Appendices

Appendix 1: Review of Chains of Narratives about Mi'raj

Appendix 1 : Analysis of the Chains of Narratives about Mi‘raj

Numerous Marfu (directly attributed) narrations regarding the event of Mi‘raj are recorded in the books of Hadith. Among the Sihah Sittah (the six authentic collections), these narrations have been transmitted by Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi, Nasa’i, and Ibn Majah. However, they are not mentioned in the Muwatta of Imam Malik and the Sunan of Abu Dawood. The primary narrator of these narrations is Anas Ibn Malik (RA). In some versions, he narrates directly from the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), while in others, he transmits through Abu Dharr Ghifari (RA) and Malik bin Sa’sa’ah (RA). If the chains of transmission (Asanid) of these narrations are examined in the mentioned books, the following representative narrations can be identified:

1. Bukhari, Hadith No. 7517

Sulaiman (Tābi‘ Tābi‘i – Follower of Follower) → Shareek bin Abdullah (Tābi‘i – Follower) → Anas bin Malik (RA) (Companion) → Messenger of Allah (PBUH)

2. Bukhari, Hadith No. 349

Yunus (Tābi‘ Tābi‘i) → Ibn Shihab al-Zuhri (Tābi‘i) → Anas bin Malik (RA) (Companion) → Abu Dharr Ghifari (RA) (Companion) → Messenger of Allah (PBUH)

3. Bukhari, Hadith No. 3887

Hammam bin Yahya (Tābi‘ Tābi‘i) → Qatadah (Tābi‘i) → Anas bin Malik (RA) (Companion) → Malik bin Sa’sa’ah (RA) (Companion) → Messenger of Allah (PBUH)

4. Muslim, Hadith No. 429

Hammad bin Salamah (Tābi‘ Tābi‘i) → Thabit al-Bunani (Tābi‘i) → Anas bin Malik (RA) (Companion) → The Messenger of Allah (PBUH)

5. Muslim, Hadith No. 433

Yunus (Tābi‘ Tābi‘i) → Ibn Shihab al-Zuhri (Tābi‘i) → Anas bin Malik (RA) (Companion) → Abu Dharr Ghifari (RA) (Companion) → Messenger of Allah (PBUH)

6. Muslim, Hadith No. 434

Saeed (Tābi‘ Tābi‘i) → Qatadah (Tabi’i) → Anas bin Malik (RA) (Companion) → Malik bin Sa’sa’ah (RA) (Companion) → The Messenger of Allah (PBUH)

7. Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 3346

Saeed (Tābi‘ Tābi‘i) → Qatadah (Tābi‘i) → Anas bin Malik (RA) (Companion) → Malik bin Sa’sa’ah (RA) (Companion) → The Messenger of Allah (PBUH)

8. Ibn Majah, Hadith No. 1399

Yunus bin Yazid (Tābi‘ Tābi‘i) → Ibn Shihab al-Zuhri (Tābi‘i) → Anas bin Malik (RA) (Companion) → The Messenger of Allah (PBUH)

9. Nasa’i, Hadith No. 448

Hisham Dastuwa’i (Tābi‘ Tābi‘i) → Qatadah (Tābi‘i) → Anas bin Malik (RA) (Companion) → Malik bin Sa’sa’ah (RA) (Companion) → The Messenger of Allah (PBUH)

In these nine narratives, the narrators include six Followers of Followers (Tābi‘ Tābi‘i), four Followers (Tābi‘i), and three Companions. The four Followers who have narrated these hadiths are:

1. Shareek bin Abdullah
2. Ibn Shihab al-Zuhri
3. Qatadah
4. Thabit al-Bunani

These four Followers are not narrating from different companions but from the same companion, Anas bin Malik (RA). As a necessary consequence of this fact, it is essential to accept two realities:

The first is that, in essence, this is one narration transmitted from Anas bin Malik (RA). From him, it was further narrated by four different narrators. That is, it is one hadith which has been reported through four different chains.

Secondly, the differences that have emerged in its text are possibly the result of errors, forgetfulness, omissions, or additions by the followers (Tabi’een) or the narrators after them. This is because it is very unlikely for a credible narrator to relate an incident in such a way that it is contradictory or varies within itself. That is, it is inconceivable for any rational and intelligent person to, for example, describe a single event as both a dream and a wakeful experience at the same time.

In this context, when we compare the aforementioned chains of transmission, one chain appears to differ from the others in terms of the core events. This is the chain of Thabit al-Bunani, which has been narrated by Muslim. That is, the narrations of Shareek bin Abdullah, Ibn Shihab al-Zuhri, and Qatadah in Bukhari share a general similarity, whereas the narration of Thabit al-Bunani in Muslim is different from them. This difference is evident in terms of both omissions and additions. In the three narrations of Bukhari, the incident of the splitting of the chest (Shaq al-Sadr) is mentioned, whereas in the narration of Muslim, there is neither any mention of it nor any indication toward it. Similarly, the journey to Masjid Al-Aqsa is not part of the event in the three narrations of Bukhari, while in the narration of Muslim, the event begins with this journey. Based on this analysis, it seems reasonable to conclude that the original event is the one transmitted by Shareek bin Abdullah, Ibn Shihab al-Zuhri, and Qatadah. In contrast, the narration transmitted by Thabit al-Bunani appears to contain certain inaccuracies.

Furthermore, Thabit al-Bunani’s narrative highlights a departure and discrepancy from the incident of Isra mentioned in the Qur’an. This is because, in the Qur’an, only the event of Isra, i.e., the journey from Masjid Al-Haram to Masjid Al-Aqsa, is described. The celestial journey of Mi‘raj is not included with it, while in Thabit al-Bunani’s narration, both these journeys are combined and recounted. Other narrations do not pose this problem of non-conformity with the Qur’an, as they do not mention the event of Isra at all.

Another noteworthy point is that aside from Sahih Muslim, no other hadith compiler among the Sahih books has transmitted Thabit al-Bunani’s narration. In Sunan an-Nasa’i, however, a narration on the same subject, No. 450, has been transmitted by Yazid bin Abi Malik from Anas bin Malik (RA). Nonetheless, this narration has been deemed munkar (rejected) by Nasir al-Din Albani.⁶⁹

Based on these detailed considerations, it is most prudent to suspend judgment on some parts of the narration recorded by Thabit al-Bunani in Muslim, considering them a result of his or some subsequent narrator’s error, forgetfulness or additions, and to derive the details of the event of Mi‘raj from other narrations.

Appendix 2: Comparative Review of Narratives about Mi'raj

Appendix 2 : Comparative Review of Narratives about Mi‘raj

In Appendix 1, most of the narratives from the Sahih books referenced are those that detail the event extensively. In addition to these, there are also shorter narrations that describe the same event partially. Among the mentioned narrations, some texts are brief, while others are more comprehensive. This demonstrates that the narrators transmitted what they understood, what they remembered, and what they considered significant according to their own comprehension, memory, and discretion, using their own words.⁷⁰

However, apart from the narration of Thabit al-Bunani, the remaining narrations show a general level of agreement and consistency. Despite this, differences in the details, diversity in expressions, and variations in the length or brevity of the narrations cannot be denied. Below is a comparative analysis of their contents.

The Presence of the Prophet

• In five narratives , it is clearly stated that the Prophet (PBUH) was present at Al-Masjid Al-Haram.
• In two narratives, it is mentioned that he was resting in his home.
• In two narratives, there is no mention.

Conclusion: Whether the Prophet (PBUH) was present in Al-Masjid Al-Haram or at home, either scenario is possible. There is a difference in the narrations regarding this detail. However, this difference does not affect the essence of the event. In our view, since the majority of narrations explicitly mention Al-Masjid Al-Haram, this account should be considered closer to reality.

Dream or Wakefulness

• None of these narratives explicitly mention being awake or a physical Mi‘raj.
• However, one narrative specifies sleep and a spiritual Mi‘raj.
• Three narratives describe a state between sleep and wakefulness.

Conclusion: There is no disagreement or contradiction in the narrations regarding this matter. That is, it is not the case that some narrations mention wakefulness while others mention sleep. In this context, if some narrations explicitly state sleep, then it must necessarily be accepted. The reason for this is that it is an established principle of knowledge and reasoning that when an event is transmitted by multiple narrators, its details should be determined by reconciling and analyzing all the narrations together.

Splitting of the Chest

• There is a consensus among the narrations that Gabriel (AS) arrived alongside other angels.
• The narratives also concur that Gabriel (AS) split open the chest of the Prophet (PBUH), cleansed his internal cavity with Zamzam water, and then imbued it with faith and wisdom before closing it up again.

Summary: There is no contradiction in any of the aforementioned accounts regarding this matter; thus, there is no reason to reject their authenticity. Furthermore, since the incident occurred within the realm of a dream, it does not lead to any difficulties in comprehension.

Riding the Buraq

• The riding of Buraq is mentioned in four narratives, while remaining unmentioned in others.

Conclusion: The concept of a lightning-speed mount is not implausible. All narratives are harmonious regarding this subject. Therefore, accepting this account is entirely appropriate. Moreover, since the event is portrayed as happening within the realm of a dream, its symbolic interpretation is entirely possible.

Observing the Al-Aqsa Mosque

• One account states that prior to ascending on the Mi‘raj, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
• Other accounts suggest that he ascended to the heavens directly from Masjid al-Haram.

Conclusion: From the details and analysis presented in Appendix 1, it is evident that only the narration of Thabit al-Bunani includes the addition of the journey to Masjid Al-Aqsa. The other narrations do not mention this. It is known that the journey to Masjid Al-Aqsa, i.e., the Isra event, is mentioned in the Qur’an as a separate incident, and it does not include the journey to the heavens. Furthermore, even those narrations in which Allah presented Masjid Al-Aqsa as a representation before the Prophet (PBUH) do not mention the heavenly journey.⁷¹ Based on this, it seems most accurate to conclude that the mention of the journey to Masjid Al-Aqsa was inadvertently included by the narrator. It is a separate event and is not directly related to the heavenly journey of Mi‘raj.

Ascension to the Heavens with Gabriel (AS)

• Every narrative confirms that Gabriel (AS) was responsible for escorting the Prophet to the heavens.
• Apart from the audience in the Divine Presence, he remained with the Prophet (PBUH) throughout the entire journey.

Conclusion: There is no disagreement in the hadiths concerning the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) ascension to the celestial realms accompanied by Gabriel (AS). Neither reason nor textual evidence opposes this, and therefore, this account should be accepted as accurate.

Entry into Each of the Seven Heavens

• All accounts narrate that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) traveled sequentially through all seven heavens.
• He witnessed various phenomena on each of the heavens.

Conclusion: The tour through the seven heavens is also consistent with reason and tradition. No conflicting accounts have been reported regarding this. As such, its veracity should be accepted.

Meetings with Various Prophets in the Heavens

• The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encountered one divine prophet on each of the heavens.
• All accounts unanimously describe the meeting with Prophet Adam (PBUH) on the first heaven.
• The names of the prophets with whom the encounters took place are largely consistent across the narratives.
• Although there exist minor differences concerning which prophet was met on which heaven, these do not affect the factuality of the encounters.

Conclusion: We cannot determine the precise nature of the encounters with various prophets in the different heavens. Nonetheless, it should be acknowledged that these were spiritual encounters for two main reasons: firstly, if the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was in a spiritual state during the vision, then the prophets he met would also be in a comparable spiritual state. Secondly, as the prophets are to remain without their physical bodies until the Day of Judgment due to their demise, it seems unlikely that these encounters were corporeal.

Observing the Sidrat al-Muntaha

• The observation of Sidrat al-Muntaha is mentioned in five narrations, while it is not mentioned in the rest.

Conclusion: In Surah Al-Najm, it is stated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) witnessed Sidrat al-Muntaha with his own eyes and also saw Gabriel (AS) in that place, while he [the Prophet] was still on Earth. This makes it abundantly clear that Sidrat al-Muntaha is indeed a real entity. However, this incident has no direct relation to the Mi‘raj event as explained in the narrations. Thus, the observation of Sidrat al-Muntaha during Mi‘raj should be regarded as a distinct event. Additionally, the difference lies in the manner of observation; the one in the Qur’an was with open eyes, whereas the one in the hadiths happened in a state of a dream.

Proximity to the Divine and the Vision of the Almighty

• One of the narratives emphasizes that the Almighty granted Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) an extraordinary closeness, described as Qāba Qawsayn meaning that the distance between Allah and the Prophet (PBUH) was no greater than two bow lengths. Naturally, such proximity suggests a dream.
• No such explicit detail is mentioned in other traditions.

Conclusion: It is conveyed in some traditions that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) beheld Allah in the realm of dream, making the occurrence quite credible. Although some Qur’anic verses and traditions dismiss the possibility of seeing Allah with the naked eye, the visionary experiences during Mi‘raj are unrelated to the open-eyed vision, and therefore, do not conflict with Qur’an or hadith.

The Commandment of Fifty Prayers and the Advice of Prophet Moses (PBUH)

• All narratives unanimously state that Allah initially mandated fifty prayers each day. When the Prophet (PBUH) conveyed this directive, Prophet Moses (PBUH) suggested that he request a reduction in the number from Allah.
• The narratives are also consistent in describing how the Prophet (PBUH) repeatedly sought an audience with Allah to reduce the number, eventually bringing back the final commandment of five daily obligatory prayers.

Conclusion: The act of Salah (prayer) has been a fundamental pillar in the religion of Allah. It is clearly stated in the Qur’an that Allah prescribed Salah to all prophets and their people. In Sunan Abi Dawud, No. 393, there is mention of Gabriel (AS) enlightening Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) about the five daily prayers having been a continual practice. Hence, the most logical conclusion would be that Salah was established from the beginning of the Prophet’s mission, and the realities related to its establishment were presented symbolically during Mi‘raj.

Appendix 3: Narrative of Younus from Anas ibn Malik

Appendix 3 : Narrative of Yunus from Anas ibn Malik (RA)

Bukhari, No. 349

حدثنا يحيى بن بكير، قال: حدثنا الليث، عن يونس، عن ابن شهاب، عن انس بن مالك، قال: كان ابو ذر يحدث، ان رسول اللّٰه صلى اللّٰه عليه وسلم، قال: فرج عن سقف بيتي وانا بمكة، فنزل جبريل صلى اللّٰه عليه وسلم ففرج صدري، ثم غسله بماء زمزم، ثم جاء بطست من ذهب ممتلئ حكمةً وإيمانًا، فافرغه في صدري، ثم اطبقه، ثم اخذ بيدي فعرج بي إلى السماء الدنيا.

فلما جئت إلى السماء الدنيا، قال جبريل لخازن السماء: افتح، قال: من هذا؟ قال: هذا جبريل، قال: هل معك احد؟ قال: نعم، معي محمد صلى اللّٰه عليه وسلم، فقال: ارسل إليه؟ قال: نعم، فلما فتح علونا السماء الدنيا، فإذا رجل قاعد على يمينه اسودة وعلى يساره اسودة، إذا نظر قبل يمينه ضحك وإذا نظر قبل يساره بكى، فقال: مرحبًا بالنبي الصالح والابن الصالح، قلت لجبريل: من هذا؟ قال: هذا آدم، وهذه الاسودة عن يمينه وشماله نسم بنيه، فاهل اليمين منهم اهل الجنة والاسودة التي عن شماله اهل النار؟ فإذا نظر عن يمينه ضحك، وإذا نظر قبل شماله بكى. حتى عرج بي إلى السماء الثانية، فقال لخازنها: افتح، فقال له خازنها مثل ما قال الاول، ففتح.

قال انس: فذكر انه وجد في السموات آدم وإدريس وموسى وعيسى وإبراهيم صلوات اللّٰه عليهم، ولم يثبت كيف منازلهم، غير انه ذكر انه وجد آدم في السماء الدنيا، وإبراهيم في السماء السادسة.

قال انس: فلما مر جبريل بالنبي صلى اللّٰه عليه وسلم بإدريس، قال: مرحبًا بالنبي الصالح والاخ الصالح، فقلت: من هذا؟ قال: هذا إدريس، ثم مررت بموسى، فقال: مرحبًا بالنبي الصالح والاخ الصالح، قلت: من هذا؟ قال: هذا موسى، ثم مررت بعيسى، فقال: مرحبًا بالاخ الصالح والنبي الصالح، قلت: من هذا؟ قال: هذا عيسى. ثم مررت بإبراهيم، فقال: مرحبًا بالنبي الصالح والابن الصالح، قلت: من هذا؟ قال هذا إبراهيم عليه وسلم.

قال ابن شهاب: فاخبرني ابن حزم، ان ابن عباس، وابا حبة الانصاري كانا يقولان: قال النبي صلى اللّٰه عليه وسلم: ثم عرج بي حتى ظهرت لمستوًى اسمع فيه صريف الاقلام، قال ابن حزم، وانس بن مالك: قال النبي صلى اللّٰه عليه وسلم: ففرض اللّٰه على امتي خمسين صلاةً.

فرجعت بذلك حتى مررت على موسى، فقال: ما فرض اللّٰه لك على امتك؟ قلت: فرض خمسين صلاةً، قال: فارجع إلى ربك، فإن امتك لا تطيق ذلك، فراجعت فوضع شطرها. فرجعت إلى موسى، قلت: وضع شطرها، فقال: راجع ربك، فإن امتك لا تطيق، فراجعت: فوضع شطرها، فرجعت إليه، فقال: ارجع إلى ربك فإن امتك لا تطيق ذلك، فراجعته، فقال: هي خمس وهي خمسون لا يبدل القول لدي.

فرجعت إلى موسى فقال: راجع ربك، فقلت: استحييت من ربي، ثم انطلق بي حتى انتهى بي إلى سدرة المنتهى، وغشيها الوان لا ادري ما هي، ثم ادخلت الجنة فإذا فيها حبايل اللؤلؤ وإذا ترابها المسك.

Yahya bin Bukair narrated to us, saying: Al-Layth narrated to us, from Yunus, from Ibn Shihab, from Anas bin Malik (RA), who said: Abu Dharr al-Ghifari (RA) used to narrate that the Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘The roof of my house was opened while I was in Makkah, and Gabriel (AS) descended. He split my chest, then washed it with the water of Zamzam. After that, he brought a golden tray filled with wisdom and faith, poured its contents into my chest, and then sealed it. Then he took my hand and ascended with me to the heavens.’

When we reached the first heaven, Gabriel (AS) said to the gatekeeper of the heaven, ‘Open.’ The gatekeeper asked, ‘Who is this?’ Gabriel (AS) replied, ‘This is Gabriel.’ The gatekeeper asked, ‘Is anyone with you?’ Gabriel (AS) said, ‘Yes, Muhammad (PBUH) is with me.’ The gatekeeper asked, ‘Has he been sent for?’ Gabriel (AS) replied, ‘Yes.’ When the gate was opened, we ascended to the first heaven. There, we saw a man sitting with a multitude of people on his right and a multitude on his left. When he looked to his right, he smiled, and when he looked to his left, he wept. He welcomed me and said, ‘Welcome, O righteous Prophet and righteous son!’ I asked Gabriel, ‘Who is this?’ He replied, ‘This is Adam (PBUH), and the multitudes on his right and left are the souls of his children. Those on the right are the people of Paradise, and those on the left are the people of Hell. When he looks to his right, he smiles, and when he looks to his left, he weeps.’

Then Gabriel ascended with me to the second heaven and said to its gatekeeper, ‘Open.’ The gatekeeper asked the same questions as the first, and then he opened the gate.

Anas (RA) said that Abu Dharr (RA) mentioned that the Prophet (PBUH) saw Adam, Idris, Musa, Isa, and Abraham (PBUH) in the heavens. Abu Dharr (RA) did not mention the specific locations of all of them, except that he said the Prophet (PBUH) found Adam (PBUH) on the first heaven and Abraham (PBUH) on the sixth heaven.

Anas (RA) narrated that when Gabriel (AS) passed by Idris (PBUH) with the Prophet (PBUH), Idris (PBUH) said, ‘Welcome, O righteous Prophet and righteous brother!’ I asked Gabriel, ‘Who is this?’ He replied, ‘This is Idris (PBUH).’

Then we passed by Musa (PBUH), who said, ‘Welcome, O righteous Prophet and righteous brother!’ I asked Gabriel, ‘Who is this?’ He replied, ‘This is Musa (PBUH).’

Then we passed by Isa (PBUH), who said, ‘Welcome, O righteous Prophet and righteous brother!’ I asked Gabriel, ‘Who is this?’ He replied, ‘This is Isa (PBUH).’

Then we passed by Abraham (PBUH), who said, ‘Welcome, O righteous Prophet and righteous son!’ I asked Gabriel, ‘Who is this?’ He replied, ‘This is Abraham (PBUH).’

Ibn Shihab said that Abu Bakr bin Hazm informed me that Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) and Abu Habba al-Ansari (RA) used to say: The Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘Then Gabriel ascended with me until we reached a level where I could hear the creaking of the pens (which was the sound of the pens of the angels’ writings).’

Ibn Hazm and Anas bin Malik (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘Then Allah made fifty prayers obligatory upon my Ummah’.

I descended with this command and passed by Musa (PBUH). He asked, ‘What has Allah made obligatory for your Ummah?’ I replied, ‘Fifty prayers.’ He said, ‘Return to your Lord, for your Ummah will not be able to bear this.’ So I returned to my Lord, and He reduced it by half.

When I returned to Musa (PBUH), I informed him, and he said, ‘Go back to your Lord, for your Ummah cannot bear this.’ I kept going back and forth between my Lord and Musa (PBUH) until Allah said, ‘They are five prayers, but they are equal to fifty (in reward). My word does not change.’

I returned to Musa (PBUH), and he again said, ‘Go back to your Lord.’ But I replied, ‘I feel shy before my Lord now.’

Then Gabriel (RA) took me to Sidrat al-Muntaha, which was covered in colors that I do not know. After that, I was taken into Paradise, where I saw strings of pearls, and its soil was of musk.

Appendix 4: Narrative of Hammam ibn Yahya from Anas ibn Malik

Appendix 4 : Narrative of Hammam bin Yahya from Anas ibn Malik

Bukhari, No. 3887

حدثنا هدبة بن خالد، حدثنا همام بن يحيى، حدثنا قتادة، عن انس بن مالك، عن مالك بن صعصعة رضي اللّٰه عنهما، ان نبي اللّٰه صلى اللّٰه عليه وسلم حدثهم، عن ليلة اسري به قال: بينما انا في الحطيم، وربما قال: في الحجر، مضطجعًا إذ اتاني آت فقد، قال: وسمعته يقول فشق ما بين هذه إلى هذه، فقلت للجارود وهو إلى جنبي: ما يعني به، قال: من ثغرة نحره إلى شعرته وسمعته يقول: من قصه إلى شعرته فاستخرج قلبي، ثم اتيت بطست من ذهب مملوءة إيمانًا فغسل قلبي، ثم حشي.

ثم اتيت بدابة دون البغل وفوق الحمار ابيض، فقال له الجارود: هو البراق يا ابا حمزة، قال انس: نعم يضع خطوه عند اقصى طرفه.

فحملت عليه فانطلق بي جبريل حتى اتى السماء الدنيا فاستفتح، فقيل: من هذا؟ قال: جبريل، قيل: ومن معك؟ قال: محمد، قيل: وقد ارسل إليه، قال: نعم، قيل: مرحبًا به فنعم المجيء جاء. ففتح فلما خلصت فإذا فيها آدم، فقال: هذا ابوك آدم فسلم عليه، فسلمت عليه فرد السلام، ثم قال: مرحبًا بالابن الصالح، والنبي الصالح.

ثم صعد بي حتى اتى السماء الثانية فاستفتح، قيل: من هذا؟ قال: جبريل، قيل ومن معك؟ قال محمد، قيل: وقد ارسل إليه، قال: نعم، قيل: مرحبًا به فنعم المجيء جاء، ففتح، فلما خلصت إذا يحيى وعيسى وهما ابنا الخالة، قال: هذا يحيى، وعيسى فسلم عليهما، فسلمت فردا، ثم قالا: مرحبًا بالاخ الصالح والنبي الصالح.

ثم صعد بي إلى السماء الثالثة فاستفتح، قيل: من هذا؟ قال: جبريل، قيل ومن معك؟ قال: محمد، قيل: وقد ارسل إليه، قال: نعم، قيل: مرحبًا به فنعم المجيء جاء، ففتح، فلما خلصت إذا يوسف، قال: هذا يوسف فسلم عليه، فسلمت عليه فرد، ثم قال: مرحبًا بالاخ الصالح والنبي الصالح.

ثم صعد بي حتى اتى السماء الرابعة فاستفتح، قيل: من هذا؟ قال: جبريل، قيل: ومن معك؟ قال: محمد، قيل: اوقد ارسل إليه، قال: نعم، قيل: مرحبًا به فنعم المجيء جاء، ففتح، فلما خلصت إلى إدريس، قال: هذا إدريس فسلم عليه، فسلمت عليه فرد، ثم قال: مرحبًا بالاخ الصالح والنبي الصالح.

ثم صعد بي حتى اتى السماء الخامسة فاستفتح، قيل: من هذا؟ قال: جبريل، قيل: ومن معك؟ قال: محمد، قيل: وقد ارسل إليه، قال: نعم، قيل: مرحبًا به فنعم المجيء جاء، فلما خلصت فإذا هارون، قال: هذا هارون فسلم عليه، فسلمت عليه فرد، ثم قال: مرحبًا بالاخ الصالح والنبي الصالح.

ثم صعد بي حتى اتى السماء السادسة فاستفتح، قيل: من هذا؟ قال: جبريل، قيل: من معك؟ قال: محمد، قيل: وقد ارسل إليه، قال: نعم، قال: مرحبًا به فنعم المجيء جاء، فلما خلصت فإذا موسى، قال: هذا موسى فسلم عليه، فسلمت عليه فرد، ثم قال: مرحبًا بالاخ الصالح والنبي الصالح، فلما تجاوزت بكى، قيل: له ما يبكيك، قال: ابكي لان غلامًا بعث بعدي يدخل الجنة من امته اكثر ممن يدخلها من امتي.

ثم صعد بي إلى السماء السابعة فاستفتح جبريل، قيل: من هذا؟ قال: جبريل، قيل: ومن معك؟ قال: محمد، قيل: وقد بعث إليه؟ قال: نعم، قال: مرحبًا به فنعم المجيء جاء، فلما خلصت فإذا إبراهيم، قال: هذا ابوك فسلم عليه، قال: فسلمت عليه فرد السلام، قال: مرحبًا بالابن الصالح والنبي الصالح.

ثم رفعت إلي سدرة المنتهى، فإذا نبقها مثل قلال هجر وإذا ورقها مثل آذان الفيلة، قال: هذه سدرة المنتهى وإذا اربعة انهار: نهران باطنان، ونهران ظاهران، فقلت: ما هذان يا جبريل، قال: اما الباطنان فنهران في الجنة، واما الظاهران فالنيل، والفرات، ثم رفع لي البيت المعمور، ثم اتيت بإناء من خمر، وإناء من لبن، وإناء من عسل، فاخذت اللبن، فقال: هي الفطرة التي انت عليها وامتك.

ثم فرضت علي الصلوات خمسين صلاةً كل يوم، فرجعت فمررت على موسى، فقال: بما امرت، قال: امرت بخمسين صلاةً كل يومٍ، قال: إن امتك لا تستطيع خمسين صلاةً كل يومٍ، وإني واللّٰه قد جربت الناس قبلك وعالجت بني إسرائيل اشد المعالجة، فارجع إلى ربك فاساله التخفيف لامتك، فرجعت فوضع عني عشرًا.

فرجعت إلى موسى فقال مثله، فرجعت فوضع عني عشرًا، فرجعت إلى موسى فقال مثله، فرجعت فوضع عني عشرًا فرجعت إلى موسى، فقال مثله، فرجعت فامرت بعشر صلوات كل يوم، فرجعت فقال مثله، فرجعت فامرت بخمس صلوات كل يوم.

فرجعت إلى موسى، فقال: بم امرت، قلت: امرت بخمس صلوات كل يوم، قال: إن امتك لا تستطيع خمس صلوات كل يوم وإني قد جربت الناس قبلك وعالجت بني إسرائيل اشد المعالجة، فارجع إلى ربك فاساله التخفيف لامتك، قال: سالت ربي حتى استحييت ولكني ارضى واسلم، قال: فلما جاوزت نادى مناد امضيت فريضتي وخففت عن عبادي.

Narrated by Hudbah bin Khalid: He said, Hammad bin Yahya narrated to us, from Qatadah, from Anas bin Malik (RA), from Malik bin Sa’sa’ah (RA), who said that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) narrated to them the incident of Laylat al-Mi‘raj (the Night of Ascension). The Prophet (PBUH) said:

‘I was lying in Hatim’—sometimes Qatadah said Hajr instead of Hatim—‘when someone came to me (Gabriel, AS) and split my chest open.’ Qatadah narrated that I heard Anas (RA) say, ‘From here to here.’ I asked Jarood, who was sitting nearby, what Anas (RA) meant by this phrase. He explained, ‘He meant from the throat to the navel.’ Qatadah also said, ‘I heard Anas (RA) narrate that the Prophet’s chest was split open from the upper chest to the navel.’ Then my heart was removed, and a golden tray filled with faith and wisdom was brought. My heart was washed and filled with this content, and then it was returned to its place.

After that, a white animal was brought, smaller than a horse and larger than a donkey. Jarood asked Anas (RA), ‘O Abu Hamzah, was it the Buraq?’ Anas replied, ‘Yes, it was. Its every stride reached as far as it could see.’

The Prophet (PBUH) continued: ‘I was mounted on it, and Gabriel (AS) took me until we reached the sky of this world.’ Gabriel (AS) asked for the gate to be opened. A voice asked, ‘Who is this?’ Gabriel (AS) replied, ‘It is Gabriel.’ The voice asked, ‘Is anyone with you?’ Gabriel (AS) replied, ‘Yes, Muhammad (PBUH) is with me.’ The voice asked, ‘Have you been sent to bring him?’ Gabriel (AS) replied, ‘Yes.’ Then the voice welcomed me: ‘Welcome! What an excellent arrival this is!’ The gate was opened, and when I entered, I saw Adam (PBUH). Gabriel (AS) said, ‘This is your father, Adam (PBUH). Greet him.’ I greeted him, and he returned the greeting, saying, ‘Welcome, O righteous son and righteous Prophet!’

Then Gabriel (AS) took me upward to the second heaven and asked for the gate to be opened. A voice asked, ‘Who is this?’ Gabriel (AS) replied, ‘It is Gabriel.’ The voice asked, ‘Is anyone with you?’ Gabriel (AS) replied, ‘Yes, Muhammad (PBUH) is with me.’ The voice asked, ‘Have you been sent to bring him?’ Gabriel (AS) replied, ‘Yes.’ Then the voice welcomed me: ‘Welcome! What an excellent arrival this is.’ The gate was opened, and when I entered, I found John and Jesus (PBUH), who were maternal cousins. Gabriel (AS) said, ‘These are John and Jesus (PBUH). Greet them.’ I greeted them, and they returned the greeting, saying, ‘Welcome, O righteous Prophet and righteous brother!’

Then Gabriel (AS) took me to the third heaven and asked for the gate to be opened. A voice asked, ‘Who is this?’ Gabriel (AS) replied, ‘It is Gabriel.’ The voice asked, ‘Is anyone with you?’ Gabriel (AS) replied, ‘Yes, Muhammad (PBUH) is with me.’ The voice asked, ‘Have you been sent to bring him?’ Gabriel (AS) replied, ‘Yes.’ Then the voice welcomed me: ‘Welcome! What an excellent arrival this is!’ The gate was opened, and when I entered, I found Joseph (PBUH). Gabriel (AS) said, ‘This is Joseph (PBUH). Greet him.’ I greeted him, and he returned the greeting, saying, ‘Welcome, O righteous Prophet and righteous brother!’

Then Gabriel (AS) took me to the fourth heaven and asked for the gate to be opened. A voice asked, ‘Who is this?’ Gabriel (AS) replied, ‘It is Gabriel.’ The voice asked, ‘Is anyone with you?’ Gabriel (AS) replied, ‘Yes, Muhammad (PBUH) is with me.’ The voice asked, ‘Have you been sent to bring him?’ Gabriel (AS) replied, ‘Yes.’ Then the voice welcomed me: ‘Welcome! What an excellent arrival this is!’ The gate was opened, and when I entered, I met Idris (PBUH). Gabriel (AS) said, ‘This is Idris (PBUH). Greet him.’ I greeted him, and he returned the greeting, saying, ‘Welcome, pure brother and noble prophet!’

Then Gabriel (AS) took me to the fifth heaven and asked for the gate to be opened. A voice asked, ‘Who is this?’ Gabriel (AS) replied, ‘It is Gabriel.’ The voice asked, ‘Is anyone with you?’ Gabriel (AS) replied, ‘Yes, Muhammad (PBUH) is with me.’ The voice asked, ‘Have you been sent to bring him?’ Gabriel (AS) replied, ‘Yes.’ Then the voice welcomed me: ‘Welcome! What an excellent arrival this is!’ The gate was opened, and when I entered, I met Aaron (PBUH). Gabriel (AS) said, ‘This is Aaron (PBUH). Greet him.’ I greeted him, and he returned the greeting, saying, ‘Welcome, O righteous Prophet and righteous brother!’

Then Gabriel (AS) took me to the sixth heaven and asked for the gate to be opened. A voice asked, ‘Who is this?’ Gabriel (AS) replied, ‘It is Gabriel.’ The voice asked, ‘Is anyone with you?’ Gabriel replied, ‘Yes, Muhammad (PBUH) is with me.’ The voice asked, ‘Have you been sent to bring him?’ Gabriel (AS) replied, ‘Yes.’ Then the voice welcomed me: ‘Welcome! What an excellent arrival this is!’ The gate was opened, and when I entered, I met Moses (PBUH). Gabriel (AS) said, ‘This is Moses (PBUH). Greet him.’ I greeted him, and he returned the greeting, saying, ‘Welcome, O righteous Prophet and righteous brother!’ When I moved forward, Moses (PBUH) began to cry. He was asked, ‘What makes you weep?’ He replied, ‘I am weeping because this young man has been sent as a Prophet after me, but his followers will enter Paradise in greater numbers than my followers.’

Then Gabriel (AS) took me to the seventh heaven and asked for the gate to be opened. A voice asked, ‘Who is this?’ Gabriel (AS) replied, ‘It is Gabriel.’ The voice asked, ‘Is anyone with you?’ Gabriel (AS) replied, ‘Yes, Muhammad (PBUH) is with me.’ The voice asked, ‘Have you been sent to bring him?’ Gabriel (AS) replied, ‘Yes.’ Then the voice welcomed me: ‘Welcome! What an excellent arrival this is!’ The gate was opened, and when I entered, I found Abraham (PBUH). Gabriel (AS) said, ‘This is your father, Abraham (PBUH). Greet him.’ I greeted him, and he returned the greeting, saying, ‘Welcome, O righteous Prophet and righteous son!’

Then Sidrat al-Muntaha (The Lote Tree at the Farthest Limit) was brought before me. Its fruits were (big) like the pots of Hajr, and its leaves were like the ears of elephants. Gabriel (AS) said, ‘This is Sidrat al-Muntaha.’ I saw four rivers there—two hidden and two visible. I asked Gabriel, ‘What are these rivers?’ He said, ‘The two hidden ones are rivers of Paradise, and the two visible ones are the Nile and the Euphrates.’

Then al-Bayt al-Ma‘mur (the frequently visited house) was brought before me. A cup of wine, a cup of milk, and a cup of honey were presented to me. I took the cup of milk, and Gabriel (AS) said, ‘This is the fitrah (natural disposition), upon which you and your Ummah are.’

Then fifty daily prayers were made obligatory upon me. I returned and came to Moses (PBUH), who asked, ‘What has been commanded to you?’ I replied, ‘I have been ordered fifty daily prayers.’ Moses (PBUH) said, ‘Your Ummah will not be able to bear this. I have already dealt with people before and have had a bitter experience with the Israelites. Therefore, go back to your Lord and request a reduction for your Ummah.’ So, I returned to the presence of Allah and requested a reduction, and ten prayers were reduced.

Upon returning, when I reached Moses (PBUH), he asked the same question (and gave the same advice). Thus, I once again presented myself before Allah’s court (and requested a reduction). This time, ten daily prayers were reduced. I then went back to Moses (PBUH), and he repeated his advice. I returned once more to the presence of the Lord Almighty, resulting in a reduction of ten more prayers.

When I reached Moses (PBUH) again, he repeated his advice. I went back once more, and ten more prayers were reduced. This process was repeated again, and I presented myself before the divine court. As a result, the command for five daily prayers was finalized.

After this, when I came to Moses (PBUH), he asked, ‘What command has been given now?’ I replied, ‘The command is for five daily prayers.’ He once again gave the same advice and said, ‘Your Ummah will not be able to bear even this. I have dealt with people before you and have had a bitter experience with the Israelites. Go to your Lord once more and request further reduction.’ The Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘I have now repeatedly asked my Lord, and I feel shy to make any further requests. Therefore, I am content with this.’ The Prophet (PBUH) then said, ‘As I was about to leave, a voice called out, We have finalized Our command and granted ease to Our servants.’

Appendix 5: Narrative of ibn Shihab Al-Zuhri from Anas ibn Malik

Appendix 5 : Narrative of Ibn Shihab al-Zuhri from Anas ibn Malik

Muslim, No. 433

وحدثني حرملة بن يحيى التجيبي، اخبرنا ابن وهب، قال: اخبرني يونس، عن ابن شهاب، عن انس بن مالك، قال: كان ابو ذر يحدث، ان رسول اللّٰه صلى اللّٰه عليه وسلم، قال: فرج سقف بيتي وانا بمكة، فنزل جبريل عليه السلام، ففرج صدري، ثم غسله من ماء زمزم، ثم جاء بطست من ذهب ممتلئ حكمةً وإيمانًا، فافرغها في صدري، ثم اطبقه، ثم اخذ بيدي فعرج بي إلى السماء، فلما جئنا السماء الدنيا، قال جبريل عليه السلام لخازن السماء الدنيا: افتح، قال: من هذا؟ قال: هذا جبريل، قال: هل معك احد؟ قال: نعم، معي محمد صلى اللّٰه عليه وسلم، قال: فارسل إليه؟ قال: نعم، ففتح، قال: فلما علونا السماء الدنيا، فإذا رجل عن يمينه اسودة، وعن يساره اسودة، قال: فإذا نظر قبل يمينه ضحك، وإذا نظر قبل شماله بكى، قال: فقال: مرحبًا بالنبي الصالح والابن الصالح، قال: قلت: يا جبريل، من هذا؟ قال: هذا آدم عليه السلام وهذه الاسودة عن يمينه، وعن شماله نسم بنيه، فاهل اليمين اهل الجنة والاسودة التي عن شماله اهل النار، فإذا نظر قبل يمينه ضحك، وإذا نظر قبل شماله بكى.

قال: ثم عرج بي جبريل، حتى اتى السماء الثانية، فقال لخازنها: افتح، قال: فقال له خازنها: مثل ما قال خازن السماء الدنيا، ففتح.

فقال انس بن مالك: فذكر انه وجد في السماوات، آدم، وإدريس، وعيسى، وموسى، وإبراهيم صلوات اللّٰه عليهم اجمعين، ولم يثبت كيف منازلهم، غير انه ذكر، انه قد وجد آدم عليه السلام في السماء الدنيا وإبراهيم في السماء السادسة.

قال: فلما مر جبريل ورسول اللّٰه صلى اللّٰه عليه وسلم بإدريس صلوات اللّٰه عليه، قال: مرحبًا بالنبي الصالح والاخ الصالح، قال: ثم مر، فقلت: من هذا؟ فقال: هذا إدريس.

قال: ثم مررت بموسى عليه السلام، فقال: مرحبا بالنبي الصالح والاخ الصالح، قال: قلت: من هذا؟ قال: هذا موسى.

قال: ثم مررت بعيسى، فقال مرحبًا بالنبي الصالح والاخ الصالح، قلت: من هذا؟ قال: هذا عيسى ابن مريم.

قال: ثم مررت بإبراهيم عليه السلام، فقال: مرحبًا بالنبي الصالح والابن الصالح، قال: قلت: من هذا؟ قال: هذا إبراهيم.

قال ابن شهاب: واخبرني ابن حزم، ان ابن عباس وابا حبة الانصاري، كانا يقولان: قال رسول اللّٰه صلى اللّٰه عليه وسلم: ثم عرج بي، حتى ظهرت لمستوًى اسمع فيه صريف الاقلام.

قال ابن حزم وانس بن مالك: قال رسول اللّٰه صلى اللّٰه عليه وسلم: ففرض اللّٰه على امتي خمسين صلاةً، قال: فرجعت بذلك حتى امر بموسى، فقال موسى عليه السلام: ماذا فرض ربك على امتك؟ قال: قلت: فرض عليهم خمسين صلاةً، قال لي موسى عليه السلام: فراجع ربك، فإن امتك لا تطيق ذلك، قال: فراجعت ربي فوضع شطرها، قال: فرجعت إلى موسى عليه السلام فاخبرته، قال: راجع ربك، فإن امتك لا تطيق ذلك، قال: فراجعت ربي، فقال: هي خمس، وهي خمسون لا يبدل القول لدي، قال: فرجعت إلى موسى، فقال: راجع ربك، فقلت: قد استحييت من ربي.

قال: ثم انطلق بي جبريل، حتى ناتي سدرة المنتهى، فغشيها الوان لا ادري ما هي، قال: ثم ادخلت الجنة، فإذا فيها جنابذ اللؤلؤ وإذا ترابها المسك.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (RA): Abu Dharr al-Ghifari (RA) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

‘I was in Makkah when the roof of my house was opened, and Gabriel (AS) descended. He split open my chest, washed it with the water of Zamzam, and brought a golden tray filled with wisdom and faith. He poured it into my chest and then sealed it. After that, he took my hand and ascended with me to the nearest heaven.’

Gabriel (AS) asked the gatekeeper to open the door. The gatekeeper asked, ‘Who is this?’ Gabriel (AS) replied, ‘It is Gabriel.’ The gatekeeper asked, ‘Is anyone with you?’ Gabriel (AS) replied, ‘Yes, Muhammad (PBUH) is with me.’ The gatekeeper asked, ‘Has he been sent for?’ Gabriel (AS) replied, ‘Yes.’ Then the gate was opened, and we ascended.

On the first heaven, I saw a man surrounded by groups of people on his right and left. When he looked to his right, he smiled, and when he looked to his left, he wept. He greeted me, saying, ‘Welcome, O righteous Prophet and righteous son!’ I asked Gabriel (AS), ‘Who is this?’ He replied, ‘This is Adam (PBUH), and the groups on his right and left are his children. Those on the right are destined for Paradise, and those on the left are destined for Hell. When he looks to his right, he smiles (with joy), and when he looks to his left, he weeps (with sorrow.)’

The Prophet (PBUH) continued: ‘After that, Gabriel (AS) ascended with me to the second heaven. He asked for the gate to be opened, and the same exchange occurred as with the first heaven. Then the gate was opened.’

Anas bin Malik (RA) said: The Prophet (PBUH) met Adam, Idris, Jesus, Moses, and Abraham (PBUH) during the journey through the heavens. However, the Prophet (PBUH) did not mention in detail which Prophet he met on which heaven, except that Adam (PBUH) was on the first heaven and Abraham (PBUH) was on the sixth heaven.

The Prophet (PBUH) continued: When Gabriel (AS) and I reached Idris (PBUH), he greeted me, saying, ‘Welcome, O righteous Prophet and righteous brother!’ I asked Gabriel (AS), ‘Who is this?’ He replied, ‘This is Idris (PBUH).’

The Prophet (PBUH) continued: Then we reached by Moses (PBUH), who said, ‘Welcome, O righteous Prophet and righteous brother!’ I asked Gabriel (AS), ‘Who is this?’ He replied, ‘This is Moses (PBUH).’

The Prophet (PBUH) continued: Then we passed by Jesus (PBUH), who said, ‘Welcome, O righteous Prophet and righteous brother!’ I asked Gabriel (AS), ‘Who is this?’ He replied, ‘This is Jesus (PBUH), the son of Maryam (AS).’

After that, we reached Abraham (PBUH), who said, ‘Welcome, O righteous Prophet and righteous son!’ I asked Gabriel (AS), ‘Who is this?’ He replied, ‘This is Abraham (PBUH).’

Ibn Shihab said: Ibn Hazm narrated to me that Ibn Abbas (RA) and Abu Hubba al-Ansari (RA) (whether it was Aamir, Malik, or Thabit) used to say that the Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘Then I was taken to a high and smooth place where I could hear the sound of pens.’

Ibn Hazm and Anas bin Malik (RA) further narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘Then Allah made fifty prayers obligatory upon my Ummah.’ When I returned, I passed by Moses (PBUH), who asked, ‘What has Allah made obligatory upon your Ummah?’ I said, ‘Fifty prayers.’ Moses (PBUH) said, ‘Return to your Lord and ask for a reduction, for your Ummah will not be able to bear this.’ So I returned to my Lord, and He reduced it by a portion.

On my return, when I came to Musa (AS) and informed him of what had happened, he said, ‘Go back to your Lord and request a further reduction, for your Ummah will not be able to bear this.’ So I returned to my Lord. Allah Almighty said, ‘Five prayers are obligatory, and they are equal to fifty in reward. My decree does not change.’ The Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘I accepted this command and returned. When I reached Musa (AS), he repeated the same advice and suggested returning to the Lord. To this, I said, ‘Now I feel shy to go back to my Lord for this matter again.’

Then Gabriel (AS) took me to Sidrat al-Muntaha. It was covered with colors, the nature of which I do not know. After that, I was taken into Paradise, where I saw domes made of pearls, and its soil was of musk.

Appendix 6: Narrative of Qatadah from Anas ibn Malik

Appendix 6 : Narrative of Qatadah from Anas ibn Malik (RA)

Muslim, No. 434

حدثنا محمد بن المثنى، حدثنا ابن ابي عدي، عن سعيد، عن قتادة، عن انس بن مالك لعله، قال: عن مالك بن صعصعة رجل من قومه، قال: قال نبي اللّٰه صلى اللّٰه عليه وسلم: بينا انا عند البيت بين النائم واليقظان، إذ سمعت قائلاً، يقول: احد الثلاثة بين الرجلين، فاتيت فانطلق بي، فاتيت بطست من ذهب فيها من ماء زمزم، فشرح صدري إلى كذا وكذا، قال قتادة: فقلت للذي معي: ما يعني؟ قال: إلى اسفل بطنه، فاستخرج قلبي، فغسل بماء زمزم، ثم اعيد مكانه، ثم حشي إيمانًا وحكمةً.

ثم اتيت بدابة ابيض، يقال له البراق فوق الحمار ودون البغل، يقع خطوه عند اقصى طرفه، فحملت عليه، ثم انطلقنا حتى اتينا السماء الدنيا، فاستفتح جبريل عليه السلام، فقيل: من هذا؟ قال: جبريل، قيل: ومن معك؟ قال: محمد صلى اللّٰه عليه وسلم، قيل: وقد بعث إليه؟ قال: نعم، قال: ففتح لنا، وقال: مرحبًا به ولنعم المجيء جاء، قال: فاتينا على آدم عليه السلام.

انه لقي في السماء الثانية عيسى ويحيى عليها السلام، وفي الثالثة يوسف، وفي الرابعة إدريس، وفي الخامسة هارون، صلوات اللّٰه عليهم.

قال: ثم انطلقنا حتى انتهينا إلى السماء السادسة، فاتيت على موسى عليه السلام، فسلمت عليه، فقال: مرحبًا بالاخ الصالح، والنبي الصالح، فلما جاوزته بكى، فنودي ما يبكيك، قال: رب، هذا غلام بعثته بعدي يدخل من امته الجنة اكثر مما يدخل من امتي.

قال: ثم انطلقنا حتى انتهينا إلى السماء السابعة، فاتيت على إبراهيم، وقال في الحديث: وحدث نبي اللّٰه صلى اللّٰه عليه وسلم، انه راى اربعة انهار يخرج من اصلها نهران ظاهران، ونهران باطنان، فقلت: يا جبريل، ما هذه الانهار؟ قال: اما النهران الباطنان فنهران في الجنة، واما الظاهران فالنيل والفرات.

ثم رفع لي البيت المعمور، فقلت: يا جبريل، ما هذا؟ قال: هذا البيت المعمور، يدخله كل يوم سبعون الف ملك، إذا خرجوا منه لم يعودوا فيه آخر ما عليهم.

ثم اتيت بإناءين احدهما خمر والآخر لبن، فعرضا علي فاخترت اللبن، فقيل: اصبت اصاب اللّٰه بك امتك على الفطرة.

ثم فرضت علي كل يوم خمسون صلاةً، ثم ذكر قصتها إلى آخر الحديث.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (RA): He likely heard from one of his people, Malik bin Sa’sa’ah (RA), that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:

‘I was near the Kaaba, and I was in a state that was between sleep and wakefulness. Suddenly, I heard someone say something as the third among two men who were approaching. Then they came to me and took me away.’

‘After that, a golden tray filled with Zamzam water was brought to me. My chest was split open from here to here.’ Qatadah said, I asked my companion, What does he mean by ‘from here to here’?’ He replied, From the throat to below the stomach.

The Prophet (PBUH) continued: ‘Then my heart was removed, washed with Zamzam, and returned to its place. It was filled with faith and wisdom.’

Then a white animal, called Buraq, was brought to me. It was taller than a donkey but shorter than a mule, and it placed its step as far as its eye could see. I was mounted on it, and then we set off until we reached the first heaven.

Gabriel (AS) asked for the gate to be opened. The angels asked, ‘Who is it?’ He replied, ‘Gabriel.’ They asked, ‘Who is with you?’ He replied, ‘Muhammad (PBUH).’ They asked, ‘Has he been sent for?’ Gabriel (AS) replied, ‘Yes.’ The gate was then opened, and the angels said, ‘Welcome! Your arrival is blessed.’ Then we came to Adam (PBUH).

Then the Prophet (PBUH) met Jesus (PBUH) and John (PBUH) on the second heaven. On the third heaven, he met Joseph (PBUH). On the fourth heaven, he met Idris (PBUH). On the fifth heaven, he met Aaron (PBUH).

Then we moved forward until we reached the sixth heaven, where I met Moses (PBUH). I greeted him, and he said, ‘Welcome, O righteous brother and righteous Prophet.’ As I moved forward, he began to weep. A voice called out, ‘O Moses, why are you crying?’ He replied, ‘O Lord, this young man was sent as a Messenger after me, but his followers will enter Paradise in greater numbers than mine.’

The Prophet (PBUH) continued: ‘We then moved forward and reached the seventh heaven, where I saw Abraham (PBUH). Then I saw four rivers flowing from the roots of the Sidrat (Lote Tree). Two of them were hidden, and two were visible.’ I asked, ‘O Gabriel, what are these rivers?’ He replied, ‘The hidden ones are rivers of Paradise, and the visible ones are the Nile and the Euphrates.’

Then al-Bayt al-Ma‘mur (the frequently visited house) was presented before me. I asked Gabriel (RA), ‘What is this?’ He replied, ‘This is al-Bayt al-Ma‘mur. Every day, seventy thousand angels enter it, and they never return. That is the end of their turn.’

Then two vessels were brought before me: one containing wine and the other containing milk. Both were presented to me, and I chose the milk. A voice called out, ‘You have chosen correctly. Allah has guided you to the right path, and your Ummah will follow the same path.’

Then fifty daily prayers were made obligatory upon me. The entire account was then narrated until the end.

Appendix 7: Narrative of Qatadah from Anas ibn Malik

Appendix 7 : Narrative of Qatadah from
Anas ibn Malik (RA)

Nasa’i , No. 448

اخبرنا يعقوب بن إبراهيم، قال: حدثنا يحيى بن سعيد، قال: حدثنا هشام الدستوائي، قال: حدثنا قتادة، عن انس بن مالك عن مالك بن صعصعة ان النبي صلى اللّٰه عليه وسلم، قال: بينا انا عند البيت بين النائم واليقظان، إذ اقبل احد الثلاثة بين الرجلين، فاتيت بطست من ذهب ملآن حكمةً وإيمانًا فشق من النحر إلى مراق البطن فغسل القلب بماء زمزم ثم ملئ حكمةً وإيمانًا.

ثم اتيت بدابة دون البغل وفوق الحمار، ثم انطلقت مع جبريل عليه السلام فاتينا السماء الدنيا، فقيل: من هذا؟ قال: جبريل، قيل: ومن معك؟ قال: محمد، قيل: وقد ارسل إليه، مرحبًا به ونعم المجيء جاء، فاتيت على آدم عليه السلام فسلمت عليه، قال: مرحبًا بك من ابن ونبي.

ثم اتينا السماء الثانية، قيل: من هذا؟ قال: جبريل، قيل: ومن معك؟ قال: محمد، فمثل ذلك، فاتيت على يحيى، وعيسى فسلمت عليهما، فقالا: مرحبا بك من اخ ونبي.

ثم اتينا السماء الثالثة، قيل: من هذا؟ قال: جبريل، قيل: ومن معك؟ قال: محمد، فمثل ذلك، فاتيت على يوسف عليه السلام فسلمت عليه، قال: مرحبًا بك من اخ ونبي.

ثم اتينا السماء الرابعة، فمثل ذلك، فاتيت على إدريس عليه السلام فسلمت عليه، فقال: مرحبًا بك من اخ ونبي.

ثم اتينا السماء الخامسة، فمثل ذلك، فاتيت على هارون عليه السلام فسلمت عليه، قال: مرحبًا بك من اخ ونبي.

ثم اتينا السماء السادسة، فمثل ذلك، ثم اتيت على موسى عليه السلام فسلمت عليه، فقال: مرحبًا بك من اخ ونبي، فلما جاوزته بكى، قيل: ما يبكيك؟ قال: يا رب، هذا الغلام الذي بعثته بعدي يدخل من امته الجنة اكثر وافضل مما يدخل من امتي.

ثم اتينا السماء السابعة، فمثل ذلك، فاتيت على إبراهيم عليه السلام، فسلمت عليه، فقال: مرحبًا بك من ابن ونبي.

ثم رفع لي البيت المعمور، فسالت جبريل، فقال: هذا البيت المعمور يصلي فيه كل يوم سبعون الف ملك فإذا خرجوا منه لم يعودوا فيه آخر ما عليهم، ثم رفعت لي سدرة المنتهى فإذا نبقها مثل قلال هجر وإذا ورقها مثل آذان الفيلة وإذا في اصلها اربعة انهار نهران باطنان ونهران ظاهران، فسالت جبريل، فقال: اما الباطنان ففي الجنة واما الظاهران فالفرات والنيل.

ثم فرضت علي خمسون صلاةً فاتيت على موسى، فقال: ما صنعت؟ قلت: فرضت علي خمسون صلاةً، قال: إني اعلم بالناس منك، إني عالجت بني إسرائيل اشد المعالجة وإن امتك لن يطيقوا ذلك فارجع إلى ربك فاساله ان يخفف عنك، فرجعت إلى ربي فسالته ان يخفف عني فجعلها اربعين، ثم رجعت إلى موسى عليه السلام، فقال: ما صنعت؟ قلت: جعلها اربعين، فقال لي مثل مقالته الاولى، فرجعت إلى ربي عز وجل فجعلها ثلاثين، فاتيت على موسى عليه السلام فاخبرته، فقال لي مثل مقالته الاولى، فرجعت إلى ربي فجعلها عشرين ثم عشرةً ثم خمسةً، فاتيت على موسى عليه السلام، فقال لي مثل مقالته الاولى، فقلت: إني استحي من ربي عز وجل ان ارجع إليه، فنودي ان قد امضيت فريضتي وخففت عن عبادي واجزي بالحسنة عشر امثالها.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (RA): He narrated from Malik bin Sa’sa’ah (RA) that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

I was (resting) near the Kaaba, in a state between sleep and wakefulness, when three individuals came to me. One of them, who was between the other two, came to me. Then a gold tray filled with wisdom and faith was brought to me. He split open my chest from the throat to the lower part of the stomach, took out my heart, and washed it with Zamzam water. Then he filled it with wisdom and faith.

After that, a creature was brought to me, smaller than a mule but larger than a donkey, and I set off with Gabriel (AS). We reached the first heaven. Gabriel asked for the gate to be opened. It was asked, ‘Who is it?’ Gabriel replied, ‘It is Gabriel.’ They asked, ‘Who is with you?’ Gabriel replied, ‘Muhammad (PBUH).’ They asked, ‘Has he been sent for?’ When Gabriel confirmed, they said, ‘Welcome, his arrival is blessed.’ Then I came to Adam (PBUH) and greeted him. He said, ‘Welcome, O son and Prophet!’

We then ascended to the second heaven. It was asked, ‘Who is it?’ Gabriel replied, ‘It is Gabriel.’ They asked, ‘Who is with you?’ Gabriel replied, ‘Muhammad (PBUH).’ They asked, ‘Has he been sent for?’ The same happened here (as it did on the first heaven). I reached Jesus (PBUH) and John (PBUH). I greeted them, and they said, ‘Welcome, O brother and Prophet!’

We then ascended to the third heaven. It was asked, ‘Who is it?’ Gabriel replied, ‘It is Gabriel.’ They asked, ‘Who is with you?’ Gabriel replied, ‘Muhammad (PBUH).’ They asked, ‘Has he been sent for?’ The same happened here (as it did on the previous heavens). I met Joseph (PBUH), greeted him, and he said, ‘Welcome, O brother and Prophet!’

We ascended to the fourth heaven, where the same occurred (as it did on the previous heavens). I met Idris (PBUH), greeted him, and he said, ‘Welcome, O brother and Prophet!’

We then ascended to the fifth heaven. The same exchange took place (as it did on the previous heavens), and I met Aaron (PBUH). I greeted him, and he said, ‘Welcome, O brother and Prophet!’

We ascended to the sixth heaven. The same exchange took place (as it did on the previous heavens), and I met Moses (PBUH). I greeted him, and he said, ‘Welcome, O brother and Prophet!’ When I moved forward, he began to weep. He was asked, ‘Why are you weeping?’ Moses (PBUH) replied, ‘O Lord, this young man has been sent as a Prophet after me, but his followers will enter Paradise in greater numbers than mine.’

We then ascended to the seventh heaven. The same exchange took place, and I met Abraham (PBUH). I greeted him, and he said, ‘Welcome, O son and Prophet!’

Then al-Bayt al-Ma’mur (the frequently visited house) was brought close to me. I asked Gabriel (AS) about it, and he said, ‘This is al-Bayt al-Ma’mur. Every day, seventy thousand angels enter it, and when they leave, they never return. That is their final visit.’

Then Sidrat al-Muntaha (The Lote Tree at the Farthest Limit) was brought before me. Its fruits were like clay jugs from Hajar, and its leaves were like the ears of elephants. From its roots flowed four rivers: two hidden and two visible. I asked Gabriel (AS) about these rivers, and he said, ‘The hidden rivers are in Paradise, and the visible ones are the Nile and the Euphrates.’

Then fifty daily prayers were made obligatory upon me. During my return journey, I reached Musa (AS), and he asked, ‘What did you do?’ I replied, ‘Fifty prayers have been made obligatory upon me.’ He said, ‘I know people better than you; I have dealt with Bani Israel. Your Ummah will not be able to bear this. So, return to your Lord and request a reduction.’

I returned to my Lord and requested a reduction, which He granted by decreasing the number to forty. When I went back to Musa (AS), he asked, ‘What happened?’ I said, ‘Allah has reduced the prayers to forty.’ He repeated the same advice as before.I again presented myself before my Lord, and He reduced the number to thirty. When I informed Musa (AS), he again said what he had said earlier. So, I returned to my Lord, who then reduced the number to twenty, then to ten, and finally to five.

When I came to Musa (AS) again, he repeated the same advice. I responded, ‘(Now) I feel shy to go back to my Lord repeatedly.’ Then a voice called out, ‘I have finalized My command and granted ease to My servants. For each prayer, I will give a tenfold reward.’

Appendix 8: Narrative of ibn Shihab Al-Zuhri from Anas ibn Malik

Appendix 8 : Narrative of Ibn Shihab al-Zuhri from Anas ibn Malik (RA)

Ibn Majah, No. 1399

حدثنا حرملة بن يحيى المصري، حدثنا عبد اللّٰه بن وهب، اخبرني يونس بن يزيد، عن ابن شهاب، عن انس بن مالك، قال: قال رسول اللّٰه صلى اللّٰه عليه وسلم: فرض اللّٰه على امتي خمسين صلاةً، فرجعت بذلك حتى آتي على موسى، فقال موسى: ماذا افترض ربك على امتك؟، قلت: فرض علي خمسين صلاةً، قال: فارجع إلى ربك فإن امتك لا تطيق ذلك، فراجعت ربي، فوضع عني شطرها، فرجعت إلى موسى فاخبرته: فقال: ارجع إلى ربك فإن امتك لا تطيق ذلك، فراجعت ربي، فقال: هي خمس، وهي خمسون، لا يبدل القول لدي، فرجعت إلى موسى، فقال: ارجع إلى ربك، فقلت: قد استحييت من ربي.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (RA): The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: Allah Almighty initially made fifty prayers obligatory upon my Ummah (on the night of Mi‘raj). As I was returning with this command, I passed by Moses (PBUH), who asked, ‘What has your Lord made obligatory upon your Ummah?’ I replied, ‘Fifty prayers.’ Moses (PBUH) said, ‘Go back to your Lord and request a reduction, for your Ummah will not be able to bear this.’

So, I returned to my Lord, and He reduced the number by half. I then returned to Moses (PBUH) and informed him (about this reduction). He said, ‘Go back to your Lord again and request further reduction, for your Ummah will still not be able to bear this.’

So, I went back to my Lord again, and He said, ‘They are five prayers now, but their reward will be equal to fifty. My decree does not change and is final.’

After this, I returned to Moses (PBUH), who again said, ‘Go back to your Lord and ask for further reduction.’ I replied, ‘I now feel shy to return to my Lord.’

Appendix 9: Narrative of Qatadah from Anas ibn Malik

Appendix 9 : Narrative of Qatadah from Anas ibn Malik

Tirmidhi, No. 3346

حدثنا محمد بن بشار، حدثنا محمد بن جعفر، وابن ابي عدي، عن سعيد بن ابي عروبة، عن قتادة، عن انس بن مالك، عن مالك بن صعصعة رجل من قومه، ان النبي صلى اللّٰه عليه وسلم، قال: بينما انا عند البيت بين النائم واليقظان إذ سمعت قائلاً يقول: احد بين الثلاثة، فاتيت بطست من ذهب فيها ماء زمزم فشرح صدري إلى كذا وكذا، قال قتادة: قلت لانس بن مالك: ما يعني؟ قال: إلى اسفل بطني، فاستخرج قلبي فغسل قلبي بماء زمزم ثم اعيد مكانه ثم حشي إيمانًا وحكمةً، وفي الحديث قصة طويلة.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (RA): He narrated from a man of his tribe, Malik bin Sa’sa’ah (RA), that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

‘I was near the House of Allah (Baytullah) in a state between sleep and wakefulness (i.e., in a semi-dream state). Suddenly, I heard someone saying, ‘He is one of the three men.’ Then a golden tray was brought to me, and it contained Zamzam water. My chest was split open from here to here.’

Qatadah said, I asked Anas (RA), ‘From where to where?’ He replied, ‘The Prophet (PBUH) said: from the throat to below the stomach.’

The Prophet (PBUH) continued: ‘My heart was removed, washed with Zamzam water, and then returned to its place. It was filled with faith and wisdom.’

Anas (RA) added: ‘This narration contains a lengthy account.’

Appendix 10: Narrative of Thabit Al-Bunani from Anas ibn Malik

Appendix 10 : Narrative of Thabit al-Bunani from Anas ibn Malik

Muslim, No. 429

حدثنا شيبان بن فروخ، حدثنا حماد بن سلمة، حدثنا ثابت البناني، عن انس بن مالك، ان رسول اللّٰه صلى اللّٰه عليه وسلم، قال: اتيت بالبراق وهو دابة ابيض، طويل فوق الحمار، ودون البغل يضع حافره عند منتهى طرفه، قال: فركبته حتى اتيت بيت المقدس، قال: فربطته بالحلقة التي يربط به الانبياء، قال: ثم دخلت المسجد فصليت فيه ركعتين، ثم خرجت، فجاءني جبريل عليه السلام بإناء من خمر، وإناء من لبن، فاخترت اللبن، فقال جبريل: اخترت الفطرة.

ثم عرج بنا إلى السماء، فاستفتح جبريل، فقيل: من انت؟ قال: جبريل، قيل: ومن معك؟ قال: محمد، قيل: وقد بعث إليه؟ قال: قد بعث إليه ففتح لنا، فإذا انا بآدم فرحب بي، ودعا لي بخير.

ثم عرج بنا إلى السماء الثانية، فاستفتح جبريل عليه السلام، فقيل: من انت؟ قال: جبريل، قيل: ومن معك؟ قال: محمد، قيل: وقد بعث إليه؟ قال: قد بعث إليه ففتح لنا، فإذا انا بابني الخالة عيسى ابن مريم ويحيى بن زكرياء صلوات اللّٰه عليهما، فرحبا ودعوا لي بخير.

ثم عرج بي إلى السماء الثالثة، فاستفتح جبريل، فقيل: من انت؟ قال: جبريل، قيل: ومن معك؟ قال: محمد صلى اللّٰه عليه وسلم، قيل: وقد بعث إليه؟ قال: قد بعث إليه ففتح لنا، فإذا انا بيوسف عليه السلام، إذا هو قد اعطي شطر الحسن، فرحب ودعا لي بخير.

ثم عرج بنا إلى السماء الرابعة، فاستفتح جبريل عليه السلام، قيل: من هذا؟ قال: جبريل، قيل: ومن معك؟ قال: محمد، قال: وقد بعث إليه؟ قال: قد بعث إليه ففتح لنا، فإذا انا بإدريس، فرحب ودعا لي بخير، قال اللّٰه عز وجل: وَّ رَفَعۡنٰهُ مَكَانًا عَلِيًّا.

ثم عرج بنا إلى السماء الخامسة، فاستفتح جبريل، قيل: من هذا؟ قال: جبريل، قيل: ومن معك؟ قال: محمد، قيل وقد بعث إليه؟ قال: قد بعث إليه ففتح لنا، فإذا انا بهارون عليه السلام، فرحب ودعا لي بخير.

ثم عرج بنا إلى السماء السادسة، فاستفتح جبريل عليه السلام، قيل: من هذا؟ قال: جبريل، قيل: ومن معك؟ قال: محمد، قيل: وقد بعث إليه؟ قال: قد بعث إليه ففتح لنا، فإذا انا بموسى عليه السلام، فرحب ودعا لي بخير.

ثم عرج إلى السماء السابعة، فاستفتح جبريل، فقيل: من هذا؟ قال: جبريل، قيل ومن معك؟ قال: محمد صلى اللّٰه عليه وسلم، قيل: وقد بعث إليه؟ قال: قد بعث إليه ففتح لنا، فإذا انا بإبراهيم عليه السلام مسندًا ظهره إلى البيت المعمور، وإذا هو يدخله كل يوم سبعون الف ملك، لا يعودون إليه.

ثم ذهب بي إلى السدرة المنتهى، وإذا ورقها كآذان الفيلة، وإذا ثمرها كالقلال، قال: فلما غشيها من امر اللّٰه ما غشي تغيرت، فما احد من خلق اللّٰه يستطيع ان ينعتها من حسنها، فاوحى اللّٰه إلي ما اوحى، ففرض علي خمسين صلاةً في كل يوم وليلة.

فنزلت إلى موسى عليه السلام، فقال: ما فرض ربك على امتك؟ قلت: خمسين صلاةً، قال: ارجع إلى ربك فاساله التخفيف، فإن امتك لا يطيقون ذلك، فإني قد بلوت بني إسرائيل وخبرتهم، قال: فرجعت إلى ربي، فقلت: يا رب، خفف على امتي، فحط عني خمسًا، فرجعت إلى موسى، فقلت: حط عني خمسًا، قال: إن امتك لا يطيقون ذلك، فارجع إلى ربك فاساله التخفيف، قال: فلم ازل ارجع بين ربي تبارك وتعالٰى، وبين موسى عليه السلام، حتى قال: يا محمد، إنهن خمس صلوات كل يوم وليلة، لكل صلاة عشر، فذلك خمسون صلاةً ومن هم بحسنة، فلم يعملها، كتبت له حسنةً، فإن عملها، كتبت له عشرًا، ومن هم بسيئة فلم يعملها، لم تكتب شيئًا، فإن عملها، كتبت سيئةً واحدةً.

قال: فنزلت حتى انتهيت إلى موسى عليه السلام، فاخبرته، فقال: ارجع إلى ربك فاساله التخفيف، فقال رسول اللّٰه صلى اللّٰه عليه وسلم، فقلت: قد رجعت إلى ربي حتى استحييت منه.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (RA): The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:

‘Buraq was brought to me. It was a white animal, larger than a donkey but smaller than a mule. It would place its hooves where its sight reached. I mounted it and reached Bayt al-Maqdis. There, I tied it to the ring where the other Prophets used to tie their animals. Then I entered the Masjid and prayed two rak’ahs. After that, I came out, and Gabriel (AS) brought two vessels, one containing wine and the other containing milk. I chose the milk, and Gabriel (AS) said, ‘You have chosen the fitrah (natural disposition).’

Then Gabriel (AS) ascended with me to the heavens. When we reached the first heaven, he asked the gatekeepers to open the gate. They asked, ‘Who is it?’ Gabriel replied, ‘It is Gabriel.’ They asked, ‘Who is with you?’ He replied, ‘Muhammad (PBUH).’ They asked, ‘Has he been sent for?’ Gabriel replied, ‘Yes.’ The gate was then opened for us.

When we entered, I saw Adam (PBUH). He welcomed me and prayed for my well-being.

Then Gabriel (AS) ascended with me to the second heaven. When we reached the second heaven, he asked the gatekeepers to open the gate. They asked, ‘Who is it?’ Gabriel replied, ‘It is Gabriel.’ They asked, ‘Who is with you?’ He replied, ‘Muhammad (PBUH).’ They asked, ‘Has he been sent for?’ Gabriel replied, ‘Yes.’ The gate was then opened for us. When the gate was opened, I saw Jesus (PBUH) and John (PBUH), who were maternal cousins. They welcomed me and prayed for my well-being.

Then Gabriel (AS) ascended with me to the third heaven. When we reached the third heaven, he asked the gatekeepers to open the gate. They asked, ‘Who is it?’ Gabriel replied, ‘It is Gabriel.’ They asked, ‘Who is with you?’ He replied, ‘Muhammad (PBUH).’ They asked, ‘Has he been sent for?’ Gabriel replied, ‘Yes.’ The gate was then opened for us. There, I saw Joseph (PBUH), who had been given half of all beauty. He welcomed me and prayed for my well-being.

Then Gabriel (AS) ascended with me to the fourth heaven. When we reached the fourth heaven, he asked the gatekeepers to open the gate. They asked, ‘Who is it?’ Gabriel replied, ‘It is Gabriel.’ They asked, ‘Who is with you?’ He replied, ‘Muhammad (PBUH).’ They asked, ‘Has he been sent for?’ Gabriel replied, ‘Yes.’ The gate was then opened for us and I saw Idris (PBUH). He welcomed me and prayed for my well-being. Allah says: ‘And We raised him to a high station.’

Then Gabriel (AS) ascended with me to the fifth heaven. When we reached the fifth heaven, he asked the gatekeepers to open the gate. They asked, ‘Who is it?’ Gabriel replied, ‘It is Gabriel.’ They asked, ‘Who is with you?’ He replied, ‘Muhammad (PBUH).’ They asked, ‘Has he been sent for?’ Gabriel replied, ‘Yes.’ The gate was then opened for us. There, I saw Aaron (PBUH). He welcomed me and prayed for my well-being.

Then Gabriel (AS) ascended with me to the sixth heaven. When we reached the sixth heaven, he asked the gatekeepers to open the gate. They asked, ‘Who is it?’ Gabriel replied, ‘It is Gabriel.’ They asked, ‘Who is with you?’ He replied, ‘Muhammad (PBUH).’ They asked, ‘Has he been sent for?’ Gabriel replied, ‘Yes.’ The gate was then opened for us. There, I saw Moses (PBUH). He welcomed me and prayed for my well-being. When I moved forward, he began to cry. He was asked, ‘What makes you weep?’ Moses (PBUH) replied, ‘O Lord, this young man was sent as a Prophet after me, and more of his followers will enter Paradise than mine.’

Then Gabriel (AS) ascended with me to the seventh heaven. When we reached the seventh heaven, he asked the gatekeepers to open the gate. They asked, ‘Who is it?’ Gabriel replied, ‘It is Gabriel.’ They asked, ‘Who is with you?’ He replied, ‘Muhammad (PBUH).’ They asked, ‘Has he been sent for?’ Gabriel replied, ‘Yes.’ The gate was then opened for us. There, I saw Abraham (PBUH), reclining against al-Bayt al-Ma’mur (the frequently visited house). Every day, seventy thousand angels enter it, and they never return to it again.

Then Gabriel (AS) took me to Sidrat al-Muntaha. Its leaves were like the ears of elephants, and its fruits were like large clay pots. When the tree was covered by the command of Allah, its beauty became indescribable. Then Allah revealed to me what He wished to reveal, and fifty prayers were enjoined upon me for every day and night.

As I descended and reached by Moses (PBUH), he asked, ‘What has your Lord made obligatory upon your Ummah?’ I replied, ‘Fifty prayers have been made obligatory upon my Ummah.’ He said, ‘Go back to your Lord and ask for a reduction, for your Ummah will not be able to bear it. I have tested the Israelites and know this from experience.’

So I returned to my Lord and said, ‘O my Lord, reduce the burden on my Ummah.’ Allah reduced the number by five prayers. I returned to Moses (PBUH) and said, ‘Allah has reduced it by five prayers for me.’ He said, ‘Your Ummah will still not be able to bear it. Go back to your Lord and ask for further reduction.’ I kept going back and forth between my Lord and Moses (PBUH), until Allah said, ‘O Muhammad! They are five prayers every day and night, but each prayer will be rewarded as ten, making them equivalent to fifty. My decree does not change.’

Allah further said, ‘If someone intends to do a good deed but does not carry it out, a single good deed will be recorded for them. If they carry it out, ten good deeds will be recorded for them. If someone intends to do a bad deed but does not carry it out, nothing will be recorded against them. However, if they commit the bad deed, only one sin will be recorded.’

The Prophet (PBUH) said: “I then descended and returned to Moses (PBUH), who again said, ‘Go back to your Lord and ask for further reduction.’ I replied, ‘I feel shy to keep going back to my Lord.’

Appendix 11: Comparative Table of Five Principal Narratives

Appendix 11 : Comparative Table of Five Principal Narratives