Understanding The Prophet's Life
From Issue: 840 [Read full issue]
Memorable Night
On the memorable night of Isra (Night Trip) and Miraj (Ascension to heaven) the Prophet (peace be upon him) was sleeping in the house of his cousin, Umm Hani. Said Umm Hani: "The Messenger of Allah spent the night in my house. He performed the Nigh (Isha) Prayer, then he slept, and we slept. Just before dawn we woke the Messenger of Allah, but when he performed the Dawn Prayer and we prayed with him, he said: 'O Umm Hani, I have prayed the Night Prayer with you in this valley, as you have witnessed, then I went to the House of Jerusalem and prayed therein, and I have prayed the Dawn prayer with you now, as you see.' I said: 'O Prophet of Allah, do not tell it to the people, they may belie and harm you.' He replied: 'By Allah, I will tell it to them.'" [Ibn Hisham, Ibn Saad]
Question may arise whether the Prophet's Isra and Miraj was spiritual or physical or both. We can only say that if one's belief in the free, limitless power and potency of God is firm and unshakable, then the question at issue loses much of its interest. Whether the Night Trip or the stupendous Ascent were spiritual or physical, the two events were of the greatest significance and confirm that this honour upon the Prophet by his Lord acclaims him as a Divine Prophet.
Its impact upon Makkah was enormous. Some persons, who lacked belief and imagination and therefore could not conceive of the possibility of the two unusual events, became so shocked that they reportedly lapsed into apostasy. Only Abu Bakr refused to be overwhelmed by the extraordinary nature of the two achievements. When he was first told about the incident, he replied, 'By Allah, if he had said it, he must be truthful for I have believed him in his claims that revelation descends upon him from Heaven during the night. This latter matter is by far greater than what you are now wondering about.' Abu Bakr's reply showed his acute perception and natural common sense. Because of this incident, Abu Bakr was called 'As-Siddiq' - the one who affirms the truth.
Compiled From:
"The Makkan Crucible" - Zakaria Bashier, pp. 187 - 189