked. Jabrail (a.s.) replied: “These women committed adultery and were unjust to their husbands.”
I saw a large group of people locked in separate sections of Hell. The fire of Hell periodically burned their bodies, which were then restored to their previous form and burned again in the fire. They turned out to be people who were disobedient to their fathers.
I also met with another community who were sowing in the field, and a good harvest immediately ripened. These were people who performed worship for the sake of the Almighty (s.t.).
I also saw the sea - so beautiful that it is impossible to explain. It was whiter than milk, and its waves were like mountains. “What kind of sea is this?” - I asked. Jabrail (a.s.) replied: “This is the Sea of Life. When Allah Almighty (s.t.) wants to revive all people, he will make this sea come out with rain, from which the bodies of people will rise from the dust and will grow from their graves like spring grass.”
Then we rose to the second level of the sky. Here the same questions with answers were repeated. When the door opened, I found myself next to Isa and Yahya bin Zachariah (a.s.) (Jesus and Jonah - the son of Zechariah, peace be upon them all). They said to me: “Marhaba” and prayed for good things to be sent down to me.
I met there a group of angels lined up in a row bowing from the waist (ruku). They stood in this position for a very long time, without raising their heads, and remembered Allah (s.t.) (performed Dhikr). Jabrail (a.s.) told me: “This is their way of worship. Turn to the Creator in prayer so that your community will receive such an honor.” I raised my hands in supplication. My prayer was accepted, and as a reward we received a bow in prayer (ruku).
Then we went up to the third level, where, after more questions and answers, the door also opened, and I found myself next to the blessed Yusuf (Joseph, peace be upon him). He was incredibly handsome. He told me: “Marhaba,” and prayed for good things to be sent down to me.
I saw many angels here. Lined up in a row, from the time of their creation they performed continuous prostration (judgment) and commemorated Allah (s.t.). Jabrail (a.s.) told me: “This is their way of worship. Turn to the Creator in prayer so that your community will receive such an honor.” I raised my hands in prayer, and as a reward we received a prostration in prayer (sujud).
I have reached the fourth level of heaven. Made of pure silver, it had a door made of a beam, on which hung a lock also made of a beam. The lock of this door blinded the eyes with its brilliance, and it was written on it “La ilaha illa-l-Lah Mugyammadu-r-Rasul-l-Lah.” After more questions and answers, I found myself near the blessed Idris (Enoch, peace be upon him).
He told me: “Marhaba,” and prayed for good things to be sent down to me. It is written about him (in translation of the meaning) in the Holy Quran as follows: “And remember in the book of Idris: verily, he was a righteous man, a prophet. And We raised him to a high place.” (19-Maryam: 56-57).
I saw an angel there, sitting on a certain eminence in deep sadness. There were so many other angels around him that only Allah Almighty (s.t.) can know their exact number. To the right of the sad angel were shining angels, so beautiful that it was impossible to take your eyes off them. They were dressed in green clothes, and a fragrant smell emanated from them. And on the left side there were angels, whose mouths emitted fire. Looking into their terrible eyes, my heart froze with fear. In front of them stood fiery lances and whips.
The huge eyes of the angel sitting on the throne hang all over his body. All the time he looks at the notebook that lies in front of him and does not take his eyes off it. In front of him stands a tree, on each leaf of which is written the name of one person. There is also something in front of him that looks like a large basin, from which he constantly scoops something. Either with his right hand he will take something from it and distribute it to the shining angels to the right, then with his left hand he will take something from the basin and distribute it to the angels with fiery mouths located to his left. Looking at this angel, I felt some kind of inner fear. Jabrail (a.s.) said that this is the angel Azrael, and no one has the strength to look at his face. He addressed him with the words: “Oh, Azrael! This is the last Prophet and the favorite of Allah Almighty (s.t.).” He raised his head, smiled, stood up, greeted me with respect and said: “The Almighty Allah (s.t.) did not create a more revered person than you. And your community is superior to all other communities. I pity the people of your community more than their own parents.”
“I have one request for you. The people of my community are weak. Treat them kindly. Take their souls with tenderness and politeness,” I asked.
He answered: “The Almighty Allah (s.t.), who chose you as the last Prophet and made you His Favorite, orders me seventy times day and night: “Take the souls of the people of the community of Mugyammad (s.t.a.w.) easily and gently, without hurting them, and know their deeds are good.” That is why I feel sorry for the people of your community more than their parents.”
We rose to the fifth level of heaven and met there with the blessed Harun (Aron, peace be upon him). He said: “Marhaba” and made a prayer for blessings to be sent down to me. I saw here how angels of the fifth level worship. They all stood humbly, and, looking at the tips of their toes, they remembered Allah (s.t.) in a loud voice. “Is this how they worship?” - I asked Zhabrail (a.s.). He replied: “Yes, ask the Creator Almighty to grant this way of worship to your community.” I offered a prayer (s.t.) to the Almighty and He accepted my prayers.
On the sixth level we met the blessed Musa (Moses, peace be upon him). He also said: “Marhaba” and made a prayer for blessings to be sent down to me.
Here Jabrail (peace be upon him) spread his wings to show the Messenger (s.t.a.w.) in what form he was created. Pearls and rubies were scattered all over his wings. Then a green Rug of Paradise named Rafraf arrived, emitting light brighter than the Sun. He was constantly busy remembering the names of Allah Almighty (s.t.). He said hello. Then the Messenger (s.t.a.w.) sat on it, and in an instant they rose to a very great height, flying through seven thousand curtains called “Hijab”. The distance between the curtains was great, and between each curtain there was one angel. When passing through each curtain, the Messenger of Allah (s.t.a.w.) heard a commanding voice: “Do not be afraid, O Mugyammad (s.t.a.w.)! Get closer! Come closer! Finally, in an unknown, inexplicable way, he, by the will of Almighty Allah (s.t.), reached the world of “Kabakavsain”. And he saw Allah (s.t.) in an inexplicable way, outside of time, outside of space. (The message from Abdullah b. Abbas, given in the collection of hadiths “Sahih Bukhari”, says that during Mi’raj, the Messenger (s.t.a.w.) saw the Lord with his own eyes (the degree of authenticity of the hadith is “Mfshur” In the collection of Tabarani “Mujami Avsat” with an authentic isnad it is reported from Ibni Abbas that Mugyammad (s.t.a.w.) saw the Lord twice) And He spoke with Him without intermediaries, without using the organs of hearing or speech , and outside a specific environment. Thus, the Messenger (s.t.a.w.) received unprecedented benefits, inexplicable by any of the created beings.
In the book “Maktubat” (“Maktubat” is a 3-volume work composed of 526 letters from the author. These letters contain explanations of the foundations of theology (ilm-i kyalam), religious law (fiqh) and knowledge of the science of at- Tasawwuf. In the first volume, the number of letters is 313; which corresponds to the total number of messengers and the number of participants in the Battle of Badr. The second volume consists of 99 letters. This figure corresponds to the number of Beautiful Names of Allah Almighty (s.t.) mentioned in Noble Quran. The number of letters in the third volume corresponds to the number of suras of the Holy Quran, and consists of 114 letters.) The blessed Imam Rabbani says: “The Lord of the World (s.t.a.w.) on the night of Mi'raj saw Allah (s. t.) The Almighty, not in this life, in the next. Because that night he left the circle of time and space. Was at infinity. The beginning and the end were at the same point. I saw Paradise, I saw how people would live there, how they would enter it. This cannot be seen in this life.”
When the beloved Prophet (s.t.a.w.) was ordered to praise the Almighty Allah (s.t.), He said: “At-tahiyatu lil-Lahi vassalavatu wat-taibat,” i.e. - Greetings to Allah (s.t.) and prayers and best words.
The Almighty Allah (s.t.) greeted his Favorite with the words: “Assalamu aleyka ayuhannabiyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh” - Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy and blessings of Allah (s.t.). The Blessed Prophet (s.t.w.) replied: “Assalamu alayna wa ala ibadillahi ssalihyin” - Peace be upon us and the righteous servants of Allah (s.t.). And all the angels pronounced the testimony: “Ashhadu al-la ilaha illallah wa Ashhadu anna Mugyammadan abdu-hu wa Rasulyuhu” - I testify that there is no deity except Allah (s.t.), and I testify that Mugyammad (s.t.a.) c.) His servant and His Messenger.
When the Prophet (s.t.a.w.) said: “Assalamu ‘alayna...”, Allah Almighty (s.t.) asked: “Oh, My favorite! After all, there is no one here except us, so why did you say “aleina” (to us)?” The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) replied that although his community is not with him with their bodies, their souls are always with him. Therefore, when Allah Almighty (s.t.) distanced him from everything sinful with His greeting, he simply could not deprive his community of such a reward.
And then Allah Almighty (s.t.) said: “You are my guest today. Ask for whatever you want." The blessed and beloved Prophet (s.a.w.) asked not for himself, but for his community.
According to the report, Allah Almighty (s.t.) repeated his question seven hundred times, and the blessed Messenger (s.t.a.w.) repeated the same thing every time: “To my community.” The Lord God said: “You always ask only for your community, but don’t ask for anything for yourself!” And our Messenger (s.t.a.w.) said in response: “Oh, Lord! I can only ask, and the right to give belongs to You alone. Forgive my entire community!” Then Allah Almighty (s.t.) said: “Oh, My Favorite! If I forgive all the sins of your community now, then My mercy and your honor will not be obvious. Therefore, I divided your community into three groups: one part of the people I have forgiven for your sake today; and left the fate of the remaining two groups until the Day of Judgment, so that you would ask for them, and I would forgive them. Thus, My Grace and your superiority over them will become obvious."
The Almighty Allah (s.t.) asked Mugyammad (s.t.a.w.): “Oh, Mugyammad (s.t.a.w.)! Would you like to see what I have in store for your community?” “I want, O Lord,” said the Messenger of Allah (s.t.a.w.). Almighty Allah (s.t.) addressed the angel Israfil (a.s.): “Oh, Israfil! Tell My servant and messenger Gabriel to deliver My favorite to Paradise. Let him see there what I have prepared for him and his community, and reassure his noble heart.”
Angel Israfil (a.s.) delivered the Messenger of Allah (s.t.a.w.) to Jabrail (a.s.), who, by the will of Allah (s.t.), instantly transferred him to Paradise. In Paradise there were angels holding in some hands precious clothes that are worn only in Paradise, and in others vessels filled with heavenly rays. Jabrail (a.s.) said to the Messenger of Allah (s.t.a.w.): “These angels were created eighty thousand years earlier than the creation of the blessed Adam (a.s.). They are looking forward to your community coming here to give them what they have in their hands.”
They were met by Rydvan, the angel responsible for Paradise. He showed the Messenger the whole of Paradise, and pleased him with the news that Allah Almighty (s.t.) divided Paradise into three parts: two of them for his community, and the third part for the rest of the communities.
The blessed Prophet (s.a.w.) himself spoke about Paradise: “I saw in the center of Paradise a river that flows in the upper part of the Arsh. Water, milk, drink and honey flow out from the same place at the same time, and do not mix with each other. The banks of the river are made of chrysolite, its bottom is covered with precious stones, and emits a fragrant smell, and the beautiful herbs are real saffron. Silver glasses are placed around, and their number exceeds the number of stars in the sky. Birds with long necks like camels fly around. Whoever drinks from this river and eats the meat of birds, Allah Almighty (s.t.) will be pleased with them. “What kind of river is this?” I asked Zhabrail (a.s.). He replied: “This river is Kavsar.
Allah Almighty (s.t.) gave it to you. The gardens of all eight levels of Paradise are watered with this water.” I saw tents made of pearls and rubies on the banks of the river. The Blessed Jabrail (a.s.) explained that this is the residence of the women of my community. From the precious tents the sounds of pleasant melodies and songs quietly sung by the women of paradise were heard. “Would you like to see the faces of these houris?” Zhabrail (a.s.) asked me. “Yes,” said I. He opened the door of one of the tents.
Their faces were so beautiful that I could not describe it in my entire life. They were whiter than milk, and their ruby cheeks shone like the sun. Their skin was softer than silk and lighter than the moon, and emitted a smell more pleasant than perfume. Their hair was blue-black, some had it braided, some had it tied up in a knot, and some had it down to the knees. And next to each of them there were maids. The Blessed Jabrail (a.s.) explained that these women were created for my community.”
Further, the Messenger (s.t.a.w.) said: “I saw gardens, meadows and various riches of the eight levels of Paradise, and I thought, what would Hell be like then with its levels.” Zhabrail (a.s.) took me by the hand and took me to the main angel, who is obliged to look after Hell, Malik. He told him: “Oh, Malik. Mugyammad (s.t.a.w.) wants to see the place of his enemies in Hell.” Malik showed me all seven levels of Hell. The seventh level was called Hawiyya, and here the most severe punishments and torments await the non-believers. Malik explained that the tribes of Pharaoh, Kyarun and the hypocrites of my community would be tormented here. The sixth level is Lazyi, created for polytheists and atheists. The fifth level is Hutama, created for Buddhists, for those who worship fire and the bull. The fourth level is Jahim, created for those who worship the sun and stars. The third level is Sakar, created for Christians (Here we mean Christians who have distorted the Gospel, and believers in distorted Gospels). The second level - Sayr, created for the Jews (Jews - Persons of the Jewish faith. Not to be confused with “Jews” - the general ethnic name of peoples historically dating back to one of the ancient peoples of the Semitic language group living in various countries. The hadith refers to Jews, distorted the Pentateuch (Torah) - the Holy Scripture transmitted by the Messenger Moses (peace be upon him) from the Almighty Allah (s.t.) While the true followers of Moses (peace be upon him), who knew from their books about the coming of the last Prophet Muhammad (s. t.a.w.), accepted and accept Islam. Among them are the famous companions Abdullah b. Solam and Ka'b-ul-Akhbar (may Allah be pleased with them (s.t.)). Before they accepted Islam, they were Jewish Scholars). The first level is Zhahannam, where the punishments are weaker than in the previous ones. However, I saw seventy thousand oceans of fire there. They were so huge that if all the levels of heaven and earth were thrown into one of them and an angel was ordered to find them, he would not be able to find them in a thousand years. The waves of these oceans made such a terrifying noise that if even one sound reached the earth, all living beings would fall dead. The Zabani, the angels in charge of Hell, were so large that if the earth and sky were placed next to their mouths, they would not even be noticeable. I asked Malik: “Who is this level of Hell for?”, but he did not give me an answer. I asked my question again, but he remained silent again. Then Zhabrail (a.s.) turned to him: “He is waiting for your answer.” Malik said: “I can’t! Please excuse me.” Then I told him: “You still answer, perhaps there is still a way to avoid this today.” Then Malik said to me: “O Messenger! This level is for the rebels of your community. Warn them not to subject themselves to punishment in this terrible place. Let them avoid everything that could cause them torment in the fires of Hell. On that Day I will have no pity for the gray-haired old men or the young.”
The Blessed Prophet (s.t.w.) began to pray to Allah (s.t.) for mercy and cry, because he knew how weak the people of his community were and were unlikely to be able to withstand such punishments. He cried so much that he could not stand it and even Jabrail (a.s.) began to cry, and along with him the rest of the angels. Allah Almighty (s.t.) said to this: “Oh, My Favorite! Calm down! Your prayer is accepted. You'll get what you want. In your honor, I give you the right to protect your community on the Day of Judgment. I will forgive the people of your community at your request until you stop asking for it. Whoever follows My orders will be freed from punishment and will gain My Grace, and will also have the opportunity to see Me in Paradise. I oblige you and your community to perform fifty prayers a day.”
When I passed through the heavens and came to the blessed Musa (Moses, peace be upon him), he asked me: “What has Allah Almighty (s.t.) prescribed for you and your community?” I answered him: “I and my community have been prescribed the obligatory (fard) performance of fifty prayers per day.” To which Musa (a.s.) said: “Return to the Creator and ask Him to ease this injunction, since your community will not stand it. I was convinced of this when testing the children of Israel.” I returned and asked the Creator to ease this order. Allah (s.t.) reduced the number of prayers to forty. When our Prophet (s.t.a.w.) informed the Blessed Musa (a.s.) about this, he again ordered to go to Allah (s.t.) with a request to reduce it. This went on several times. Finally, Allah (s.t.) made it easier and obligatory (fard) to perform five prayers a day. In addition, it was added that for each prayer ten blessings would be sent down.
And if a Muslim intends to do a good deed, then one good thing will be written in his notebook of deeds. And if this good deed is completed, then ten blessings will be inscribed. If a Muslim intends to do a sinful deed and does not do it, then nothing will be written in his notebook. And if he does commit this sin, then only one sin will be charged to him. Thus, Allah Almighty (s.t.) consoled the wounded heart of His Beloved (s.t.a.w.), giving him benefits that no mortal received.
The next moment, the Prophet of Allah (s.t.a.w.) found himself in Qudus (Jerusalem), then in Mecca, in the house of Ummi Hani. How quickly this happened, he could judge by the bed that was still not cold. And the water in the basin in which he did his ablution before leaving with the Angel was still agitated. Ummi Hani (r.a.), who was on duty, was overcome by drowsiness at that time, and she never suspected anything. On the way from Jerusalem to Mecca, he managed to spot the Quraish caravan. He clearly heard and saw one of the camels of this caravan roar and fall dead.
The next morning, having come to the Kaaba, the Prophet of Allah (s.t.a.w.) began to talk about the night incident - Mi'raj. Hearing this, the mushriks laughed at him. “Yes,” they said, “it’s clear Mugyammad (s.t.a.v.) has completely lost his mind, completely lost his head.” Even those who intended to accept Islam bit their tongues and did not defend it. Some infidels, rejoicing at their discovery, went to the house of Abu Bakr (r.a.). Knowing Abu Bakr (r.a.) to be an intelligent, honest, respectable merchant, they decided with his help to expose the Prophet of Allah (s.t.).
As soon as Abu Bakr (ra) left his house, the infidels asked him: “You have been to Jerusalem many times, and you know well the duration of this journey. Tell us, please, how long does it take to travel there and back?” “I know very well,” he replied, “It will take more than a month.” The infidels were delighted with this answer: “This is the word of an intelligent, sensible person,” they said, rejoicing that the friend and follower of Mugyammad (s.t.a.w.) thought the same as they did. “And your friend and teacher assures us that he was there for just one night, apparently he has completely lost his mind,” the unbelievers said with a smile to Abu Bakr (ra), showing him respect and hoping for his support.
Hearing the name of the Prophet of Allah (s.t.a.w.), Abu Bakr (r.a.) replied: “If Muhammad (s.t.a.w.) said so, then it was so. So, he was there in one night,” and went back to the house. The Mushriks were confused by such an unexpected conclusion. They decided that Mugyammad (s.t.a.w.) had bewitched Abu Bakr (r.a.).
Abu Bakr (ra) immediately got dressed and went to the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.). Having found him among a large number of people, he said: “Congratulations to you, Prophet of Allah (s.t.) on Mi’raj! I thank the Almighty for showing us His goodness, and we can see you, hear your sermons and follow you, the greatest Prophet of Allah (s.t.)! Everything you said is true! I believe every word you say!” These words of Abu Bakr (ra) completely upset the infidels. They had nothing to say, and they hastened to disperse. And to those who were hesitant in accepting the faith, the words of Abu Bakr (r.a.) gave confidence that the path proposed by the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.) was correct.
Mugyammad (s.t.a.v.) was grateful to his friend for his support. On that day, he called Abu Bakr “as-Siddiq” - which means “Faithful”, thereby raising him to another level.
This greatly irritated the opponents of Islam. They were simply infuriated by such a strong Muslim Faith, which allows them to accept any word of the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.) as the truth. That believers are so devoted to him that they follow on his heels, hanging on every word. They couldn't leave it like that and decided to expose him. “Tell us Muhammad (s.t.a.w.), since you visited Qudus (Jerusalem), how many doors and windows are there in the al-Aqsa mosque?” The Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.) answered all such questions, and Abu Bakr (ra.a.) periodically confirmed: “Yes, exactly so. Prophet of Allah (s.t.a.w.)! Exactly!" Subsequently, Mugyammad (s.t.a.w.) explained this incident in this way: “Of course, being in the al-Aqsa mosque, I did not look around and therefore did not know what they asked me about. But when they began to ask questions, Jabrail (a.s.) presented to my eyes an image of the al-Aqsa mosque, and I simply counted and immediately answered the questions.” Then he spoke about the Quraish caravan he had seen. “If Allah (s.t.) willing, the caravan will be here on Wednesday,” said the Prophet of Allah (s.t.a.w.). Indeed, on Wednesday, at sunset, the caravan entered Mecca. Those who came with the caravan said that there was a small sandstorm on the road and their camel died. Such confirmation of the words of the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.) strengthened the Faith of the Muslims, but increased the hostility of the infidels...
This great journey - the Ascension (Mi'raj) took place on the twenty-seventh day of the Arab month of Rajab, a year before the main Hijra (Migration to Yathrib (later Medina). The Blessed Prophet (s.a.w.) traveled that night with soul and body ( not in a dream). That night, Allah Almighty (s.t.) obliged us to perform five prayers and sent down the last two verses of Surah “Baqarah”. Mi'raj is spoken of in the 17th sura of the Koran - “Isra”, in the 53rd sura - “Press”, and in several hadiths.
While explaining Mi'raj to his companions, the Prophet (s.a.w.) said to the blessed Abu Bakr: “Oh, Abu Bakr (r.a.)! I saw a tent of pure gold intended for you. I can also list the numerous benefits prepared for you.” The Blessed Abu Bakr (ra) answered Him: “Let both that palace and its owner become sacrifices for your sake!” He said to the Blessed Umar (r.a.): “Oh, Umar (r.a.)! I saw your tent made of ruby. There were many houris in it. I didn’t go in there thinking about your jealousy.” Blessed Umar (r.a.) could not stand it, cried and said: “Let my parents and my soul become sacrifices for you! How can anyone be jealous of you?” Then he turned to the blessed Uthman (r.a.): “Oh, Uthman (r.a.)! I saw you at every level of the sky! When I saw your tent in Paradise, I remembered you!” And to the blessed Ali (r.a.) he said: “Oh, Ali (r.a.)! I saw your image on the fourth level of heaven." I asked Jabrail (a.s.) about this, and he replied: “Oh, Messenger of Allah (s.t.a.w.)! The angels, seeing the blessed Ali (r.a.), fell in love with him. Therefore, Allah Almighty (s.t.) created an angel similar to him. He is on the fourth level, where the Angels enjoy visiting him.” Then I entered your tent and smelt the fruit of a certain tree. A guria appeared from there and covered her face. I asked who she was and whose. She replied that she was created for my nephew, the son of my uncle – Ali (r.a.).”
In the first two days after the performance of five prayers became obligatory, the blessed Jabrail (a.s.) taught the Prophet (s.t.a.w.), temporarily becoming the imam for all five prayers.
In a hadith from Jabir b. Abdullah (r.a.) reports: “Jabrail (a.s.) appeared to the Prophet (s.t.a.w.) and said: “Get up and perform the prayer.” The Prophet (s.a.w.) stood up and performed the noon prayer when the sun deviated from its zenith. Then, Jabrail (a.s.) came again and said: “Get up and perform the prayer.” The Prophet (s.t.a.w.) stood up and performed the afternoon prayer when the shadow of the object became equal to the height of the object. In the evening, Jabrail (a.s.) came again and again said: “Get up and perform the prayer.” The Prophet (s.a.w.) stood up and performed the evening prayer when the sun completely disappeared below the horizon. Then, Jabrail (a.s.) came before going to bed and said: “Get up and perform the prayer.” The Prophet stood up and performed the night prayer when the glare of the sunset disappeared and darkness fell. After this, Jabrail (a.s.) appeared in the morning and again said: “Get up and perform the prayer.” The Prophet (s.a.w.) stood up and performed the morning prayer when dawn broke. Then, Jabrail (a.s.) came at noon the next day and again said: “Get up and perform the prayer.” And the Prophet performed the Midday Prayer this time, when the length of the shadow of an object became equal to the height of the object itself. After this, Jabrail (a.s.) appeared again after some time and said: “Get up and perform the prayer.” The Prophet (s.t.a.w.) stood up and performed the Afternoon Prayer when the shadow of an object became twice as long as the height of the object. Then, Jabrail (a.s.) came again in the evening and ordered to perform the evening prayer, as before - after sunset. After this, Jabrail (a.s.) came at night, after the first third of the night or after half the night, and the Prophet performed the Night Prayer. Then, Jabrail (a.s.) came in the morning, when the twilight had completely dissipated and it was light all around, and said: “Get up and perform your prayer.” And the Prophet (s.a.w.) stood up and performed the morning prayer. After which Jabrail (a.s.) said to the Prophet (s.t.a.w.): “These periods of time are reserved for the performance of prayer.”
"Granny Abwab"
Night of Miraj or Laylat al-Isra Wal-Mi'raj (Rajab Bayram) is a Muslim holiday celebrated on the night of the 26th to 27th of the holy month of Rajab. On this night, according to Islamic tradition, the great Prophet Muhammad made a miraculous journey from the al-Haram mosque in Mecca to Jerusalem to the al-Aqsa mosque and ascended to the seventh heaven to the throne of Allah, where divine miracles and signs were revealed to him.
In the Koran, Surah Al-Isra is dedicated to the miraculous ascension of the Prophet Muhammad (the night of Miraj). The Arabic word "isra'un" means "journey at night", that is, the instantaneous transfer of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) from Mecca to Jerusalem (this night journey does not depend on temporal and spatial meanings), and the word "mi'rajun" means "ascent ", "ascension", "ladder".
That night, the Archangel Gabriel visited the Prophet Muhammad, sleeping near the mosque in Mecca, and urged him to travel to Jerusalem on a winged horse with the body of a horse and the head of a Borak woman. First, Muhammad and Gabriel visited Mount Sina and Beit Lahm (Bethlehem), and then approached the gates of the Jerusalem Temple. Muhammad entered the Temple, where other prophets were waiting for him: the Friend of Allah Ibrahim (Abraham), the Spirit of Allah Isa (Jesus Christ), Musa (Moses) and the father of mankind Adam. The Prophet Muhammad performed a prayer with them, at which he was the leader - the imam. After the prayer, Jabrail brought two glasses to Muhammad - one with milk, the other with wine. When Muhammad chose milk, Gabriel exclaimed: “Truly you are on the right path - you and your people! Wine is forbidden for you” (the Islamic ban on the consumption of alcoholic beverages is based, in particular, on this episode).
Then, according to legend, accompanied by Gabriel, Muhammad ascended to heaven along the ladder of angels (mi'raj) and visited the seven heavens. In the first heaven, Adam himself opened the heavenly gates to the Prophet; on the second he met the prophets Yahya and Isa, on the third - Yusuf, on the fourth - Idris, on the fifth - Harun, on the sixth - Musa; in the seventh, highest heaven sat the forefather and patriarch of all prophets Ibrahim, who showed Muhammad paradise.
All the prophets greeted Muhammad as a brother.
And when Muhammad appeared from the seventh heaven to the throne of Allah, he talked with him, uttering 99 thousand words.
The essence of the revelation given to Muhammad is revealed as follows.
Namaz. One of the most important features of the miraj is that during it the obligatory (fard) performance of prayer five times was ordered.
The Messenger of Allah was told the following words: “None of the prophets will enter paradise before you! And no community will enter heaven before your community! (Razi, vol. 27, p. 248)
The last verses of Surah al-Baqarah (The Cow) were revealed. As it is said in the hadith: “The Messenger of Allah was given three things during the miraj - fivefold prayer, the completion of Surah al-Baqarah and the news that those people from his community who do not fall into the sin of polytheism will have their great sins forgiven " (Muslim Iman, 279)
Muhammad was then returned back to Mecca. Talking about this journey, Muhammad emphasized that it happened instantly: upon returning to Mecca, he discovered that his bed had not yet cooled down, and the water had not even had time to flow out of the jug that Jabrail had overturned when setting off.
Many asked how the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) performed his ascension - physically or spiritually, Aisha (radiyallahu anha) said that when the Prophet returned, his bed had not yet cooled down. The Almighty compressed earthly time for him so much that he was able to see and experience the past, present and future. Allah Almighty gave His Messenger strength and endurance for this.
When Muhammad told people about his night journey, they began to say that this was impossible, since the caravan from Mecca to Syria takes a month and a month goes back. Many began to abandon Islam. The people decided to go to Abu Bakr. Abu Bakr did not believe them at first, but when they said that Muhammad was talking about this right now in the mosque, Abu Bakr replied that everything that Muhammad said was true and he believed him. These words of Abu Bakr show that the closest Sahaba had very strong trust in Muhammad. Then Abu Bakr went to Muhammad and asked him about his night journey, asking him to describe the Holy House (Jerusalem) to him, since he (Abu Bakr) had been there. After Muhammad described the city to him, Abu Bakr said that everything was described correctly. It is said that every time Muhammad described something, Abu Bakr would say: “What you say is true. I bear witness that you are the Messenger of Allah." After this, Muhammad called Abu Bakr the Truthful (“al-Siddiq”). This nickname stuck with Abu Bakr. Also, as proof, Muhammad listed the caravans that went from Jerusalem to the Hijaz. Eyewitnesses who arrived from Jerusalem confirmed the words of Muhammad.
Muslims spend the night of Miraj in vigil, reading the Koran, praying and retelling the legend about the miraculous ascension of the prophet. On the day of the holiday, everyone visits the mosque to pray together and listen to the imam's sermon dedicated to this event.
On the day after the night of miraj, you must definitely make the intention to fast. On this day, between the lunchtime prayer (Zuhr) and the pre-evening prayer (Asr), a prayer of 4 rak'ahs is read and in each rak'ah after Surah Fatihi 5 times Ayat-al-Kursi, Kafirun, Ikhlyas, Falyak, Nas. Fasting on Miraj is ritually equivalent to one hundred nights of fasting.
The month of Rajab occupies a special place in the Muslim calendar, because it is one of the four holy months mentioned in the Holy Quran as “khurum”: “Verily, the number of months with the Lord is twelve, in His Scripture. And this is from the day when He created the heavens and the earth. Four of them are “hurum”, forbidden, sacred. This is a persistent religion. Do not harm yourselves during these months” (Holy Quran, 9:36).
Speaking about the month of Rajab, we recall a wonderful event that confirms the truth of the prophetic mission of Muhammad - the night journey of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascension to the Seventh Heaven. According to some Muslim scholars, it happened precisely in the month of Rajab, on the night from the 26th to the 27th day. Although it should be noted that there is no absolutely precise definition of the date. There are different opinions regarding the night, month and year of the ascension.
The companions of God's final messenger, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), paid more attention to where there are indications of prohibition and permissibility, where there is an incentive to perform certain actions. Neither fasting nor night prayers are associated with this event. At the same time, in recent centuries, the practice of celebrating Isra Miraj on the 27th night of the month of Rajab has become established among Muslims. In fact, the date is not important, but the essence and enormous significance of this event is important.
In honor of this amazing event, the 17th sura of the Holy Quran “al-Isra” is named, beginning with the words: “Holy is he who carried His servant to show him some of Our signs from the Sacred Mosque (“al-masjid al-haram” ) to the Distant Mosque (“al-masjid al-aqsa”), the surroundings of which We have blessed. He [Allah Almighty] is Hearing, Seeing" (Holy Quran, 17:1)
An interesting fact is that in the Holy Quran both the Kaaba and the Temple in Jerusalem are called the word “masjid,” that is, the place where prostration is performed before the Lord of everything and everyone, Allah Almighty.
Were these two temples a place of worship of the One and Only Creator during the ascension of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)?
The miracle of the night journey occurred during the Meccan period, when the Kaaba was filled with all kinds of idols, before which sacrifices were made daily and rituals of worship were performed. As for the Temple in Jerusalem, it remained one of the centers of Christianity right up to the reign of the second righteous caliph ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).
The Almighty, Who knows everything about the past, present and future, when the Messenger and his companions (may Allah be pleased with them) were persecuted, calling these two temples “masjid”, indicated that this stage was nearing completion, the time had come for a spiritual transition leadership from one religious community to another, which should become a source of righteousness and piety.
The Meccan period of call was a very difficult time for the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and his companions due to constant attacks, humiliation, oppression from the Quraish, especially intensified after the death of his uncle, Abu Talib and his wife Khadija, who were a faithful support and protection.
The miracle of the transfer and ascension of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was preceded by the most difficult years, namely more than ten years. For example, the Quraysh swore an oath that they would not enter into marriages or make trade transactions with the families of Banu Hashim and Abdul-Muttalib, meet and communicate with them, enter their houses and talk, until they hand over the Messenger of Allah to them for reprisals. All believers and non-believers from among the Hashemites separated and concentrated in the Abu Talib valley. Possible routes for delivering food and all vital necessities to them were blocked. People were forced to eat tree leaves and animal skins. From the side where they were, they could hear the painful cries of women and children suffering from hunger. They remained in this difficult situation for three whole years.
Then came a year recorded in the history of Islam as a year of sorrow and sorrow. That year, two people who were reliable support and support for the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) passed away. This is his uncle Abu Talib and the mother of the faithful, the mistress of women in Paradise, the highly revered Khadija (may Allah be pleased with her)
Abu Talib was faithful to the last word to protect Muhammad, which he gave to his father Abdul Muttalib. Abu Talib really provided the Prophet with the necessary protection and, in fact, was the fortress that allowed the Islamic call to defend itself from the attacks of the leaders of the Quraish and hostile people.
Some time after the death of Abu Talib, the mother of the faithful, Khadija (may Allah be pleased with her), also died. She died in Ramadan, in the tenth year from the beginning of the prophecy.
Khadija was one of the great mercies of Allah that He showed to the prophet. She lived with him for a quarter of a century, supporting him during a period of anxiety both morally and financially, helping to bring the Word of God to people, sharing with Muhammad the difficulties of his assigned mission. The Messenger of Allah recalled her this way:
آمَنَتْ بِي حِينَ كَفَرَ بِي النَّاسُ ، وَ صَدَّقَتْنِي حِينَ كَذَّبَنِي النَّاسُ ، وَ أَشْركَتْنِي فِي مَالِهَا حِينَ حَرَمَنِي النَّاسُ…
“She believed in me when people didn’t believe in me. Believed me when people called me a liar. She shared with me what she had when people refused me...” (Al-Mubarakfuriy S. Ar-rahik al-makhtum. P. 114).
A reliable hadith is given: “One day Gabriel (Gabriel) appeared to the Prophet and said:
يا رسول الله هذه خديجة، قَدْ أَتَتْ، مَعَهَا إِنَاءٌ فِيهِ إِدَامٌ أَوْ طَعَامٌ أَوْ شَرَابٌ ، فَإِذَا هي أتتك فاقْرَأْ عَلَيْهَا السَّلاَمَ مِنْ رَبِّهَا، وَ بَشِّرْهَا بِبَيْتٍ فِي الْجَنَّةِ مِنْ قَصَبٍ لا صَخَبَ فِيهِ وَ لاَ نَصَبَ.
“O Messenger of Allah, Khadija has prepared food for you. When she approaches you, greet her in the name of the Lord and in my name and rejoice her with the good news that in Paradise a house of hollow pearls awaits her, where there will be no noise and where she will not know fatigue" (Al-Mubarakfuriy S Ar-rahik al-makhtum, p. 114).
In this desperate situation, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) went to the city of Taif in the hope that its inhabitants would answer the call or provide him refuge. However, even there he found neither refuge nor support. Moreover, in Taif he was inflicted with new insults and insults, the likes of which he had not seen even from the Quraish.
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) spent ten days in Taif, meeting with people and urging them to believe in One God, but they all exclaimed: “Get out of our city!” When he left, these people, along with the slaves, followed him, blaspheming him, shouting loudly and throwing stones at him. Pain and humiliation... Zayd ibn Haris, who then appeared as a human shield covering the Prophet, received deep wounds. And this continued until the Prophet reached a vineyard located three miles from Taif. Only then did the attackers fall behind. The exhausted Messenger approached a vine bush and sat down in its shade, and later cried out to Allah with an amazing prayer:
اللهم إِلَيْكَ أَشْكُو ضَعْفَ قُوَّتِي ، وَ قِلَّةَ حِيلَتِي ، وَ هَوَانِي عَلَى النَّاسِ، يَا أَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِينَ ، أَنْتَ رَبُّ الْمُسْتَضْعَفِينَ ، وَ أَنْتَ رَبِّي ، إِلَى مَنْ تَكِلُنِي، إِلَى بَعِيدٍ يَتَجَهَّمُنِي؟ أَمْ إِلَى عَدُوٍّ مَلَّكْتَهُ أَمْرِي؟ إِنْ لَمْ يَكُنْ بِكَ عَلَيَّ غَضَبٌ فَلاَ أُبَالِي، وَ لَكِنْ عَافِيَتُكَ هِيَ أَوْسَعُ لِي، أعوذ بِنُورِ وَجْهِكَ الذِي أَشْرَقَتْ لَهُ الظُّلُمَاتُ ، وَ صَلُحَ عَلَيْهِ أَمْرُ الدنيا و الآخرة مِنْ أَنْ تُنْزِلَ بِي غَضَبَكَ ، أَوْ يَحُلَّ عَلَىَّ سَخَطُكَ، لك العُتْبَى حَتَّى تَرْضَى و لا حول و لا قوة إلا بك.
“O Allah, I complain to You about the lack of strength and humiliation among people! O Most Merciful of the merciful, You are the Lord of the weak. To whom have You entrusted me? Is it to the distant one who frowns at the sight of me, or to the enemy to whom You have given control of my affairs? If You are not angry with me, then I have nothing to worry about, but if You deliver me from such things, it will be easier for me. I resort to the protection of the light of Your face, which disperses the darkness and puts in order the affairs of this world and the eternal world, from being overtaken by Your wrath or overtaken by Your rage. For Your sake, I will refuse what You hate, so that You will be pleased with me. No one has power and strength except You” (See: Al-Mubarakfuriy S. Ar-rahik al-makhtum. P. 125).
This prayer was filled, on the one hand, with loyalty to the Almighty, fear of His wrath, devotion to the entrusted prophetic mission, and on the other, with sadness because of the disasters that befell him, as well as regret that people do not heed his call...
According to the Divine plan: “Truly, with heaviness comes lightness. Truly, with heaviness comes lightness” (Holy Quran, 94:5-6) during this difficult period, the Lord grants the Prophet a Divine miracle: in the blink of an eye he carries him, accompanied by the angel Gabriel (Gabriel), from Mecca to Jerusalem, where, by the will of the Almighty , he performs prayer as an imam at the head of all the prophets who came before him.
The Messenger was then ascended to each of the seven vaults of heaven. Allah put him, led by the angel Gabriel, on the angelic animal Burak and carried him like lightning through the heavens. Having led through all levels, He showed His Divine Dominion, and, allowing him to see each of the prophets who were his brothers in heaven, he brought him to the highest point - “sidratul-muntaha” and honored him with a meeting and conversation with Him. The Almighty on this journey showed His favorite all His beautiful names, manifested in His creations, in God's management and creation, demonstrated absolute Dominion and Divine Care at each of the levels of heaven. The purpose of the miraj (ascension) was to reveal to the Prophet Muhammad all human perfection and to honor all Divine manifestations, to allow him to survey all levels of the Universe, so that he could then reveal to people some of the secrets of the world and report on what the Almighty would be pleased with. The Prophet was shown Heaven and Hell. The Lord showed him the souls of the martyrs who stood to the right of Adam and the souls of sinners who stood to the left.
On this journey, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) saw the guardian of Hell, Malik, who never smiles and there is never joy on his face. In addition, he saw people who had no right to eat the property of orphans. Their lips were like the lips of camels, and food was thrown into their mouths like large fiery stones that came out from behind them. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) saw moneylenders with huge bellies, because of the size of which they could not move, and when they led people from among the minions of Pharaoh, they walked over them, trampling on them. He saw adulterers in front of whom lay fresh meat and rotten, stinking meat, and they ate the rotten meat without touching the fresh meat. He saw women hanging by their nipples, bringing their unborn children to their husbands. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) saw people cutting off their lips with fiery scissors. The Prophet asked Gabriel: “Who are these people?”
Gabriel replied: “These are preachers from your ummah who called people to good, but forgot themselves.”
These punishments shown to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) are very important for us. We must be able to feel worldly life, understand and realize that we are followers of God's Messenger, and our following manifested itself in everyday life, in order to be able to comply with those regulations where there are obligatory and prohibited.
Along with this, only Allah and the Prophet know the details and circumstances that took place during the Miraj. Here, the irrefutable fact is that the Messenger of Allah did not see the manifestations during the Ascension in his imagination, he saw them as the truth, which was also confirmed by his heart and conscience.
“And then the transcendent line (extreme limit) was covered (covered) by that which covered [of the special creatures created by the Lord and known for certain only to Him].
The gaze did not deviate [go neither to the right nor to the left] and did not cross the [determined for it] border [was focused on what it was supposed to see].”
Indeed, he [Muhammad] saw [on that transcendental level] the greatest signs of his Lord" (Holy Quran, 53:16-18)
Here is one of the hadiths about the ascension of the Prophet, which is most often cited as an example:
It is reported from Malik bin Sa'sa'a (may Allah be pleased with them both) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) told him the following about the night journey: “When I was lying in al-Khatim (or perhaps he said : in Hijri), someone suddenly came to me and cut me.” (Qatada, one of the narrators of the hadith said: “I heard Anas say: “Cut from here to here.” I asked Al-Jarud, who was next to me: “What does he mean?” To what he said: “From the depression of the upper chest between the two collarbones to the lower abdomen.” I also heard him say: “From the upper chest to the lower abdomen”).
“...Then he took out my heart. After that, they brought me a golden basin filled with faith, then they washed my heart, then they filled it (with faith), then they returned it (to its original) place, and then they brought to me a white animal smaller than a mule, but larger than a donkey.” (Al-Jarud asked: “O Abu Hamza! Is this animal Al-Buraq?” Anas replied: “Yes.”
“...This animal is capable of covering with one step the greatest distance that it could cover with its gaze.
Then they put me on this animal, and Gabriel set off with me on the journey, and when he reached the lower sky and asked to open the gate, he was asked: “Who is this?” He said: “Jabrail.” They asked him: “Who is with you?” He replied: “Muhammad.” He was asked: “Has he already been sent (to his people as a messenger)?” Gabriel said: “Yes,” and then it was said: “Welcome to him, how wonderful is his coming!” Then the gates were opened. When I reached the lower heaven, I saw Adam there. Gabriel said: “This is your father Adam, greet him!” I greeted him, and he returned the greeting, after which he said: “Welcome to the righteous son and righteous prophet!”
Then Dzhabrail ascended with me to the second sky and asked me to open the gates. He was asked: “Who is this?” He said: “Jabrail.” They asked him: “Who is with you?” He replied: “Muhammad.” He was asked: “Has he already been sent (to his people as a messenger)?” Gabriel said: “Yes,” and then it was said: “Welcome to him, how wonderful is his coming!” Then (these gates) were opened. When I reached (the second heaven), I saw there Yahya and 'Isa, who are cousins on their mother's side. Gabriel said: “This is Yahya and ‘Isa, greet them!” I greeted them and they returned the greeting, after which they said: “Welcome to the righteous brother and the righteous prophet!”
Then he ascended with me to the third heaven and asked me to open the gate. He was asked: “Who is this?” He replied: “Jabrail.” They asked him: “Who is with you?” He replied: “Muhammad.” He was asked: “Has he already been sent (to his people as a messenger)?” Gabriel said: “Yes,” and then it was said: “Welcome to him, how wonderful is his coming!” Then these gates were opened. When I reached the third heaven, I saw Yusuf there. Gabriel said: “This is Yusuf, greet him!” I greeted him, and he returned the greeting, after which he said: “Welcome to the righteous brother and the righteous prophet!”
Then he ascended with me to the fourth heaven and asked me to open the gate. He was asked: “Who is this?” He said: “Jabrail.” They asked him: “Who is with you?” He replied: “Muhammad.” He was asked: “Has he already been sent (to his people as a messenger)?” Gabriel said: “Yes,” and then it was said: “Welcome to him, how wonderful is his coming!” Then these gates were opened. When I reached the fourth heaven, I saw Idris there. Jibril said: “This is Idris, greet him!” I greeted him, and he returned the greeting, after which he said: “Welcome to the righteous brother and the righteous prophet!”
Then he ascended with me to the fifth heaven and asked me to open the gate. He was asked: “Who is this?” He said: “Jabrail.” They asked him: “Who is with you?” He replied: “Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.” He was asked: “Has he already been sent (to his people as a messenger)?” Gabriel said: “Yes,” and then it was said: “Welcome to him, how wonderful is his coming!” When I reached the fifth heaven, I saw Harun there. Gabriel said: “This is Harun, greet him!” I greeted him, and he returned the greeting, after which he said: “Welcome to the righteous brother and the righteous prophet!”
Then he ascended with me to the sixth heaven and asked me to open the gate. He was asked: “Who is this?” He said: “Jabrail.” They asked him: “Who is with you?” He replied: “Muhammad.” He was asked: “Has he already been sent (to his people as a messenger)?” Gabriel said: “Yes,” and then it was said: “Welcome to him, how wonderful is his coming!” When I reached the sixth heaven, I saw Musa there. Gabriel said: “This is Musa, greet him!” - and I greeted him, and he returned the greeting, after which he said: “Welcome to the righteous brother and the righteous prophet!” – when I left him, he began to cry. He was asked: “What makes you cry?” - and he said: “I am crying for the reason that after me a young man was sent to people, and more people from his community will enter Paradise than from mine!”
And then Dzhabrail ascended with me to the seventh heaven and asked me to open the gates. He was asked: “Who is this?” He replied: “Jabrail.” They asked him: “Who is with you?” He replied: “Muhammad.” He was asked: “Has he already been sent (to his people as a messenger)?” Gabriel said: “Yes,” and then it was said: “Welcome to him, how wonderful is his coming!” - and when I reached the seventh heaven, I saw Ibrahim there. Gabriel said: “This is your father, greet him!” - and I greeted him, and he returned the greeting, after which he said: “Welcome to the righteous son and the righteous prophet!”
And then I was raised to the lotus of the extreme limit (sidrat al-muntaha), and it turned out that its fruits were similar in size to jugs from Hajar, and its leaves were like elephant ears. Gabriel said: “This is the lotus of the extreme limit.” And it turned out that four rivers flow there, two of which are hidden, and two are visible. I asked: “What are these two types of rivers, O Gabriel?” He replied: “As for the hidden rivers, these are the two rivers flowing in paradise; as for the two visible ones, these are the Nile and the Euphrates.”
And then I was shown the Sacred House (al-bayt al-ma'mur), into which seventy thousand angels enter every day.
Then they brought me a vessel of wine, a vessel of milk and a vessel of honey. I took the milk, and Jabrail said: “Your choice corresponds to the fitrah (innate quality, i.e., the religion of Islam), which you and your community will adhere to.”
After this, I was required to perform prayers, namely fifty prayers daily. Returning, I passed by Musa, and he asked: “What was commanded to you?” I replied: “I was ordered to perform fifty prayers daily.” Musa said: “Members of your community will not be able to perform fifty prayers every day! I swear by Allah, truly, I have already tested people before you and tried to do everything I could with the Israelites, but in vain, return to your Lord and ask him for relief for your community!
I returned and Allah reduced this number by ten prayers, after which I returned to Musa and he told me the same. Then I returned and Allah reduced the remaining number by ten prayers, after which I returned to Musa and he told me the same. Then I returned and Allah reduced the remaining number by ten prayers, after which I returned to Musa and he told me the same. Then I returned and was ordered to perform ten prayers daily, after which I returned to Musa and he told me the same.
Then I returned, and I was ordered to perform five prayers daily, after which I returned to Musa, and he asked: “What were you commanded?” I replied: “I was ordered to perform five prayers daily.” Musa said: “Truly, the members of your community will not be able to perform five prayers every day! Truly, I have already tested people before you and tried to do everything I could with the Israelites, but in vain, return to your Lord and ask him for relief for your community! I said: “I have asked my Lord so much that I am ashamed to ask for anything more! I am pleased and I obey Him!” And, leaving from there, I heard a voice: “I conveyed what I demand and made it easier for My servants”” (holy hadith of Al-Bukhari (3887)).
Ibn Kathir in the tafsir to the verse mentioned at the beginning of the article said: “Al-Hafiz Abu Al-Khattab Umar ibn Dihya in his book “At-tanuir fi mawlid as-siraj al-munir” mentioned the hadith about the night transfer of the prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) Allah), conveyed from the words of Anas, explaining it in detail and beautifully, drawing useful conclusions, and then saying: “The hadith about the night transfer is transmitted from a huge number of narrators: from Umar ibn Al-Khattab, from Ali, from Ibn Mas'ud, from Abu Zarra, from Malik ibn Sa'sa'a, from Abu Hureyra, from Abu Sa'id, from Ibn Abbas." He then listed seventeen more names of the Companions who reported this story, after which he continued, saying: “Some gave the story in full, some - in an abbreviated form. And despite the fact that some of the narrations do not meet the conditions of authenticity, Muslims are unanimous about the authenticity of the event of the night transfer of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Only atheists and heretics do not believe in this." [See: Tafsir Al-Qur'an al-'Azyim, Ibn Kathir, 8/434-435].
After all that had happened, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came out to his fellow tribesmen and spoke about all the greatest signs that Allah Almighty had shown. The Prophet, aware of the reaction of his people’s perception, despite the requests of his loved ones not to talk about what happened, did not think of concealing what he saw.
People, having heard the story of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), began to accuse him of lying and insult him. The unbelievers became even stronger in their unbelief, and those weak in faith fell into doubt. They decided to expose him, demanding that the Temple in Jerusalem be described so that the Quraish who visited those places would establish the lie. Allah Almighty granted him his help.
“When the Quraysh accused me of lying, I stood up in the town of Hijr and the Almighty presented the Temple in Jerusalem before me. I began to inform them about the subtleties about the features, about the signs of this Temple just as I was looking at it” (holy hadiths of al-Bukhari and Muslim).
The Meccans could not refute or dispute anything from what they heard, but their doubts and disbelief did not allow them to believe it. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) also reported about an arriving caravan and one camel running away first. People rushed to the gates of Mecca in anticipation of the caravan. Everything was as the final Messenger of God (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said.
However, people decided to turn to Abu Bakr to bring doubt into his heart. They asked: “Abu Bakr, do you know about your friend’s claims that he was allegedly transported from Mecca to Jerusalem at night, and then ascended all the way to heaven?” Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) asked: “Is this Muhammad speaking?” Hearing a positive answer, he said: “If the Prophet says so, then it is the truth. I believe in something more, that a message is coming to him from the Lord of the Worlds himself.” After this, Abu Bakr received the nickname “Siddyk”, which translates as “Confirmer of Rightness”.
Having been elevated to the highest level, unattainable even for angels, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) returned with a special unearthly gift - the obligation to perform five daily prayers.
All Divine instructions were established on earth, only the obligation to perform prayer was imposed on people in heaven [See: Al-Buty R. Fiqh as-sira an-nabawiyya. pp. 108–115].
Namaz (prayer) is the miraj (ascension) of the believer
In prayer every day, everyone is able to ascend in spirit to the Almighty. After all, when you get up to pray and for some moments renounce the bustle of the world, you reverently cry out to the One who is closer to you than you are to yourself, you ask the Most Generous of the generous, you enter into a dialogue with the Lord of everything and everyone. In this dialogue, the speech of the Almighty is in the world of supersensible reality.
This is confirmed by the words of the Lord, transmitted by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): “I divided the prayer between Me and My servant into two parts. My servant will receive what he asks. When he says: “Al-hamdu lil-lahi rabbil-alamin” (“True praise belongs only to Allah, the Lord of the worlds”), then I will say: “My servant thanks Me.” When he says: “Ar-rahmanir-rahim” (“Whose mercy is eternal and limitless”), I will say: “My servant praises Me.” When he says: “Maliki Yaumid-din” (“Lord of the Day of Judgment”), I will say: “My servant glorifies Me.” When he says: “Iyyake nabudu va iyayakya nastain” (“We worship You and ask You for help”), then I will say: “This is between Me and My servant. My servant has whatever he asks.” When he says: “Ikhdinas-syratal-mustaqim, syratal-lyazina anamta aleykhim gairil-magdubi aleykhim wa lyaddolin” (“Guide us to the right path. The path of those to whom it was given. Not those with whom You were angry, and not those who are in error"), then I will say: “This is for My servant. And I will [give] him what he asks” (An-Naysaburi M. Sahih Muslim. P. 169, Hadith No. 395).
The Almighty, having led His chosen one through many trials that lasted more than ten years, gives him the opportunity to see with his own eyes many signs that were hidden from people until a certain moment. The Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) reached such heights that no one had been able to achieve before. He could have wanted to stay there, but he preferred the worldly abode to the beauty of heaven, in which many more trials and hardships awaited him. Likewise, on the Day of Judgment, when the gates to the heavenly abode will be wide open before him, he will say: “Ummati (my followers)!”
The fact of ascension clearly indicates that difficulties and problems in worldly life are inevitable, but only by overcoming them and with inner perseverance does the Almighty lift a person to incredible heights, both in the worldly and in the eternal. For strong, strong-willed, purposeful people, the absence of problems is tantamount to emptiness or even death.
When unexpected challenges arise, it is important that all energy is focused on what can be done. We can't allow ourselves to lament what has already happened or worry about something we have no control over.
“Say: “Praise be to God, Who has no children, and has no equal [gods and deities invented by men] with whom He shares His power. He has no protectors whom He needs to protect Him from humiliation or insult (nothing and no one can humiliate Him).” Exalt Him with exaltation [He is above all and everything, there is no equal to Him]” (Holy Quran, 17:111).
There is a mention in hadiths that reading this verse in the original (in Arabic) gives a person strength, power and greatness, for example, when reading it seven times. In case of seemingly insurmountable difficulties, it is useful to read this verse and definitely pray to the Almighty for a successful outcome from the current situation [See, for example: Az-Zuhayli V. At-tafsir al-munir. T. 8. P. 205, 209, 211].
Do not allow yourself to lament fate by doing nothing. Find the strength to accept any difficult situation. You can’t give up and start mourning yourself prematurely. To succumb to despondency means to waste your physical and mental strength. There is no other alternative than to do what you can and should.
“And pray (ask) [whether at night or during the day] with the words “Rabbi adhilni mudkhalya sydkyn, va akhrijni muhraja sydkyn, vaj’al li mil-lyadunkya sultonan-nasyr” (Lord, give me the opportunity to safely and truthfully (honestly, sincerely) enter [a new day, new life circumstances and opportunities; a new environment, a new position or status] and exit safely! [Lord, gracefully lead me in and guide me; bless me to overcome obstacles, to realize everything new that appears on my life path, and with benefit and without negative consequences.] Give me power (dominance, necessary advantages) that would help me!)” (Holy Quran, 17:80).
We all always face challenges in life. We need to accept this as a law of worldly existence and not allow troubles to prevail over us, not allow negativity to devastate and trample us. Understanding what we can and should do in this situation will not only make us stronger, but will give us the opportunity to grow spiritually before our Creator. Help each other in overcoming adversity and trials!
May the example of our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) always inspire us to new victories and new high achievements! After all, it is important to achieve the satisfaction of the Almighty through deeds, patience and diligence!
