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According to the Muslim tradition, Muhammad began receiving revelations at the age of 40. The key themes of his messages in Mecca were the oneness of God and the rejection of polytheism, generosity towards the poor and the needy, kind treatment and emancipation of slaves, and the equality between men and women before God. Some of his peers respected his words and became his followers. Many others, including tribal leaders, opposed, ridiculed and eventually boycotted his clan, and Muhammad and his followers were harassed, assaulted, tortured and forced into exile. Several attempts were made on his life.[1][2] When his uncle and chief protector, Abu Talib, who was the head of the clan of Banu Hashim died, Muhammad migrated to Medina in 622, where he had many followers who agreed to help and assist him.
The Biography of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
1. When was the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) born?
He was born on Monday, 12th Rabi Al Awwal, April 22nd, 571 AC.
2. Where was the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) born?
In Makkah
3. What is the name of the Prophet's father?
Abdullah Ibn Abdul Muttalib.
4. What is the name of the Prophet's mother?
Aminah Bint Wahhab Ibn Abd Manaf Ibn Zahrah.
5. When and where did his (prophet's) father die?
He died in Madina before Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) was born.
6. What is the name of the Prophet's grandfather?
Abdul Muttalib.
7. What was his granfather's position?
He was the chief of his clan Bani Hashim.
8. What is the Prophet's (p.b.u.h.) lineage up to his fifth ancestor?
He is Muhammad Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Muttalib Ibn Hashim Ibn Abd Manaf Ibn Qusai Ibn Kilab.
9. Who suckled the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)?
First Thuyeba, the freed slave girl of his uncle Abdul Uzza known as Abu Lahab, then Haleema Bint Abu Dhuaib, best known as Haleema Al Sadiyah.
10. Who named the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)?
Abdul Muttalib.
11. What did Muhammad's (p.b.u.h.) mother name him?
Ahmad.
12. Why did she (the Prophet's mother) choose this name?
Because she saw an angel in a dream calling the new-born baby Ahmad.
13. How old was Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) when his mother died?
Six years old.
14. Where did his mother take him?
She took him to Yathrib (Madinah) to visit her relatives.
15. Where did his mother die?
On her way back to Makkah, she died at Abwa and was buried there.
16. Who brought Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) back to Makkah?
His father’s slave girl, Umm Aiman (May Allah be pleased with her).
17. Who took the charge of his care?
His grandfather Abdul Muttalib.
18. How long did The Prophet's grandfather take care of the Prophet Muhammad?
For two years.
19. How was his (Abdul Muttalib's) behavior with Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)?
He loved him very much and preferred him to his own sons.
20. What did Abdul Muttalib foretell about his grandson?
That he would hold a prestigious position.
21. Who took care of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) after the death of Abdul Muttalib?
His uncle Abu Talib.
22. How old was Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) when his grandfather Abdul Muttalib died?
About eight years old.
23. When did Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) travel to Syria and with whom?
He went to Syria with his uncle Abu Talib when he was twelve years old.
24. Who was Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her)?
She was a wealthy merchant of Makkah.
25. Why did she (Khadijah) want to marry Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)?
Because of his truthfulness and good conduct.
26. When did she (Khadijah) marry Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)?
When she was 40 years old.
27. How old was Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) at the time of the marriage?
He was 25.
28. What did he (the Prophet) give her (Khadijah) as Mahr (dowry)?
Twenty camels.
29. Was Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her) a widow?
Yes. The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) was her third husband.
30. How was Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) known in the society?
He was known as Al Ameen (trustworthy) and Al Sadiq (truthful).
31. Did he get any sort of education?
No, he didnt get any formal education from the society, rather he was taught by Almighty Allah.
32. What should one say when the Prophet's (p.b.u.h.) name is mentioned?
One should say صلى الله عليه وسلم (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
33. How many times is the name of Muhammad mentioned in the Holy Quran?
Four times.
34. What are the names of the Prophet’s (p.b.u.h.) uncles?
They are: Harith, Zubair, Abu Talib, Hamzah (May Allah be pleased with him), Abu Lahab, Ghidaq, Maqwam, Safar and Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him).
35. In the New Testament by what name was the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) mentioned?
By the name of Paraclete.
36. What is Kabah?
It is the oldest house of worship on the earth.
37. Who built it?
The Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismael (May Allah be pleased with them).
38. How did Quraish arrange rebuilding of Kabah?
They divided the work among various tribes. Each tribe was responsible for rebuilding a part of it.
39. Who laid the stones?
A Byzantine mason called Baqum.
40. Where did the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) go into seclusion?
To the Cave of Hira.
21. Who took care of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) after the death of Abdul Muttalib?
His uncle Abu Talib.
22. How old was Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) when his grandfather Abdul Muttalib died?
About eight years old.
23. When did Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) travel to Syria and with whom?
He went to Syria with his uncle Abu Talib when he was twelve years old.
24. Who was Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her)?
She was a wealthy merchant of Makkah.
25. Why did she (Khadijah) want to marry Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)?
Because of his truthfulness and good conduct.
26. When did she (Khadijah) marry Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)?
When she was 40 years old.
27. How old was Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) at the time of the marriage?
He was 25.
28. What did he (the Prophet) give her (Khadijah) as Mahr (dowry)?
Twenty camels.
29. Was Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her) a widow?
Yes. The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) was her third husband.
30. How was Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) known in the society?
He was known as Al Ameen (trustworthy) and Al Sadiq (truthful).
31. Did he get any sort of education?
No, he didnt get any formal education from the society, rather he was taught by Almighty Allah.
32. What should one say when the Prophet's (p.b.u.h.) name is mentioned?
One should say صلى الله عليه وسلم (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
33. How many times is the name of Muhammad mentioned in the Holy Quran?
Four times.
34. What are the names of the Prophet’s (p.b.u.h.) uncles?
They are: Harith, Zubair, Abu Talib, Hamzah (May Allah be pleased with him), Abu Lahab, Ghidaq, Maqwam, Safar and Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him).
35. In the New Testament by what name was the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) mentioned?
By the name of Paraclete.
36. What is Kabah?
It is the oldest house of worship on the earth.
37. Who built it?
The Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismael (May Allah be pleased with them).
38. How did Quraish arrange rebuilding of Kabah?
They divided the work among various tribes. Each tribe was responsible for rebuilding a part of it.
39. Who laid the stones?
A Byzantine mason called Baqum.
40. Where did the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) go into seclusion?
To the Cave of Hira.
41. What was the fist stage of the revelation?
True dreams.
42. When did the first revelation come down to him?
On Monday, 21st of Ramadan, at night (August 10th, 610 AC). He was forty years then.
43. Who brought it?
Jibrael.
44. Who were the first to embrace Islam?
Four persons: Khadijah his wife, Zaid Ibn Haritha his freed slave, Ali Ibn Abi Talib his cousin and Abu Bakr his friend (May Allah be pleased with them).
45. Who accepted Islam at the instance of Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him)?
Uthman Ibn Affan, Zubair Ibn Awwam, Abdur Rahman Ibn Awf, Sad Ibn Abi Waqqaas, Talha Ibn Ubaidullah and Saeed Ibn Zaid (Umar’s son-in-law) (May Allah be pleased with them).
46. Who were the ladies to accept Islam at first?
Abbas’s wife Ummaul Fadl, Abu Bakr’s wife Asma Bint Umais, his daughter Asma Bint Abi Bakr and Fatimah Bint Al Khattab Umar’s sister (May Allah be pleased with them).
47. How was the Dawah done in the beginning?
It was done in secret.
48. How many people embraced Islam in the early stage?
About forty.
49. How many years did the call in secret continue?
For three years.
50. During this period, where would the Muslims gather secretly?
They would gather secretly in the house of a Muslim called Arqam to learn about Islam and the revelations sent down to the Prophet (p.b.u.h.).
51. When did the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) start to preach Islam openly?
After three years when he received the revelation to that effect.
52. What was the impact of his public preaching?
The people accepted Islam increasingly.
53. What was the main miracle of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.)?
The Holy Quran.
54. Did the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) perform other miracles?
Yes, the splitting of the moon was one of them.
55. Who was Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib?
One of the Prophet’s (p.b.u.h.) uncles.
56. Name some of the disbelievers of Makkah who supported the Prophet (p.b.u.h.), but did not embrace Islam until the end.
Abu Talib, Mutim Ibn Adi and Abul Bukhtari.
57. How long did Abu Talib protect the Prophet (p.b.u.h)?
For 42 years – from the Prophet’s childhood until he himself died.
58. Who was Mutim Ibn Adi?
A chief of Makkah.
59. When did he (Mutim Ibn Adi) give protection to the Prophet (p.b.u.h.)?
When the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) returned from Taif and wanted to enter Makkah.
60. When did he (Mutim Ibn Adi) die?
He was killed in the Battle of Badr.
61. Who was Abul Bukhtari?
He was a poet.
62. How did he (Abul Bukhtari) support the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)?
He spoke out against the social boycott.
63. What lead the Muslims to emigrate to Abyssinia?
Their growing persecution at the hands of Quraish.
64. Which Surah lead to this emigration?
Surah Az Zumar.
65. When was Abul Bukhtari killed?
In the battle of Badr.
66. Who was then the King of Abyssinia?
The King of Abyssinia, known as Najjashi (the Negus), during the time of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) was As'hama.
67. When did the first group of Muslims leave for Abyssinia?
In Rajab, in the fifth year of Prophethood.
68. How many persons were there in the group?
12 men and 4 women.
69. How were the emigrants received in Abyssinia?
They were received warmly and hospitably.
70. When did the second group of emigrants leave for Abyssinia?
In the fifth year of Prophethood.
71. How many people formed the group?
83 men and 18 women.
72. Name a prominent companion included in this group.
Ja'far Ibn Abi Talib (May Allah be pleased with him).
73. What did Quraish do?
They despatched two envoys to Abyssinia to demand the extradition of the emigrants.
74. How did the King respond?
He refused to extradite the Muslims and assured them of his full protection.
75. When did Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) accept Islam?
At the age of 27.
76. Who was Bilal Ibn Rabah (May Allah be pleased with him)?
He was a slave of Umayyah Ibn Khalaf.
77. What was his (Bilal Ibn Rabah's) origin?
He was of Abyssinian decent.
78. What was the name of Bilal's mother?
Hamama.
79. Who was Yaser (May Allah be pleased with him)?
He was a slave of Abu Jahl.
80. Who was Sumayyah (May Allah be pleased with her)?
She was Yaser's (a slave of Abu Jahl) wife.
81. Who was Ammar (May Allah be pleased with him)?
He was Yaser and Sumayyah's only son.
82. How did Summaya (May Allah be pleased) die?
Abu Jahl murderded her with a bayonet.
83. Who was Zaid Ibn Haritha (May Allah be pleased with him)?
He was a slave.
84. Who purchased him (Zaid Ibn Haritha)?
Khadijah's nephew Hakim Ibn Hizam purchased him and presented him to her.
85. What did Khadijah do with Zaid Bin Haritha?
She presented him to the Prophet who set him free.
86. Did Zaid Bin Haritha want to go to his parents?
No, he preferred to live with the Prophet (p.b.u.h.).
87. To whom was Zaid Bin Haritha married?
To Umma Aiman (May Allah be pleased with her).
88. Who was Ja'far?
He was the elder brother of Ali Ibn Talib (May Allah be pleased with him).
89. Where did he (Ja'far) emigrate?
To Abyssinia.
90. Who was Ali (May Allah be pleased with him)?
He was the son of Abu Talib and cousin of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.).
91. When did Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) accept Islam?
When he was 10.
92. What was he (Ali) called for his bravery?
The "Lion of Allah".
93. Whom did Ali first marry?
He first married the Prophet's (p.b.u.h.) daughter Fatimah (may Allah be pleased with her).
94. How many sons did Ali have from her?
Two sons: Hasan and Husain (May Allah be pleased with them).
95. When did Sa'd bn Abi Waqqas (May Allah be pleased with him) become a Muslim?
When he was 19.
96. Where did Sa'd (May Allah be pleased with him) die?
He died in Al Madinah.
97. What was Sa'd's advice to Muslims?
To stand united.
98. Who was Abu Bakr's father (May Allah be pleased with him) and did he accept Islam?
He was Uthman (May Allah be pleased with him) (Abu Quhafah). Yes, he accepted Islam during the Conquest of Makkah.
9 Things You Didn’t Know About The Prophet’s Madina Masjid
Posted by: Muhammad Wajid AkhterSeeing a scene of impeccable beauty, we often hear the term “Heaven on Earth!” But there is only one place that literally has the right to proclaim itself heaven on Earth. There, deep in the mosque of the Prophet
(masjid
Nabawi), covered by green carpets and the tears of millions, lies a
“garden from the gardens of paradise.” It is a place known to every
Muslim who has ever lived, yet there's still much we don't know about
it. Here are just some of the interesting facts and mysteries of the
Prophet's Mosque:9. The first place in the Arabian Peninsula to have electricity
When the Ottomans introduced electricity to the Arabian Peninsula, the first place to be lit up was the mosque of the Prophet
. By some accounts, it would be a few more years before the Sultan himself had full electricity in his own palace in Istanbul.
The current mosque is more than 100 times the size of the original building. This means that the current mosque covers almost the entire area of the old city itself. This is evident from the fact that whereas Jannat Al-Baqi cemetery was on the outskirts of the city during the time of the Prophet
, it now borders the precincts of the current mosque grounds.
roomIt has long been the stuff of legend that there is an “empty grave” next to where the Prophet
, Abu Bakr 
and Umar
are buried. This was confirmed, however, when the individuals who went
in to change the coverings in the hujrah in the 1970s noted the presence
of an empty space. Whether or not it is meant for Isa 
when he returns is a matter of debate.6. It was destroyed by fire
The majority of the old mosque, including the original mimbar of the Prophet
, was destroyed in a fire that swept through the mosque centuries after the Prophet died. The fire was so extensive that the roof and even some of the walls of the room of the Prophet collapsed, revealing his resting place for the first time in 600 years.5. There was no dome before, now there are two!
For more than 650 years after the Prophet
passed away, there was no dome over his
grave. The first one was built in 1279 by a Mamluk sultan and was made
of wood. The green dome that we see today is actually the outer dome
over the room of the Prophet . There is an inner dome that is much smaller and has the name of the Prophet , Abu Bakr and Umar inscribed on the inside.4. The dome used to be purple!
Yup – purple. It turns out that the dome has been through various colors and renovations before it reached its current form and colour about 150 years ago. At one point it used to be white and for the longest period it was a purple-blue colour that the Arabs of Hijaz were particularly fond of.
Most mosques only have one mihrab, but the Prophet's
mosque has three. The current mihrab is the one used nowadays for the imām
to lead prayers. The next mihrab is set back and is called the
Suleymaniye or Ahnaf mihrab. It was made on the orders of the Sultan
Suleyman the magnificent for the Hanafi imām to lead prayers whilst the Maliki imām lead prayers from the Prophetic mihrab. The Prophetic mihrab completely covers the area that the Prophet used to lead prayers from except where he placed his feet.2. What lies in the room of Fatima
?Items belonging to the Prophet
were housed in his room or the room of Fatima which was incorporated into his room after a major expansion. When Madīnah
was under siege during World War I, the Ottoman commander had many
priceless artifacts evacuated to Istanbul, hidden in the clothes of
women and children. They can now be seen in the Topkapi Palace. However,
intriguingly, some items still remain but are undocumented.1. It is FULL of secret signs
Yes, the mosque of the Prophet
is covered with so many subtle signs and secrets that it makes the
DaVinci Code look like a cheap puzzle for pre-schoolers. Each pillar,
each dome, each window carries a story and indicates the location of
events that carry historical and spiritual significance. The people who
constructed the Prophet's Mosque realized that it would be impossible to
put up signs everywhere as it would distract from the main purpose of
prayers. Therefore, they came up with an ingenious way of indicating a
location of importance through minor changes in the design of
surrounding objects. What are the secrets? Well, that is a story for
another day inshā'Allāh.
was never just a mosque. It was the center of the first Islamic
community and nation. It was the scene of our greatest triumphs and
tragedies. It was a community center, homeless refuge, university and
mosque all rolled into one.Like the Muslim community, it has grown over the years and become more modern with each passing generation. But despite the exponential growth and changes from the simple Hijazi date palm trunk interior to the marble and gold clad structure we have today – the inner core remains the same. Perhaps there's a lesson in there for us all.
MIRACALES OF PROHPET MUHAMMAD (pbuh)- SPLITTING OF THE MOON
Islamic view of miracles
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Quran
Al-Qurʾān - (القرآن)  |
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In order to defend the possibility of miracles and God's omnipotence against the encroachment of the independent secondary causes, medieval Muslim theologians rejected the idea of cause and effect in essence, but accepted it as something that facilitates humankind's investigation and comprehension of natural processes. They argued that the nature was composed of uniform atoms that were "re-created" at every instant by God. Thus if the soil was to fall, God would have to create and re-create the accident of heaviness for as long as the soil was to fall. For Muslim theologians, the laws of nature were only the customary sequence of apparent causes: customs of God.[3]
Contents |
Definition
A systematic definition of miracles performed by apostles can be found in the work of the Muslim scholar al-Īd̲j̲ī Mawāḳif, historian A.J. Wensinck states.[2] The main purpose of miracle is to prove the sincerity of the apostle and has to satisfy the following conditions:[2]- It must be performed by God
- "It must be contrary to the usual course of things"
- It should be impossible to contradict it
- "It must happen at the hands of him who claims to be an apostle
- "It must be in conformity with his announcement of it, and the miracle itself must not be a disavowal of his claim"
- "It must follow on his claim"[2]
Splitting of the moon
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Moon suddenly splitting)
Muhammad
Muḥammad - (محمد)
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Early traditions supporting a literal interpretation are transmitted on the authority of companions of Muhammad such as Ibn Abbas, Anas bin Malik, Abdullah bin Masud and others.[2][3] According to the Indian Muslim scholar Abdullah Yusuf Ali, the moon will split again when the day of judgment approaches. He says that the verse may also have an allegorical meaning, i.e. the matter has become clear as the moon.[4][5] The Qur'anic verse 54:1-2 was part of the debate between medieval Muslim theologians and Muslim philosophers over the issue of the inviolability of heavenly bodies. Philosophers held that the heavenly bodies could not be pierced because unlike the terrestrial matter, they were not composed of the four fundamental elements of earth, air, fire, and water.[5] Some other rationalistic Muslim thinkers had difficulties accepting any preternatural event, and sometimes argued that only an appearance of the split of the moon had happened.[4]
The narrative was used by some later Muslims to convince others of the prophethood of Muhammad.[4] It has also inspired many Muslim poets, especially in India.[6]
Contents |
The Qur'an and Islamic tradition
Verse 54:1-2 of the Qur'an reads:
بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيم اقْتَرَبَتِ السَّاعَةُ وَانشَقَّ الْقَمَرُ وَإِن يَرَوْا آيَةً يُعْرِضُوا وَيَقُولُوا سِحْرٌ مُّسْتَمِرٌّ
Translation: The hour drew nigh and the moon did rend asunder. And if they see a miracle they turn aside and say: Transient magic.
We were along with God's Messenger at Mina, that moon was split up into two. One of its parts was behind the mountain and the other one was on this side of the mountain. God's Messenger said to us: Bear witness to this 039:6725Al-Zamakhshari, a famous commentator of the Qur'an, acknowledged the splitting of the moon as one of Muhammad's miracles. But he also suggested that the splitting might take place only on the day of judgment.[5] The Muslim scholar Yusuf Ali provides three different interpretations of the verse. He holds that perhaps all three are applicable to the verse: Moon once appeared cleft asunder at the time of Muhammad in order to convince the unbelievers. It will split again when the day of judgment approaches (here the prophetic past tense is taken to indicate the future). Yusuf Ali connects this incident with the disruption of the solar system mentioned in 75:8-9. Lastly, he says that the verses can be metaphorical, meaning that the matter has become clear as the moon.[10]
Dissenting commentators who do not accept the miracle narration such as Hasan al-Basri (d. 110 H.) and 'Ata al-Khurasani (d. 135 H.) believe that the verse only refers to the splitting of the moon at the day of judgment.[4][8][11] Likewise, M. A. S. Abdel Haleem writes:
The Arabic uses the past tense, as if that Day were already here, to help the reader/listener imagine how it will be. Some traditional commentators hold the view that this describes an actual event at the time of the Prophet, but it clearly refers to the end of the world.[12]Some Muslim scholars postulate and believe that a (now known) Astronomical event must have happened at that time, which made it appear to the observers as if the moon had been split in two, because the phenomenon was seen at least in India as well.[13] One of the possible lunar events could be a large asteroid hitting the moon, and the plume and debri from the strike blocking enough lunar view to make it appear as if the Moon had split in two. A second possibility could be a celestial body passing between Earth and the Moon and blocking some part of lunar surface for short time. Moreover, in the light of the verse that was revealed at that time, the word "Saa'at" also means spiritual revolution, so the event also symbolized the end of the Pagan Arab culture and religions which used Moon as their symbol or worshipped moon gods. Though a few other Muslim thinkers had difficulties accepting this event and other preternatural events and, according to Annemarie Schimmel, sometimes tried to "de-mythologize" it.[4][5] For example, Shah Waliullah of Delhi (d. 1762) said that the event "may have been a kind of hallucination, or perhaps caused by a smoke, by the swooping down of a star, a cloud, or an eclipse of the sun or the moon which might be given the impression that the moon was actually split in two."[4]
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This section does not cite any references or sources. (September 2012) |
In later Islam
The narrative was used by some later Muslims to convince others of the prophethood of Muhammad. Annemarie Schimmel for example quotes the following from Muslim scholar Qadi Iyad who lived in Ceuta in Spain:[4]It has not been said of any people on the earth that the moon was observed that night such that it could be stated that it was not split. Even if this had been reported from many different places, so that one would have to exclude the possibility that all agreed upon a lie, yet, we would not accept this as proof to the contrary, for the moon is not seen in the same way by different people.... An eclipse is visible in one country but not in the other one; in one place it is total, in the other one only partial.Western historians such as A.J. Wensinck and Denis Gril, reject the historicity of the miracle arguing that the Qur'an itself denies miracles, in their traditional sense, in connection with Muhammad.[6][14]
Debate over the inviolability of heavenly bodies
In order to deal with implication of the traditional understanding of the Qur'anic verse 54:1-2, philosophers argued that the verse should be interpreted metaphorically (e.g. the verse could have referred to a partial lunar eclipse in which then earth obscured part of the moon).[5]
Literature
This tradition has inspired many Muslim poets, especially in India.[6] In poetical language Muhammad is sometimes equated with the sun or the morning light. As such, part of a poem from Sana'i, a renowned early twelfth century Persian Sufi poet, reads: "the sun should split the moon in two".[4] Jalal ad-Din Rumi, a renowned Persian-writing poet and mystic, in one of his poems conveys the idea that to be split by the Muhammad's finger is the greatest bliss the lowly moon can hope for and a devoted believers splits the moon with Muhammad's finger.[4] Elaborating on this idea, Abd ar-Rahman Jami, one of the classical poets and mystics of Persia, plays with the shapes and numerical values of Arabic letters in a complicated way: The full moon, Jami says, resembles the Arabic letter for a circular m with the numerical value 40. When Muhammad split the moon, it became like two crescent-shaped n's (the Arabic letter for "n") whose numerical value is 50 each. This would mean that, thanks for the miracle, the value of moon had increased.[4]In another place Rumi, according to Schimmel, alludes to two miracles attributed to Muhammad in tradition, i.e. the splitting of the moon (which shows the futility of man's scientific approach to nature), and the other that Muhammad being an illiterate:[4]
Modern hoax
NASA photograph of a scar on the surface of the
moon alleged to be evidence of a healed split
See also
- Islamic view of miracles
- Islamic view of Moses, for the miracle of splitting the Sea, retold in the Qur'an
- Muhammad before Medina
- Cheraman Perumal
- Rille
Cheraman Perumal (Tamil: சேரமான் பெருமாள்; Malayalam:ചേരമാൻ പെരുമാൾ; Arabic: رضي الله عنه) is the royal title used by the rulers of the Chera dynasty in southern India.[1]
Cheraman legend
William Logan[3] accepted the story as authentic but changed the date of conversion from 345 AD to 825 AD. The Perumal, however, could not have met Muhammad (570–632 AD) either in 825 AD or in 345 AD. The mosque at Kodungallur, purportedly built on the instruction of the last Perumal in 629 AD exhibits the style of middle Chola architecture and a team of historians who studied its foundation safely placed it in the 12th century.[4] The mosque at Madayi, one of ten believed to have built at the instruction of the last Perumal, had a plaque attributing its foundation to Hegira 518 i.e., 1124 AD.[3][5]'On a moon-lit night the king while walking on the rooftop of his palace along with the queen saw the moon suddenly splitting into two halves. Later he came to know through the Arab traders that a prophet called Muhammad had wrought a miracle on that fateful night, and sundered the moon before a crowd of dazed spectators. Impressed by this new messenger of God in Arabia, the king set out for the holy land after dividing his kingdom and assigning various territories to local chieftains to ensure smooth governance. In Arabia he met Mohammed and embraced Islam in the presence of Abu Bakr Siddique, who later became the first caliph. Cheraman, who took a Muslim name, Tajuddin, died on his way back to India and was buried on the shore of the Arabian Sea at Salalah in the Sultanate of Oman'. It is said that he had earlier written letters to the local rulers of Malabar and sent it through his ministers along with Malik bin Dinar, a companion of Muhammad. In the letters he had asked them to "receive the bearers of the letters and treat them well and help them to construct mosques at Kodungallur and elsewhere". The rulers of Kerala honoured the letters and permitted Malik Bin Dinar and his fellow Arab traders to build mosques in Kerala. The mosque built in the early 7th century at Kodungallur, known as Cheraman Malik Masjid, still exists with its original structure and is said to be the oldest mosque in the sub-continent. It is named after both Cheraman Perumal and Malik bin Dinar."[2] Another mosque built during this period was the Malik Dinar Mosque.
Some have argued[who?]that it is not Rama Varma Kulashekhara but Bhaskara Ravi Varma who is the protagonist of this legend. However, the life of Bhaskara Ravi Varma is well documented and there is no report of his having left his empire. Another school of thought believes that he converted to Buddhism or Jainism and there is yet another version according to which Perumal converted to Christianity, went on a pilgrimage to Mylapore, died there and is buried beside the tomb of St. Thomas, the Apostle.[6] Prof. A. Sreedhara Menon concluded that the legend of Rama Varama Kulashekhara's conversion originated as a figment of imagination or as a case of mistaken identity and continued to be reproduced without critical examination.[7][8]
Keralolpathi a book written in the 17th century Kerala, talks about a Cheraman Vadakkan Perumal of Tulunadu origin who established a dynasty who started practicing Matriarchy at Valarpattanam (Valapattanam Kannur). This Tulu Cheraman Perumal alias Kulasekhara was the brother of Tulunadu King Kaviraja Singhan (Kavi Alupendra 1110 to 1160 C.E.) of the Alupas Pandyan Kingdom of Tulunadu. Keralolpathi says that under the orders of Krishnaraya from Aryapura the brother of Tulu king Kaviraja singha invaded Kerala with a army of three hundred and fifty thousand strong Nair army under the leadership of Padamala Nair with the help of Arabs. The Kulasekhara dynasty (Second Cheras) of Tamils, was shifted to Venad following this Tulu invasion which happened at 1102 AD.Though this Tulu Cheraman Vadakkan Perumal according to Keralolpathi was the overlord of all Kerala and Tulunadu for a brief period he faced opposition from Kerala so he sought the help of Arabs. Cheraman Vadakkan Perumal established a Matriarchal dynasty at Kannur by marrying a women of Vellala community from north, i.e. Tulunadus Bunt (community)/Nairs whose descendents were the Kolathiri Kings. Karipathu Kovilakathu Udayavarman Kolathiri, a son of Cheraman Vadakkan Perumla Kulasekhara was crowned the first king of Kolathiri dynasty at Madayi Kotta.Thus after 1200 the Tamils under Rama Varma Kulashekhara Kulasekhara dynasty (Second Cheras) were forced to move to Venad by the Tulu invaders under Kulasekhara alias Cheraman Vadakkan Perumal of the Tulunadus Alupas Pandyan Kingdom in 1102 AD.Keralolpathy mentions the mixture of Tamil Vellalas who mixed with the Nairs, sub castes of Tulunadus Bunt (community) i.e. Nayara Menava Kuruba and Samantha.Keralolpathy mentions Sudra 944 Vellala-Nair Illams which supported this Tulu Cheraman Perumal.The Cheraman Vadakkan Perumal who suspected his General Padamala Nair ordered him to be executed after the false allegations of one of his queens. In his death bed the Padamala Nair advised Kulasekhara to seek the help of Arabs. However the Cheraman Perumal title belongs to the Tamils of Chera Dynasty and not to the invaders from Tulunadu as claimed by the Keralolpathi.[9] Keralolpathi explains the presence of sub castes of Tulu Bunt (community) including Nayara Menava Kuruba and Samantha Kshatriya along with some Tulu Pandyan princes after the 12th century who practised Matriarchy unlike earlier Tamils. ‘’’Tajuddeen Cheraman Perumal (رضي الله عنه)’’’, Arabic تاج الدّين جيرمان برمال was the ruler of southern Indian kingdom of Perumal dynasty. He is the first swahaba (the disciple of Muhammed) to accept the Islamic thoughts and he paved path for the arrival and propagation of Islamic thoughts in Indian subcontinent. He wrote letter to his family members to provide enough land to construct the masjids in Kerala.[10]
Malik Deenar Research Congress
Malk Deenar Research Congress is a historical research center based within the history department at the Academy and promotes historical researches among the Muslim community in India.[11] The Congress is focused on the historical researches among the Muslim community in India and it was named after Sayyiduna Malik Deenar, the first follower of Muhammed, came to India to propagate Islam in the Indian Subcontinent.[12] MDRC promotes seven Full-time research fellows who are working on a Bachelor Degree of Islamic and Contemporary Studies, provided by Darul Huda Islamic University[13] at Malik Deenar Islamic Academy, Kasaragod.[14] Suhail Hidaya Hudawi is the Director of Research Congress. Malik Deenar Great Juma Masjid Committee provides the financial assistance for the congress.[15]----------------------------------------
NEW YORK, United States: Recent scientific research has confirmed the miracle of Prophet Muhammad Al-Mostafa (peace be upon him and his holy progeny) regarding “moon splitting”.
It has been proved through a picture captured by NASA which was published throughout the world.
The photo from NASA using Apollo 10 and Apollo 11 shows a clear indication (a line) that the Moon was split in past.
The report, spread on scientific foundations in different global parts, said that the picture which illustrates splitting of moon confirms that the moon was split into two halves during its geological age. The report said the scientists were unable to give any scientific explanation for happening of ‘moon splitting’ as any such splitting was never happened to any heavenly body prior to what happened to the moon. The geologists assert that it is impossible that such a line appears save the moon was split into two halves and then it was rejoined.
This miracle of the Prophet (peace be upon him and his holy progeny) is mentioned in the beginning of Sura Al-Qamar (the moon) about the split of the moon [54:1] ‘The Hour has drawn near, and the moon has been cleft asunder (the people of Makkah requested Prophet Muhammad to show them a miracle, so he showed them the splitting of the moon)’.
 |
| The crew of Apollo 11: Commander Neil A. Armstrong,
Command Module pilot Michael Collins, Lunar Module pilot Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr. May 1, 1969. (NASA photo ID S69-31739) |
The challenge was to split the moon in to two pieces when it is full.
As was related by Adbullah ibn Mas‘ud, while they were in Mina one night, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his holy progeny) split the moon into two by a gesture of his index finger. The two parts had separated and receded so much apart from each other that to the on-lookers one part had appeared on one side of the mountain and the other on the other side of it. Then in an instant the two had rejoined. Then, the Prophet (peace be upon him and his holy progeny) turned to us and said: ‘Be witnesses!’
The amazing and wonderful phenomenon of the splitting of the Moon when it was full was a manifest sign of the truth that the Resurrection, of which the Holy Prophet was giving them the news, could take place and that it had approached near at hand.
This was a manifest proof of the truth that the system of the Universe was neither eternal nor immortal it could be disrupted. David Mosa Pidcook (leader on British Muslim Party) said: It was shown in BBC a program where there was a debate between three experts.
The discussion was about if the amount of money paid by NASA to send a human to land on the surface of the moon to study the inner structure of the moon was worth it or not?? The American government authorized a budget of $100, 000, 000, 000 (one hundred thousand million dollar) for this project. One of the discoveries of that project was that there is a layer of material that splits the moon into two halves and the only explanation to this discovery that the moon was split at some times in its history and rejoined!!!
ISRA AND MIRAJ -NIGHT JOURNEY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (pbuh)
According to traditions, the journey is associated with the Lailat al Mi'raj, as one of the most significant events in the Islamic calendar.[3]
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Islamic sources
The event of Isra and Mi'raj are referred to briefly in the Qur'an. For greater detail, they have been discussed in supplemental traditions to the Qur'an, known as Hadith literature. Within the Qur'an itself, there are two verses in chapter 17, which has been named after the Isra, and is called "Chapter Isra" or "Sura Al-Isra". There is also some information in Sura An-Najm, which some scholars say is related to the Isra and Mi'raj.[4]Of the supplemental writings, hadith, two of the best known are by Anas ibn Malik, who would have been a young boy at the time of Muhammad's journey
Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing.—Quran, Chapter 17 (Al-Isra) verse 1[2]
And [remember, O Muhammad], when We told you, "Indeed, your Lord has encompassed the people." And We did not make the sight which We showed you except as a trial for the people, as was the accursed tree [mentioned] in the Qur'an. And We threaten them, but it increases them not except in great transgression.—Quran, Chapter 17 (Al-Isra) verse 60[5]
And he certainly saw him in another descent,
At the Lote-tree of the Utmost Boundary -
Near it is the Garden of Refuge -
When there covered the Lote Tree that which covered [it]
The sight [of the Prophet] did not swerve, nor did it transgress [its limit].
He certainly saw of the greatest signs of his Lord.—Quran, Chapter 53 (An-Najm), verses 13-18[4]
Hadith
The whole incident of Isra and Mi'raj is mentioned in great details in the following hadith narrated by Anas ibn Sa'sa'a:The Prophet said, "While I was at the House in a state midway between sleep and wakefulness, (an angel recognized me) as the man lying between two men. A golden tray full of wisdom and belief was brought to me and my body was cut open from the throat to the lower part of the abdomen and then my abdomen was washed with Zam-zam water and (my heart was) filled with wisdom and belief. Al-Buraq, a white animal, smaller than a mule and bigger than a donkey was brought to me and I set out with Gabriel. When I reached the nearest heaven. Gabriel said to the heaven gate-keeper, 'Open the gate.' The gatekeeper asked, 'Who is it?' He said, 'Gabriel.' The gate-keeper,' Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel said, 'Muhammad.' The gate-keeper said, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel said, 'Yes.' Then it was said, 'He is welcomed. What a wonderful visit his is!' Then I met Adam and greeted him and he said, 'You are welcomed O son and a Prophet.' Then we ascended to the second heaven. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel said, 'Gabriel.' It was said, 'Who is with you?' He said, 'Muhammad' It was asked, 'Has he been sent for?' He said, 'Yes.' It was said, 'He is welcomed. What a wonderful visit his is!" Then I met Jesus and Yahya (John the Baptist) who said, 'You are welcomed, O brother and a Prophet.' Then we ascended to the third heaven. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel said, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is with you? Gabriel said, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been sent for?' 'Yes,' said Gabriel. 'He is welcomed. What a wonderful visit his is!' (The Prophet added:). There I met Joseph and greeted him, and he replied, 'You are welcomed, O brother and a Prophet!' Then we ascended to the 4th heaven and again the same questions and answers were exchanged as in the previous heavens. There I met Idris and greeted him. He said, 'You are welcomed O brother and Prophet.' Then we ascended to the 5th heaven and again the same questions and answers were exchanged as in previous heavens. there I met and greeted Aaron who said, 'You are welcomed O brother and a Prophet". Then we ascended to the 6th heaven and again the same questions and answers were exchanged as in the previous heavens. There I met and greeted Moses who said, 'You are welcomed O brother and a Prophet.' When I proceeded on, he started weeping and on being asked why he was weeping, he said, 'O Lord! Followers of this youth who was sent after me will enter Paradise in greater number than my followers.' Then we ascended to the seventh heaven and again the same questions and answers were exchanged as in the previous heavens. There I met and greeted Abraham who said, 'You are welcomed o son and a Prophet.' Then I was shown Al-Bait-al-Ma'mur (i.e. Allah's House). I asked Gabriel about it and he said, This is Al Bait-ul-Ma'mur where 70,000 angels perform prayers daily and when they leave they never return to it (but always a fresh batch comes into it daily).' Then I was shown Sidrat al-Muntaha (i.e. a tree in the seventh heaven) and I saw its Nabk fruits which resembled the clay jugs of Hajr (i.e. a town in Arabia), and its leaves were like the ears of elephants, and four rivers originated at its root, two of them were apparent and two were hidden. I asked Gabriel about those rivers and he said, 'The two hidden rivers are in Paradise, and the apparent ones are the Nile and the Euphrates.' Then fifty prayers were enjoined on me. I descended till I met Moses who asked me, 'What have you done?' I said, 'Fifty prayers have been enjoined on me.' He said, 'I know the people better than you, because I had the hardest experience to bring Bani Israel to obedience. Your followers cannot put up with such obligation. So, return to your Lord and request Him (to reduce the number of prayers.' I returned and requested Allah (for reduction) and He made it forty. I returned and (met Moses) and had a similar discussion, and then returned again to Allah for reduction and He made it thirty, then twenty, then ten, and then I came to Moses who repeated the same advice. Ultimately Allah reduced it to five. When I came to Moses again, he said, 'What have you done?' I said, 'Allah has made it five only.' He repeated the same advice but I said that I surrendered (to Allah's Final Order)'" Allah's Apostle was addressed by Allah, "I have decreed My Obligation and have reduced the burden on My slaves, and I shall reward a single good deed as if it were ten good deeds.—Sahih al-Bukhari, volume 4,Book 54, Hadith number 429[6]
It is narrated on the authority of Anas b. Malik that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: I was brought al-Buraq Who is an animal white and long, larger than a donkey but smaller than a mule, who would place his hoof a distance equal to the range of version. I mounted it and came to the Temple (Bait Maqdis in Jerusalem), then tethered it to the ring used by the prophets. I entered the mosque and prayed two rak'ahs in it, and then came out and Gabriel brought me a vessel of wine and a vessel of milk. I chose the milk, and Gabriel said: You have chosen the natural thing. Then he took me to heaven. Gabriel then asked the (gate of heaven) to be opened and he was asked who he was. He replied: Gabriel. He was again asked: Who is with you? He (Gabriel) said: Muhammad. It was said: Has he been sent for? Gabriel replied: He has indeed been sent for. And (the door of the heaven) was opened for us and lo! we saw Adam. He welcomed me and prayed for my good. Then we ascended to the second heaven. Gabriel (peace be upon him) (asked the door of heaven to be opened), and he was asked who he was. He answered: Gabriel; and was again asked: Who is with you? He replied: Muhammad. It was said: Has he been sent for? He replied: He has indeed been sent for. The gate was opened. When I entered 'Isa b. Maryam and Yahya b. Zakariya (peace be upon them), cousins from the maternal side. welcomed me and prayed for my good. Then I was taken to the third heaven and Gabriel asked for the opening (of the door). He was asked: Who are you? He replied: Gabriel. He was (again) asked: Who is with you? He replied Muhammad ( peace be upon him). It was said: Has he been sent for? He replied He has indeed been sent for. (The gate) was opened for us and I saw Yusuf (peace be upon him) who had been given half of (world) beauty. He welcomed me prayed for my well-being. Then he ascended with us to the fourth heaven. Gabriel (peace be upon him) asked for the (gate) to be opened, and it was said: Who is he? He replied: Gabriel. It was (again) said: Who is with you? He said: Muhammad. It was said: Has he been sent for? He replied: He has indeed been sent for. The (gate) was opened for us, and lo! Idris was there. He welcomed me and prayed for my well-being (About him) Allah, the Exalted and the Glorious, has said:" We elevated him (Idris) to the exalted position" (Qur'an xix. 57). Then he ascended with us to the fifth heaven and Gabriel asked for the (gate) to be opened. It was said: Who is he? He replied Gabriel. It was (again) said: Who is with thee? He replied: Muhammad. It was said Has he been sent for? He replied: He has indeed been sent for. (The gate) was opened for us and then I was with Harun (Aaron) for my well-being. Then I was taken to the sixth heaven. Gabriel (peace be upon him) asked for the door to be opened. It was said: Who is he? He replied: Gabriel. It was said: Who is with thee? He replied: Muhammad. It was said: Has he been sent for? He replied: He has indeed been sent for. (The gate) was opened for us and there I was with Moses (peace be upon him) He welcomed me and prayed for my well-being. Then I was taken up to the seventh heaven. Gabriel asked the (gate) to be opened. It was said: Who is he? He said: Gabriel It was said. Who is with thee? He replied: Muhammad (peace be upon him.) It was said: Has he been sent for? He replied: He has indeed been sent for. (The gate) was opened for us and there I found Abraham (peace be upon him) reclining against the Bait-ul-Ma'mur and there enter into it seventy thousand angels every day, never to visit (this place) again. Then I was taken to Sidrat-ul-Muntaha whose leaves were like elephant ears and its fruit like big earthenware vessels. And when it was covered by the Command of Allah, it underwent such a change that none amongst the creation has the power to praise its beauty. Then Allah revealed to me a revelation and He made obligatory for me fifty prayers every day and night. Then I went down to Moses (peace be upon him) and he said: What has your Lord enjoined upon your Ummah? I said: Fifty prayers. He said: Return to thy Lord and beg for reduction (in the number of prayers), for your community shallnot be able to bear this burden. as I have put to test the children of Israil and tried them (and found them too weak to bear such a heavy burden). He (the Holy Prophet) said: I went back to my Lord and said: My Lord, make things lighter for my Ummah. (The Lord) reduced five prayers for me. I went down to Moses and said. (The Lord) reduced five (prayers) for me, He said: Verily thy Ummah shall not be able to bear this burden; return to thy Lord and ask Him to make things lighter. I then kept going back and forth between my Lord Blessed and Exalted and Moses, till He said: There are five prayers every day and night. O Muhammad, each being credited as ten, so that makes fifty prayers. He who intends to do a good deed and does not do it will have a good deed recorded for him; and if he does it, it will be recorded for him as ten; whereas he who intends to do an evil deed and does not do, it will not be recorded for him; and if he does it, only one evil deed will be recorded. I then came down and when I came to Moses and informed him, he said: Go back to thy Lord and ask Him to make things lighter. Upon this the Messenger of Allah remarked: I returned to my Lord until I felt ashamed before Him.—Sahih Muslim, Book 1, Number 309
Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah: That he heard Allah's Apostle saying, "When the people of Quraish did not believe me (i.e. the story of my Night Journey),
I stood up in Al-Hijr and Allah displayed Jerusalem in front of me, and I began describing it to them while I was looking at it."—Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 5, Book 58, Number 226[7]
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: Regarding the Statement of Allah - "And We granted the vision (Ascension to the heavens) which We made you see (as an actual eye witness) was only made as a trial for the people." (17.60) - The sights which Allah's Apostle was shown on the Night Journey when he was taken to Bait-ulMaqdis (i.e. Jerusalem) were actual sights, (not dreams). And the Cursed Tree (mentioned) in the Quran is the tree of Zaqqum (itself).—Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 5, Book 58, Number 228
Narrated Abu Huraira: On the night Allah's Apostle was taken on a night journey (Mi'raj) two cups, one containing wine and the other milk, were presented to him at Jerusalem. He looked at it and took the cup of milk. Gabriel said, "Praise be to Allah Who guided you to Al-Fitra (the right path); if you had taken (the cup of) wine, your nation would have gone astray."—Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 69, Number 482
Narrated Anas bin Malik: The Prophet said: "While I was walking in Paradise (on the night of Mi'raj), I saw a river, on the two banks of which there were tents made of hollow pearls. I asked, "What is this, O Gabriel?' He said, 'That is the Kauthar which Your Lord has given to you.' Behold! Its scent or its mud was sharp smelling musk!" (The sub-narrator, Hudba is in doubt as to the correct expression.)—Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 76, Number 583
It is narrated on the authority of Abdullah (b. Umar) that when the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was taken for the Night journey, he was taken to Sidrat-ul-Muntaha, which is situated on the sixth heaven, where terminates everything that ascends from the earth and is held there, and where terminates every- thing that descends from above it and is held there. (It is with reference to this that) Allah said:" When that which covers covered the lote-tree" (al-Qur'an, Iiii. 16). He (the narrator) said: (It was) gold moths. He (the narrator further) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was given three (things): he was given five prayers, the concluding verses of Sura al-Baqara, and remission of serious Sins for those among his Ummah who associate not anything with Allah.—Sahih Muslim, Book 1, Number 329
Religious belief
The Isra is the part of the journey of Muhammad from Mecca to Jerusalem. begins at a time when Muhammad was in the Masjid al-Haram, when the archangel Gabriel came to him, and brought Buraq, the traditional heavenly steed of the prophets. Buraq carries Muhammad to the Masjid Al Aqsa, the "Farthest Mosque", in Jerusalem. Muhammad alights, tethers Buraq to the Western Wall and performs prayer, where on God's command he is tested by Jibriel.[8][9] It was told by Anas ibn Malik that Muhammad said: Jibril brought me a vessel of wine and a vessel of milk, and I chose the milk. “Jibril said: ‘You have chosen the Fitrah (natural instinct).’ In the second part of the journey, the Mi'raj (an Arabic word that literally means “ladder”[10]), Buraq takes him to the heavens, where he tours the seven circles of heaven, and speaks with the earlier prophets such as Abraham (ʾIbrāhīm), Moses (Musa), John the Baptist (Yaḥyā ibn Zakarīyā), and Jesus (Isa). Muhammad is then taken to Sidrat al-Muntaha – a holy tree in the seventh heaven that Gabriel is not allowed to pass. According to Islamic tradition, God instructs Muhammad that Muslims must pray fifty times per day; however, Moses tells Muhammad that it is very difficult for the people and urges Muhammad to ask for a reduction, until finally it is reduced to five times per day.[3][11][12][13][14]Masjid al-Aqsa, the farthest Masjid
The place referred to in the Quran as "the farthest mosque"[2] (Arabic: المسجد الأقصى, al-Masğidu 'l-’Aqṣà), from Al-Isra, has been historically considered as referring to the site of the modern-day Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. This interpretation was advanced even by the earliest biographer of Muhammad—Ibn Ishaq—and is supported by numerous aḥādīth. The term used for mosque, "masjid", literally means "place of prostration", and includes monotheistic places of worship but does not exclusively lend itself to physical structures but a location, as Muhammad stated "The earth has been made for me (and for my followers) a place for praying...".[15] It is believed to have been built by the Prophet Jacob and then restored by the Prophet Solomon.[16]When Caliph Umar conquered Jerusalem after Muhammad's death, a prayer house was rebuilt on the site. The structure was expanded by the Ummayad caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan and finished by his son al-Walid in 705 CE. The building was repeatedly destroyed by earthquakes and rebuilt, until the reconstruction in 1033 by the Fatimid caliph Ali az-Zahir, and that version of the structure is what can be seen in the present day.
Many Western historians, such as Heribert Busse[17] and Neal Robinson,[18] agree that Jerusalem is the originally intended interpretation of the Quran. Muslims used to pray towards Jerusalem, but Muhammad changed this direction, the Qibla, to instead direct Muslims to face towards the Kaaba in Mecca on the basis of having received divine intervention.
Modern observance
The Lailat al Mi'raj (Arabic: لیلة المعراج, Lailätu 'l-Mi‘rāğ), also known as Shab-e-Mi'raj (Persian: شب معراج, Šab-e Mi'râj) in Iran, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, and Miraç Kandili in Turkish, is the Muslim festival celebrating the Isra and Mi'raj. Some Muslims celebrate this event by offering optional prayers during this night, and in some Muslim countries, by illuminating cities with electric lights and candles. The celebrations around this day tend to focus on every muslim who wants to celebrate it. Worshippers gather into mosque's and perform prayer and supplication. Some people may pass their knowledge on to others by informing them The story on how Muhammad's heart was purified by an archangel (Gabriel) who filled him with knowledge and faith in preparation to enter the seven levels of heaven. After prayer (Salah, where the children can pray with the adults if they wish) food and treats are served.[3][19][20]The Al-Aqsa Mosque marks the place from which Muhammad is believed to have ascended to heaven. The exact date of the Journey is not clear, but is celebrated as though it took place before the Hijra and after Muhammad's visit to the people of Ta’if. It is considered by some to have happened just over a year before the Hijra, on the 27th of Rajab; but this date is not always recognized. This date would correspond to the Julian date of February 26, 621, or, if from the previous year, March 8, 620. In Shi'a Iran for example, Rajab 27 is the day of Muhammad's first calling or Mab'as. The Al-Aqsa Mosque and surrounding area, marks the place from which Muhammad is believed to have ascended to heaven, is the third-holiest place on earth for Muslims.[21][22]
Many sects and offshoots belonging to Islamic mysticism interpret Muhammad's night ascent- the Isra and Mi'raj - to be an out of body experience through nonphysical environments[23][24], unlike the Sunni Muslims or mainstream Islam. The mystics claim Muhammad was transported to Jerusalem and onward to seven heavens, even though "the apostle's body remained where it was."[25] Esoteric interpretations of Islam emphasise the spiritual significance of Mi'raj, seeing it as a symbol of the soul's journey and the potential of humans to rise above the comforts of material life through prayer, piety and discipline.[10]
In view of the islamic references from the Qur'an and Hadith, the Sunni Muslims reject these saying the Isra and Mi'raj - the night journey - mentioned in the Qur'an and Hadith, was physical yet spiritual. Muhammad was taken to the Masjid Al Aqsa, where he performed prayer leading all previous prophets and then taken to the heavens in a journey.
See also
PROPHET MUHAMMAD's(pbuh)
LAST SPEECH SERMON
Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) Last Sermon
Date delivered: 632 A.C., 9th day of
Dhul al Hijjah, 10 A.H. in the
'Uranah valley of Mount Arafat.
O People, just as
you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life
and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods
entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Treat others justly so that
no one would be unjust to you. Remember that you will indeed meet your
LORD, and that HE will indeed reckon your deeds. God has forbidden you
to take usury (riba), therefore all riba obligation shall
henceforth be waived. Your capital , however, is yours to keep. You will
neither inflict nor suffer inequity. God has judged that there shall be
no riba and that all the riba due to `Abbas ibn `Abd al Muttalib shall henceforth be waived.
Every right arising
out of homicide in pre-Islamic days is henceforth waived and the first
such right that I waive is that arising from the murder of Rabi`ah ibn
al Harith ibn `Abd al Muttalib.
O Men, the
Unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calendar in order to make
permissible that which God forbade, and to forbid that which God has
made permissible. With God the months are twelve in number. Four of them
are sacred, three of these are successive and one occurs singly between
the months of Jumada and Sha`ban. Beware of the devil, for the safety
of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead
you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.
O People, it is
true that you have certain rights over your women, but they also have
rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only
under God's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right
then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Treat
your women well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and
committed helpers. It is your right and they do not make friends with
anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste...
O People, listen to me in earnest, worship God (The One Creator of the Universe), perform your five daily prayers (Salah),
fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your financial obligation
(zakah) of your wealth. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.
All mankind is from
Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab
has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a
black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and
good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and
that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate
to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely
and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.
Remember, one day
you will appear before God (The Creator) and you will answer for your
deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am
gone.
O People, NO
PROPHET OR MESSENGER WILL COME AFTER ME AND NO NEW FAITH WILL BE BORN.
Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to
you. I am leaving you with the Book of God (the QUR'AN*) and my SUNNAH
(the life style and the behavioral mode of the Prophet), if you follow
them you will never go astray.
All those who
listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again;
and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen
to me directly. Be my witness O God, that I have conveyed your message
to your people.
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