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Session Details
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| Guest Name |
Dr. Sano Koutoub Moustapha
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| Profession |
Professor of Jurisprudence & Its Principles at the International Islamic University, Malaysia.
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| Subject |
Fatwas on Al-'Isra' & Al-Mi`raj
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| Date |
Tuesday,Aug 31 ,2004
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Time |
Makkah
From...
13:55...To...
16:00
GMT
From... 10:55...To...13:00
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Host
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| Question |
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| Answer |
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Brothers and sisters, the session has already started. You can submit your questions. Please, make your questions short and clear so as to help us answer all your questions.
Yours,
Islam Online Fatwa Editing Desk.
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| Name |
Marwazi
- Maldives
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| Question |
Has the Prophet seen Allah with the apple of his eyes on the Night of Mi`raj? Please explain in detail?
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| Answer |
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Thanks for you question. There is a discussion among scholars about this issue, some believe that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saw Allah in that Night. Others believe that he didn't see Him.
Nevertheless, there is no definitive evidence for any of these opinions, therefore, we shall consider both of them as ijtihadi opinions. Meaning, we shouldn't fight or force others to follow what we preferred.
Furthermore, the focus should be on the contents of this miracle and the historic journey of the Prophet. We shall try to learn many lessons from this journey such as the relationship between Abrahamic faiths and the necessity of cooperation and communication among the followers of different faiths.
Moreover, we should learn from this journey the brotherhood existing among the Prophets and the wonderful role and advice given by the Prophet Musa to our beloved Prophet. Yet, in this journey the Prophet was shown the Heaven and the Hellfire. That strengthened his belief and commitment to call upon his Ummah to do deeds that lead to the Heaven and avoid all deeds leading to Hellfire.
I shall advise you to refer to many good books and articles which have details about this miraculous journey. May Allah bless you and guide all of us.
You can also read:
Was Al-Isra’ and Al-Mi`raj in Body and Soul?
How Did the Prophet See Sights of Judgment Day in Al-Isra’ and Al-Mi`raj?
Al-Isra’ and Al-Mi`raj: Everlasting Lessons
Allah Almighty knows best.
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| Name |
Mahmoud
- United States
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| Question |
As you know, the occasion of Al-Israa’ and Al-Mi`raj is approaching, and many orators on Fridays concentrate on what the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has seen on that event, and they may ignore how to enlighten ourselves and take the occasion as a lightening torch in the global age. Some of those people may ignore such a vital issue and concentrate on the scenes of the event (i.e. what the Prophet has seen during that journey). Which aspect should we focus on keeping in mind that some people claim that many of the scenes related to the event are transmitted through weak Hadiths?
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In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
No doubt that this event is unique and very important and we all need to be reminded about it whenever its date arrives. Not only that, but we also need to keep in touch with our important historical events in order to derive fruitful lessons from them while moving forward.
It is hoped that orators on Fridays would try to relate the contents of the journey to the current status of Muslim Ummah in the world especially the continuous atrocities and oppressions in which they have been living for decades.
It is hopeful that Al-Israa’ and Al-Mi`raj become an occasion to remind Muslims all over the world about the oppression and injustice that have been going on against our beloved brothers and sisters in Palestine and elsewhere in the world.
Furthermore, it should be taken as an occasion to remind all Muslims about the real condition of Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa which is now under the unjust occupation and it is about to be demolished, God forbids! This journey shall teach us the necessity of doing all our level of best to assist those fellow Muslims living under occupation and destruction and daily mass killing and humiliation.
Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa issue is not a Palestinian issue nor it is an Arab issue but it is an Islamic issue and all Muslims have equal rights in determining its fate. The occasion of Al-Israa’ and Al-Mi`raj should be utilized to remind and undertake all possible efforts in order to liberate Al-Aqsa and end occupation and injustice against helpless Palestinians.
As for those who claim that Hadiths are weak, this claim shouldn't be generalized. There are few Hadiths which are authentic and they give more details about the journey. However, one has to believe that the journey took place as clearly stated in the Qur'an and there is a Surah which is named after the journey.
May Allah guide us and enable all of us to perform a prayer in Al-Masjid AlAqsa before we leave this life. Our prayers and supplications for our beloved brothers and sisters in the occupied land Palestine so that Allah put a quick end to their atrocities and difficult times.
You can also read:
The Fruits of the Prophet’s Ascension (Al-Mi`raj)
Allah Almighty knows best.
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| Name |
Mohayad
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student
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| Question |
I am a Muslim. I want to change my religion.
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| Answer |
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Dear brother in Islam, thanks a lot for your question.
We ask Allah Almighty to keep us all steadfast on the right path of Islam.
Dearest brother, if you have doubts regarding Islam, write in detail to our Ask the Scholar or Ask About Islam page, and we will reply you as soon as possible, that is because this Live Fatwa Session is specified for questions on Al-Isra’ and Al-Mi`raj.
Yours,
IOL Shari`ah Editing Desk
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| Name |
Faisal
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| Question |
Did the Prophet pray before reaching Al-Aqsa Mosque?
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| Answer |
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Thanks for your question. For sure, there was no strong evidence which indicate that prayers (in the shape known nowadays i.e. five daily prayers performed at the specified times) were there prior to this journey to Al-Aqsa. As you may be aware that the obligation of prayers was established from this historical journey.
In other words, it was in this journey that the Prophet was commanded by the Divine order to perform 5 daily prayers. Accordingly, the Prophet didn't perform any prayer before reaching Al-Aqsa Mosque.
You can also read:
Al-Isra’ & Al-Mi`raj (Night Journey of the Prophet)
Allah Almighty knows best.
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Abdullah
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Why was the Prophet's ascension from Jerusalem not from Makkah? And what is the significance behind this?
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In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Thank you for your question.
Surely, it was the will of the Divine order to make the ascension Mi'raj from Jerusalem not from Makkah as it was also the same will the combine between the Al-Isra’ & Al-Mi`raj in one journey. Certainly, there are so many significances behind this such as the demonstration of the unity of the Abrahamic faiths and the relationship between the Prophets.
Furthermore, the importance of cooperation and communication among the followers of these faiths. There is no doubt that Jerusalem was the bastion of the messages of Allah and the message of the Prophet was the only message outside of the sacred land in terms of physical presence not in terms of the spirit and contents of the message.
Therefore, it is justified that the ascension could take place in Jerusalem to strengthen this unity and aspect of the messages of Allah. All in all, the Divine order has the right to choose any place for its functions and instructions.
Allah Almighty knows best.
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Khan
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As-salamu `alaykum. What are Muslims supposed to do during this night? Some scholars suggest specific supplications and prayers while others condemn such prayers as not evidenced by Sunnah. Please elaborate in detail. jazaka Allah kairan.
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Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Thank you very much. You are right that there are disagreements among scholars about this issue. I do believe that you need to spend this night supplicating for the sake of our brothers and sisters who are suffering all over the world especially in Palestine. They really need your supplication and prayers. May Allah put a quick end to their suffering and may He punish the oppressors and traitors.
There is nothing wrong in performing voluntary prayers on that blessed night as long as you don’t impose them on others as obligatory acts or you limit your voluntary performance only for that night. In other words, do continue performing those prayers and supplications at any time you wish.
You can also read:
Du`a’: Worship and Resort of the Helpless
Allah Almighty knows best.
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Zayed
- Saudi Arabia
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Could you please answer the following questions in brief?
1. On Which day and date our Prophet went on Mi'raj?
2. I read in a book that all pervious prophets attended prayers in Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa and Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) led them all in that Prayer, is it true?
3. Were all previous prophets in the same ‘state’ of as we are?
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Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Thank you. The date or day of Mi'raj is not definitive. However, it is commonly known that it took place on the same night of ’Isra'. In other words, upon the arrival of the Prophet from Makkah the Mi'raj took place on the same night.
As whether the Prophet attended or led the prayer in Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa, this issue is a subject of discussion among the scholars, and I don’t think that it is not a big deal here. However, the leadership of the Prophet to other prophets on that night is an indication that he is the the Imam of Prophets and master of all the children of Adam.
As for the ‘states’ of the prophets whom he met, I shall tell that there is no definitive sources detailing all this issue. But it was clearly stated that the Prophet met other prophets such as the Prophet Musa whom advised him to seek a review and mercy of Allah in reducing the numbers of the obligatory prayers which was at the beginning 50 prayers per day and it was reduced to 5 daily prayers with the reward of 50 prayers.
However, let us believe in this journey and let us learn from it fruitful lessons such as honesty, purity, fear of Allah etc. Thus the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was shown the heaven and the hell and he was told about the punishments reserved for those who go against the teachings of Allah if they don't repent before they die.
Allah Almighty knows best.
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Michael
- United Kingdom
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Did Prophet Muhammad met the Mahdi when he went to heaven?
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In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Thank you. Surely, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) didn't meet the Mahdi at all.
Furthermore, to the best of my knowledge the Mahdi isn't yet born as clearly stated by the Prophet. The Mahdi will be born in Madinah and his birth is considered as a sign of the end of the world. In this regard, the Prophet didn't meet him at all and he will meet him, God willing, on the Day of the judgment.
You can also read:
The Appearance of Mahdi
Allah Almighty knows best.
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| Name |
Fairus
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Student
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I have read the book titled, “The Prophet’s Isra’ and Mi’raj” by Sheikh Muhammad ‘Alawi al-Maliki. It’s a superb book. It explains in great detail about the blessed Journey.
My question is, there’s still a handful of Muslims around the world who regard celebrating this blessed month and the auspicious occasion as an act of innovation. Of course, we didn’t hear the Prophet celebrate his own birthday or the blessed Journey (Isra’ and Mi’raj). What’s your comment on this?
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In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Thank you for your question. There is no doubt that Sheikh Muhammad ‘Alawi Al-Maliki is a great Muslim scholar and devoted to the religion. But unfortunately, I have gone through the said book. However, celebrating historical events and occasions such as Mawlid and Isra', should not be considered in its totally as a forbidden innovation. It is true that these celebrations are innovations but not all innovations are considered prohibited or forbidden.
Thus, there are so many innovations which took place after the death of the Prophet such as compilation of the Qur'an, tarawih, second call for prayer on Friday, etc.
Furthermore, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said: "Whoever innovates something good he will be rewarded for it and the rewards of whoever follows him in that innovation. The same thing goes to whoever innovates something bad, he will be sinful of it and the sin of whoever follows him in that matter."
Accordingly, one shouldn't take the general statement in other hadith which says all innovations are acts of astray but we should restrict that general statement to the specific statement in this hadith. Meaning innovations are considered prohibited when they are sinful not when they are good.
In light of this aspect of understanding to the Divine texts from the Qur'an and the Sunnah, I shall conclude that the legal ruling of celebrating any auspicious Islamic occasion such as Mawlid and Isra' has been done in the context of its relevance to the maslahah or interest of Islam. In other words, if the celebration is found in a place and time leading to bringing a clear interest to Islam, it should be then considered as a good innovation. For instance, these occasions could be used as means to correct or send a message to the mass or to educate younger generation and bring them more awareness about the importance of these occasions and the necessity of benefiting from them in the current life.
However, I shall stress that no sins should be committed in the name of the celebration of these occasions. The sins are forbidden before, after and within these occasions. All in all, I am appealing to those scholars who prohibit all these celebrations without looking at them in the context of maslahah. They shouldn't take the prophetic statement about the innovation without relating it to other prophetic statements.
You can also read:
Bid`ah (Innovation): Definition & Examples
Bid`ah (Innovation): Definition and Classification
Allah Almighty knows best.
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Shadi
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Dear Dr. Sano, As-Salamu `alaykum wa Rahmatu Allah wa Baraktuh.
The occasion of Al-Isra’ and Al-Mi`raj is approaching. What is the best way Muslims can celebrate such occasion bearing in mind the status quo of the Muslim world?
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Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Thank you very much. It is very unfortunate that this marvelous occasion is coming at the time when Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa is under the unjust occupation. Our beloved brothers and sisters in Palestine are living under the oppression and they are subjected to all kinds of humiliation and disrespect.
As Muslims, we shall take this opportunity to pray for those fellow Muslims around the globe who are suffering from atrocities and pains. All Muslims should remember that the liberation of Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa isn't an obligation upon Palestinians alone but upon every single able Muslim.Each of us must do his or her best at least through our prayers and supplications.
I hope to see Al-Isra’ and Al-Mi`raj celebrated with the return of Al-Aqsa to Muslims. It is my utmost wish to pray one day in Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa. Let us celebrate Al-Isra’ and Al-Mi`raj of this year by contributing to the causes of oppressed Muslims in the world especially in Palestine. May Allah strengthen our iman or brotherhood so will feel the pains and difficult times of our fellow Muslims.
Allah Almighty knows best.
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Michael
- United Kingdom
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When mohammed went to heaven was it in his body or did he go in a dream?
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In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Thank you. There is no doubt that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) went to journey physically and spiritually. He went with his full body not in dream as some people claimed. The Glorious Qur'an confirmed this aspect of the journey.
Furthermore, if it was not in his body the Makkans would not have any reason of disbelieving him. Thus, no sane person will condemn a dream. Also, there is no miracle in having a such journey in a dream. I might have it you might have it at any time.
Accordingly, we shall believe that it was a miracle because he went there in his full body and came back in the same night. Normally, the journey to Jerusalem those days takes three to four months, but he did it in one night. All in all, I shall confirm to you that he went to heaven in his body not in a dream.
You can also read:
Was Al-Isra’ and Al-Mi`raj in Body and Soul?
Allah Almighty knows best.
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