Prophet's mode of travel in Al-Israa' and Al-Mi'raaj

1-3-2001 | IslamWeb

Question:

My friend and I had an argument about the mount that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used in Isra' and Mi'raaj. From what I know the mount was an animal called "Buraq". But my friend argued that it was not possible, that the mount was a flying shuttle. He said it was possible that Allaah wanted the Prophet (PBUH) to use the flying shuttle. I think what he meant was that it is impossible for human beings to breathe in outer space. What is Islam's opinion about that?
Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) is His slave and Messenger.

 

What is narrated in all the books of Muslim scholars and what is sound is that Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) may Allaah exalt his mention came to the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) on the night of Al-Israa' with an animal called Al-Buraaq. The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) mounted this animal and rode on it to Bayt Al-Maqdis (Al-Aqsa Mosque). He tied this animal to the same ring where other prophets used to tie their animals (the ones they rode).

It is narrated on the authority of Anas ibn Maalik may Allaah be pleased with him that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "I was brought Al-Buraaq, which is an animal white and long, larger than a donkey but smaller than a mule, which would place his hoof a distance equal to the range of vision. I mounted it and came to the Bayt Al-Maqdis in Jerusalem, then tethered it to the ring used by the prophets. I entered the mosque and prayed two Rak'ahs (units of prayer) in it, and then came out and Jibreel (Gabriel brought me a vessel of wine and a vessel of milk. I chose the milk, and Jibreel said: 'You have chosen the Fitrah'. Then he took me to Heaven…." [Muslim]

Thus, there is no doubt about this. Those who doubt the possibility of going up to the Heavens without space shuttles forget an important undoubted fact or do not understand it, which is that Allaah The Almighty is able of doing anything He wants, in any way He wants it to be done. Allaah The Almighty gave some of His slaves the faculty of doing miraculous things as a challenge to those who do not believe them. Allaah The Almighty favored them with these miraculous acts or objects to prove that they were sent by Him.

Allaah Knows best.

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