Qaseedah Me’raajiyah
قصیدہ معراجیہ
By
Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (May Allah be pleased with him)
از امام احمد رضا خان رحمۃ اللہ علی
Commentary by Muhammad Abd al-Mannan
ثنائے سرکار ہے وظیفہ قبول سرکار ہے تمنا
نہ شاعری کی ہوس نہ پروا ردی تھی کیا کیسے قافیئے تھے
My mission is to praise the Prophet; my aim is to achieve his pleasure;
The poetic rhymes and refrains have no value; Mustapha’s Love is my true treasure.[1]
Preface
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, the One Who exists without a place. To Him belong the benefactions and proper commendations. May Allah raise the rank of Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) and his kind Family and Companions and protect his nation from what he fears for them. May the Lord of Heavens and Earth grant us the sincere intentions and guide us to the acceptable deeds.
Alhamdulillah Wa Shukru Lillah! Alhamdulillah Wa Shukru Lillah! Alhamdulillah Wa Shukru Lillah! With the blessings from Allah, the beloved Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wa Sallam), the Awliya and the Ulama we present most probably for the first time the unique English detailed commentary on the Qasida Me’rajiyya by
Mujaddid, Coolness for the eyes of the Scholars, Beloved and accepted slave of Almighty Allah, The seal of great Islamic research scholars, Leader of ulema[2]
Imam Ahmad Raza Khan.
Only one of the thousands amazing master pieces produced by the great Imam. One of the ways to increase the love of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) is to study the famous compilations of poetry by the great Imam namely Hadaiq-e-Bakhshish. Many of the them have been translated and explained into the English language, one may refer to them at Gardensofsunnah.co.uk.
Two main sources used in this compilation was the Sharah of Hadaiq-e-Bakhshish namely Al-Haqaik Fil Hadaik by Allama Mufti Faiz Ahmad Owaisi and The Qasida Me’rajiyya by Mufti Muhammad Afthab Cassim.
This work has been presented so that the kindled fire of the love for the beloved Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) that exists in everyone may be increased so that one may walk the path of love and protect and is essential in this world and the hereafter.
In this day and age of trials and tribulation (Fitna), may Allah grant us all the ability and steadfastness on the love of the beloved Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam), Aameen, with goodness, favour and good health (Fi Khayr Lutf Aafiya). Al-Fatiha!
Introduction
Allah sent the Prophets (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) as a mercy to the slaves and supported them with miracles to indicate the truthfulness of their message. Of all the Prophets, our beloved Prophet Sayyiduna Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam), was blessed with the most miracles. Al-Isra’ and al-Mi’raj are among the many miracles of Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam).
We know the journey from the Haram in Makkah Kaba to Masjid Al Aqsa in Jerusalem is known as the Isra’ and the journey from there towards and beyond the heavens is known as the Me’raj.
It is our belief (Aqida) that the Beloved Rasool is the Most Beloved in Allah’s Creation, and it is also our belief that from amongst the unique attributes and unique blessings which have been bestowed upon the Beloved Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) is the Me’raj.
Explaining our belief in this regard, the Grand Khalifa of Aala Hadhrat, Hadhrat Allama Qadi Sadrush Shariah Mufti Amjad Ali states in his world-renowned Hanafi encyclopaedia Bahaar e Shariat;[3]
‘From amongst the unique attributes of the Beloved Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) is the Me’raj (ascension into the heavens and beyond), when the Beloved Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) has taken in a short space of night with his physical body from Masjid e Haraam (Makkah) to Masjid e Aqsa (in Jerusalem), and from there into the seven skies, beyond the Kursi, and even beyond the Arsh (Divine Throne).’
He further says, ‘He was blessed with such closeness that has never been afforded to any other human or Angel before, and such closeness will never be afforded to anybody else again. He was blessed with the Divine Vision of Almighty Allah with the eyes of his head and heard the Kalaam (Divine Speech) of Allah without any means. He observed and understood every atom in the heights of the heavens, the skies and the earths.’
It must be noted that according to the Ahle Sunnat, the one who rejects the Isra’ is a blasphemer (kaafir) for belying the explicit text of the Qur’an and one who rejects the Me’raj is a deviant (Gumrah bad-Deen). This journey is also confirmed in the sahih hadith. As such, there is scholarly consensus (ijma’) that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) journeyed in body and soul the night of al-Isra’ from Masjid al-Haram in Makkah to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem.
This Qasida holds very deep meanings and explanations which cannot be easily done in a simple manner. This is the state (Haal) of the complier only. However, attempt has been made to explain the outer and apparent meaning using the works of the scholars.
The miracle of al-Isra’ is confirmed in the Qur’an. Allah said:
“Purity is to Him Who took His bondman in a part of the night from the Sacred Mosque to the Aqsa Mosque around which We have placed blessings, in order that We may show him Our great signs; indeed, he is the listener, the beholder.”[4]
This verse refers to the physical journey of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) – to Al Aqsa Masjid and from there to the heavens and beyond. The entire journey back to Makkah was completed within a small part of the night.
Before the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) took this night journey, the ceiling of the house in which he was residing was opened, and Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel descended.
The reverence shown by Sayyiduna Jibreel
The night of Meraj, Sayyiduna Jibreel presented a great example of respect and reverence of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam). When he came to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam), he did not enter the house from the door, but entered the house from the roof.
“…and it is not a virtue at all that you enter the houses by demolishing their back portions, but in reality virtue is piety; and enter the houses using their gates – and keep fearing Allah, hoping that you achieve success.”[5]
One reason is that entering house in a unique manner is an indication is that the journey is also unique. Entering the house from the roof is an indication that the journey is also going to be one of ascent. Another reason is that whenever Sayyiduna Jibreel came to the presence of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam), he would become the very personification of respect and would request permission. Out of respect, he would not come closer to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) suddenly, but he would be constantly requesting the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam). When the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) would grant him permission, then he would come close to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) and with sit parallel-legged.
Mulla Muhammad Moin Kaashfi Haravi narrates a Hadith about Meraj: Sayyiduna Jibreel states: I got to know from the revelation (Wahi) of Allah that my body has been fashioned out of camphor of Jannah, but I didn’t know the reason for this. I realised this on the night of Meraj. In spite of my purity and fineness, I was hesitating to awaken the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) and I was anxious as to how should I do it. I was ordered that I should rub my face on the heel of the blessed foot of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam). When I did so, the coolness of camphor met the warmth (of the feet of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) and the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) easily awakened from rest[6]. At that time, I realised the reason of me being created from camphor.[7]
Shaq al-Sadr
Shaq al Sadr meaning; opening (expanding) of the chest of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam). This was done to prepare the Messenger of Allah for that which he had yet to see in the upper world from among the wonders of the creation of Allah.
His blessed heart blessed the Zam Zam
In the night of Meraj, the blessed heart of the Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) blessed the Zam Zam. His chest was opened. Life depends on the heart. Heart is the very centre of life. There is no one in the universe who can stay alive without the heart. Even during heart surgeries, the doctors have to use machines which keep the patient alive. Even after removal of the heart, the Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is alive. This shows even when the essentials of life are withdrawn, the life and the knowledge and understanding of the Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) are unaffected.
Burraq – Only to show grandeur and majesty
After the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) performed the Evening Prayer[8] (‘Isha’), Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel came to him with a white animal, slightly larger than a donkey yet smaller than a mule. [9] This animal was the buraq,- one of the animals of Paradise. Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel held the buraq by his ear and ask the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) to mount it. When the buraq was mounted, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) set forth.
Burraq is a mount from Jannah. It was brought to the Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). Instead of this, it could have been that the distance was shortened for the Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), the earth could have been rolled up for Him, so that one step of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) could have been in Makkah and the next in Masjid Aqsa. This was not done. This is because all this is common in the Awliya (saints), but a mount which completes the journey in the blinking of an eye is the distinction of the Prophets. Another reason is that the Burraq was not brought because it was needed, but it was to grace the Burraq and to express the grandeur of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).
When the elite of this world are invited, a mode of conveyance is also sent to them. This is to respect and revere the person. Similarly, Allah Ta’ala sent such a mount for His beloved Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) that no human had ever rode one like it. Allah Ta’ala could have sent any of the usual mounts of Arabia and made it fast like the Burraq, or any conveyance from the future could also have been sent, but it was not so. This is to show that the way the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is incomparable, His mount also should be such that before Him no one had rode one and after Him no one ever will. If any vehicle from the future had been sent, then in the later times, people would have used such vehicles. For this reason, Allah Ta’ala sent a mount from Jannah, on which no one else from the world can travel.
Taiba
The buraq is a very fast animal; the length of the buraq’s stride is the farthest distance its eye can see. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) and Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel arrived to a land with palm trees. Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel ask the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) to dismount and pray, so the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) dismounted the buraq and prayed two rakats. Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel asked him, “Do you know where you prayed?” and the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) answered, “Allah knows best[10].” Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel said, “This is Yathrib; this is Taibah.” (These are two names for the city of al-Madinah.) Before the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) emigrated to al-Madinah, it was called Taibah and Yathrib. It earned the name al-Madinah after the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) emigrated to it.
Mount Tur
The buraq continued with the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) and Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel until they reached another place. Again, Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel ask the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) to pray. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) dismounted there and prayed two rakats. Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel informed the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) of the name of that place; it was Tur Sina’ (mount Sinai).
Bethlehem
Once again, the buraq continued with the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) and Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel. Once again it stopped, and the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) dismounted and prayed two rakats. This was in Bayt Lahm (Bethlehem), where Prophet ‘Isa (Jesus) was born. Then the burqa continued with the Messenger of Allah until they entered the city of Jerusalem.
Masjid al-Aqsa
There the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) went to Masjid al-Aqsa. Outside was a ring used by the Messengers of Allah to tie their animals. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) tied his buraq to this ring. Then the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) entered the masjid where Allah assembled for him all the Prophets (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam)-from Sayyidina Adam to Sayyidina ‘Isa. Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) moved forward and led them all in prayer. This is an indication the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) is higher in status than all the rest of the Prophets (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) and messengers and their leader.
Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa
On the Prophet’s journey from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa, Allah enabled him to see some of His wondrous creations. Allah enabled the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) to see the world (dunya) like an old woman. However, this old woman was wearing a great deal of jewellery, and in this there is an indication signifying the reality of the world.
Iblis
Allah enabled the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) to see Iblis (Shaytan). The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) saw something on the side of the road which did not dare to stand in his way or speak to him. What the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) saw was Iblis. Originally, Iblis was a believer and lived with the angels in Paradise. When Allah ordered the angels to prostrate (sujud) to Prophet Adam, Iblis was ordered to prostrate to him as well. The angels prostrated to Sayyidina Adam in obedience to Allah, because angels do not disobey Allah. However, Iblis did not obey, and he objected to the order of Allah. He said, “You created me out of fire, and You created him out of clay. How do You order me to prostrate to him?” So, this objection by Iblis to the order of Allah was the first blasphemy he committed.
Steadfast to Islam
On his journey, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) smelled a very nice odour. He asked Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel about this pleasant scent and Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel informed him this good smell was coming from the grave of the woman whose duty used to be to comb Pharaoh’s daughter’s hair. This woman was a good, pious believer. One day, as she was combing Pharaoh’s daughter’s hair, the comb fell from her hand. At this she said, “Bismillah.“ Pharaoh’s daughter asked her, “Do you have a god other than my father?” The woman said, “Yes. My Lord and the Lord of your father is Allah.” Pharaoh’s daughter told her father what had happened. Pharaoh demanded this woman blaspheme and leave Islam, but she refused. At that, Pharaoh threatened to kill her children. He brought a great pot of water and built a great fire under it. When the water boiled, Pharaoh brought her children and started to drop them into that pot one after the other. Throughout all this, the woman remained steadfast to Islam, even when Pharaoh reached her youngest child–a little boy still breast feeding–but she felt pity for him. At that, Allah enabled this child to speak. He said to his mother, “O Mother, be patient. The torture of the Hereafter is far more severe than the torture of this life, and do not be reluctant, because you are right.”
At this the woman requested Pharaoh collect her bones and the bones of her children and bury them in the same grave. Pharaoh promised her that–then dropped her into that boiling water. She died as a martyr. The good odour the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) smelled coming from her grave is an indication of her high status.
Mujahidun
During his journey, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) saw people who were planting and reaping in two days. Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel informed the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam), “These were the people who fight for the sake of Allah (mujahidun). “
Misguidance
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) also saw people whose lips and tongues were clipped with scissors made of fire. Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel informed the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam), “These are the speakers of sedition (fitna) who call people to misguidance.”
Control Tongue
He also saw a bull which exited a very small outlet, then was trying in vain to return through that small outlet. Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel informed the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam), “This is the example of the bad word–once spoken, it cannot be returned.”
Refused Zakaat
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) saw people grazing like animals, with very little clothing on their private parts. Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel informed the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam), “These are the ones who refused to pay zakat.”
Missing Salaah
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) saw angels smashing some people’s heads with rocks. These heads would return to the shape they had been, and then the angels would smash their heads again–and so on. Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel informed the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam), “These are the ones whose heads felt too heavy to perform prayer–the ones who used to sleep without praying.”
Haram for Halal (fornication)
On his journey the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) saw people who were competing to eat some rotten meat–ignoring meat that was sliced and unspoiled. Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel informed the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam), “These are people from your nation who leave out that which is permissible (halal), and consume that which is forbidden ((haram).” This reference was to the fornicators, that is, the ones who left out the permissible (marriage) and committed sins (fornication).
Alcohol
Also, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) saw people who were drinking from the fluid coming from the bodies of the fornicators, (water mixed with blood). Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel indicated to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) these were the ones’ who were drinking the alcohol which is prohibited in this world.
Gossip
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) saw people scratching their faces and chests with brass finger nails. Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel said, “These are the examples of those who commit gossip (ghibah).”
Al-Mi’raj[11]
First Heaven and Sayyidina Adam
After the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) took this night journey from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa, he ascended to the upper heavens. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) ascended to the heaven on stairs, called al-mirqat, in which one step is made of gold and the next of silver, and so on. These stairs are veiled from us. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) ascended these stairs until he reached the first heaven. When the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) and Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel arrived at the first heaven, Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel requested the gate to be opened. The angel assigned to that gate asked Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel, “Who is with you?” Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel answered, “It is Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam).” The angel asked Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel, “Was he called for? Is it time for him to ascend to the heaven?” Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel said, “Yes.” So, the gate was opened for him, and Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) entered the first heaven.
There, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) saw Prophet Adam. To Sayyidina Adam’s right, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) saw some bodies, and to Sayyidina Adam’s left, other bodies. If Sayyidina Adam would look to his right he would laugh, and if he would look to his left he would cry. Sayyidina Adam was seeing the souls of his descendants. Those on his right were his descendants who would die as believers and those on his left were his descendants who would die as non-believers.
Second Heaven and Sayyidina Isa and Sayyidina Yahya
Then the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) ascended to the second heaven. In this second heaven was where the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) saw Prophets ‘Isa and Yahya. Sayyidina ‘Isa and Sayyidina Yahya are cousins; their mothers were sisters. They welcomed the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) and made supplication (dua) for him for good things.
Third Heaven and Sayyidina Yusuf
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) ascended to the third heaven, where he found Prophet Yusuf. Prophet Yusuf was extremely handsome. Allah bestowed half the beauty on Sayidina Yusuf. Sayyidina Yusuf received the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) with a warm welcome and made supplication (dua) for him for good things.
Fourth Heaven and Sayyidina Idris
Then the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) ascended to the fourth heaven, where he found Prophet Idris. Sayyidina Idris welcomed the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) and made supplication (dua) for him for good things.
Fifth & Sixth Heaven, Sayyidina Harun & Sayyidina Musa
In the fifth heaven, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) encountered Sayyidina Harun, the brother of Prophet Musa. In the sixth heaven, he encountered Prophet Musa. Each of these Prophets (upon them be peace) received Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) with a warm welcome and made supplication (dua) for him for good things.
Seventh Heaven and Sayyidina Ibrahim
Then the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) ascended to the seventh heaven, and that is where our Messenger saw Prophet Ibrahim. Prophet Ibrahim is the best of the Prophets after our Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam). The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) saw Prophet Ibrahim with his back against al-Bayt al-Ma’mur.
al-Bayt al-Ma’mur
To the inhabitants of the skies, al-Bayt al-Ma’mur is like the Ka’ba is to us, the inhabitants of the earth. Every day 70,000 angels go there; then exit from it, and never return. The next day another 70,000 angels go, come out, and never return. This will continue until the Day of Judgment. In this, there is an indication as to the greatness of the numbers of the angels–their numbers are far more than the numbers of the humans and the jinns together.
Sidrat al-Muntaha
In the seventh heaven, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) saw Sidrat al-Muntaha–a very big tree of sidr. Each of the fruits of this tree is as large as a big jar. The leaves of this tree are similar to the ears of the elephants. Sidrat al-Muntaha is an extremely beautiful tree. It is visited by butterflies made of gold. When these butterflies gather on this tree, its beauty is beyond description.
Paradise
Then the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) ascended to what is beyond the seven skies; he entered Paradise. He saw examples of the inhabitants of Paradise and how their situation would be. He saw most of the inhabitants of Paradise are the poor people.
Hell
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) saw other things on the night of his ascension. He saw Sayyidina Malik, the angel in charge of the Hellfire. Sayyidina Malik did not smile at the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) when he saw him, and the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) asked why. In answer to the Prophet’s question, Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel said, “Malik did not smile since the day Allah created him. Had he smiled for anyone, he would have smiled for you.”
Hur ul-Ayn
In Paradise, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) saw some of the bounties Allah prepared for the inhabitants of Paradise. He saw the Hur ul-Ayn: females Allah created who are not humans or jinn. They are in Paradise and will be married to those men Allah willed them to marry.
Wildan ul-mukhalladun
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) saw the wildan ul-mukhalladun: creations of Allah who are not human, jinn, or angels. They are a very beautiful creation of Allah whose appearance is like laid-out pearls. They are servants of the inhabitants of Paradise. The least in status of the People of Paradise will have 10,000 wildan ul-mukhalladun to serve him. Each one of them would carry a tray of gold in one hand and a tray of silver in the other hand.
Arsh and Kursi
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) saw the Throne (Arsh), which is the ceiling of Paradise. The Throne is the largest creation of Allah in size; Allah did not create anything bigger in size than it. The seven heavens and the earth in comparison to the Kursi, are like a ring thrown in a desert, and the Kursi in comparison to the Throne, is like a ring thrown in a desert. The seven heavens and the earth in comparison to the Throne are like a seed of mustard compared to the ocean. Allah created the Throne as a sign of His Power and He did not create the Throne to sit on it.
Allah created the Throne to show His Power. It is carried by four angels, and on the Day of Judgment, it will be carried by eight. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) said he was permitted to speak about one of these angels who carry the Throne. In describing this angel, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) told us the distance between his ear lobe and shoulder is the distance a fast-flying bird would cover in 700 years.
Preserved Tablet
Then the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) ascended beyond Paradise. He reached a place where he heard the creaking of the pens used by the angels who are copying from the Preserved Tablet. It is at that location Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) heard the Kalam of Allah, which is an attribute of the Self of Allah. He heard the Kalam of Allah which does not resemble our speech–so it is not something that occurs bit after bit. It is not letter after letter or a word that comes after another word. Rather, it is an attribute of Allah which is eternal and everlasting. It does not resemble our attributes. The Kalam of Allah has neither silence nor interruptions. It is an attribute of Allah, and it does not resemble the attributes of the creation.
50 Prayers
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) understood several things from hearing this Kalam of Allah. He understood the obligation of the five Obligatory Prayers. At first, Allah obligated fifty prayers. When Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) encountered Sayyidina Musa, he ask him to make supplication (dua) to his Lord to ease the obligation of fifty (50) prayers, because his nation could not handle that. Sayyidina Musa said, “I have experience with the people of Israel, and I know your nation cannot bear that.” So the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) asked his Lord to lessen these prayers for his people. Five prayers were eliminated. Once again, Sayyidina Musa told the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) to ask Allah to lessen the number of prayers. Allah did. Nine times the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) made supplication to Allah to lessen these prayers–until these prayers were lessened to five Obligatory Prayers. So Prophet Musa was a great benefit to us. Had we been obligated to pray fifty prayers a day, this would have been a difficult matter for us.[12]
Intention
From the Kalam of Allah, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) also understood that a good deed would be written for the person who intends to do a good deed, even if he did not do it. Also, the good deed performed would be registered for he who performs it as at least ten good deeds–up to 700 good deeds. For some people, Allah would multiply the reward of their deeds more than that. Additionally, if one performs a bad deed, it is registered for him as one bad deed; yet for he who inclines towards committing a bad deed and then refrains from committing it, a good deed would be registered for him. Here one should note the difference between two matters. If a thought crossed a person’s mind about doing something sinful, and this person wavered in this thinking, i.e., considered whether he should do it or not, then he refrained from doing this for the sake of Allah, this is written as a good deed. However, if a person has the firm intention in his heart that he wants to commit a sin, and then commits the sin, it would be written for him as one sin.[13]
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam)
Returns to Makkah
After all these matters took place with the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam), he returned to the city of Makkah. Some scholars said the Prophet’s (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) journey took about one-third of the night, i.e., his journey from Makkah to Jerusalem, then to the heavens and what is above them, and then back to Makkah. The next day the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) told the people what happened to him the previous night. The blasphemers belied the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) and mocked him, saying, “We need a month to get there and back, and you are claiming to have done all this in one night?”
Sayyidina Abu Bakr
They said to Sayyidina Abu Bakr, “Look at what your companion is saying. He says he went to Jerusalem and came back in one night.” Sayyidina Abu Bakr told them, “If he said that, then he is truthful. I believe him concerning the news of the heavens–that an angel descends to him from the heavens. How could I not believe he went to Jerusalem and came back in a short period of time–when these are on earth?” At that, the Companion, Sayyidina Abu Bakr, was called “as–Siddiq”–because of how strongly he believed all what the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) said.
Evidence and Description
The blasphemous people questioned the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam): “If you are truthful, then describe to us Masjid al-Aqsa and its surroundings.” They asked this because they knew Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) had never been there before the previous night. Allah enabled the Messenger to see Masjid al-Aqsa, and he described the masjid and its surroundings in exact detail. Moreover, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) said, “On my way back, I saw some of your shepherds grazing their animals in a particular location. They were searching for a camel they had lost.” The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) continued by giving the description of the camel. When these shepherds came back, they told their people what happened to them–precisely as the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) had already told them.
These blasphemers admitted the Prophet’s (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) description was exact. Despite that, they were still stubborn and rejected the faith. They did not accept Islam. Only those whom Allah willed to be guided, will be guided. The person whom Allah did not will to be guided, will not believe–regardless of how much explanation or how many proofs he is shown. The person whom Allah willed to be guided, surely, he will be a believer. Many people witnessed miracles and still did not believe. Many people witnessed the miracle of the Prophet’s (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) splitting of the moon. Those who refused to embrace Islam said, “This is magic. Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) played a magic trick on our eyes.” They even asked the people of a faraway land who witnessed the moon split in two. Despite this, they still did not believe. They said, “The magic of Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wassallam) is powerful; it even reached the faraway lands!” This was their response to witnessing a miracle–instead of believing and becoming Muslims.
We ask Allah that we would all die as Muslims. We ask Allah to bestow on us the bounty of entering Paradise without torture.
And Allah knows best.
Sayyidina Anas bin Malik, Sayyidina Malik bin Sa’sa’a narrate from the best of creation (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, I was in the Hateem of the Ka’ba (semi circle), someone came and made Shaq al-Sadr (opening of the chest) from here to here….golden tray….heart with iman; wisdom,….animal….sayyidina Anas.
53:1
17:1
This Qasidah is spiritual and Irfani.
In poetry it is a norm to use terms for comparison so the reader/listener gets a better understanding, from the descriptive writings.
An overwhelming number of Companions have narrated this miracle in books of hadith and seerah – Allama Zarqani himself lists 45.[14]
[1] Qasida Me’rajiyya. Couplet No:67
[2] These titles are recorded in the books, “Al Fuyuzaatul Makkiya”, “Hisaamul Haramain” and “Ad Daulatul Makkiya.”
[3] Also available in English. Noori.org
[4] Surat al-Isra‘, (Bani Israeel) Surah Number 17. Verse: 1
[5] Surah Baqarah. Surah No:2. Verse:189
[6] My eyes sleep, my heart stays awake. (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 3304)
[7] Ma’arij Un Nubuwwah, Pg. No. 601
[8] One of the reasons the Me’raj took place at night is that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is Siraj, Siraj illuminates in the night.
There are three verses in the Qur’an which mention the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as a light from which we present only one. Allah said: “…indeed towards you has come a light from Allah, and a clear Book.” (Surah Maida. Surah No: 5. Verse:15)
Imam Suyuti in Tafsir al-Jalalayn, Fayruzabadi in the Tafsir Ibn ‘Abbas entitled Tanwir al-miqbas (p. 72), Shaykh al-Islam, Imam Fakhr al-Din al-Razi, the Mujaddid of the sixth century, in his Tafsir al-kabir (11:189), Qadi Baydawi in his Tafsir entitled Anwar al-tanzil, al-Baghawi in his Tafsir entitled Ma`alim al-tanzil (2:23), Imam al-Shirbini in his Tafsir entitled al-Siraj al-munir (p. 360), the author of Tafsir Abi Sa`ud (4:36), and Thana’ullah Pani Patti in his Tafsir al-mazhari, (3:67) said: “What is meant by a Light is: Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).”
[9] The blessed body of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is human (Bashar) and light (Noor). Bear in mind that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was by no means whatsoever dependant on the transport on Me’raj. Everything was in need of the blessed gazes; we say everything had a Me’raj due to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).
[10] The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was in the state of annihilation, drowned in the love of Allah (The Exalted). He does not know anything except Allah (The Exalted). No reason for one to say the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) did not know.
[11] Modes of Transport
- Buraq was used from Makkah to Jerusalem.
- Seri was used from Jerusalem to the first Heaven.
- Angles wings used from 1st Heaven to 7th
- Sayyidina Sayyiduna Jibreel’s wings used from 7th Heaven to Sidra tul Muntaha (the farthest point).
- Raf Raf used from Sidra tul Muntaha to Kaba Kow Sain Aw Adna.
From Maqam Aw Adna to Awha is equivalent to 300,000 years, some say 350,000 years.
[12] The secret in this was that Sayyidina Musa ask Allah for His vision nine times. His supplication was accepted in Me’raj but via the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Allah states; “And when Musa presented himself upon Our promise, and his Lord spoke to him, he said, “My Lord! Show me Your Self, so that I may see You”; He said, “You will never be able to see Me, but look towards the mountain – if it stays in its place, then you shall soon see Me”; so, when his Lord directed His light on the mountain, He blew it into bits and Musa fell down unconscious; then upon regaining consciousness he said, “Purity is to You! I incline towards You, and I am the first Muslim.”
[13] Sayyidina Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Allah ordered (the appointed angels over you) that the good and the bad deeds be written. He then showed (the way) how (to write). If somebody intends to do a good deed and he does not do it, then Allah will write for him a full good deed (in his account with Him). If he intends to do a good deed and actually, did it, then Allah will write for him (in his account) with Him (its reward equal) from ten to seven hundred times to many more times. If somebody intended to do a bad deed and he does not do it, then Allah will write a full good deed (in his account) with Him; and if he intended to do it (a bad deed) and actually, did it, then Allah will write one bad deed (in his account).” – (Bukhâri 8/498 and 9/592)
[14] The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) of Islam. Page: 394