Episode Summary
This episode concludes the first part of the night journey at Masjid Al-Aqsa and begins the Mi’raj, or the ascension to the Heavens. It details the historic congregation where Prophet Muhammad (saw) led every Messenger sent by Allah in prayer, followed by a series of powerful reflections by the major Prophets on their respective blessings. The narrative explores the symbolic trial of the three bowls, where the Prophet’s choice of milk signifies his adherence to the fitrah and guidance. The episode ends with the Prophet’s ascent via a magnificent, jewel-encrusted staircase to the first gate of the Heavens, guarded by the angel Ismail and his vast angelic army.
Key Highlights
- Prophet Muhammad (saw) led a congregation of between 100,000 and 300,000 Prophets in prayer at Masjid Al-Aqsa, confirming his status as the Imam of all Messengers.
- Ibrahim (as) declared Muhammad (saw) to be the most virtuous of all Prophets after hearing him praise Allah for the unique blessings given to his Ummah.
- Isa (as) provided insights into the End of Times, detailing the coming of the Dajjal and the subsequent emergence and destruction of Yajjuj and Majjuj.
- The Prophet’s choice of a bowl of milk over honey and wine was identified by Jibril as a sign of guidance and the inherent nature (fitrah) of his Ummah.
- Jibril warned that had the Prophet chosen wine, his Ummah would have been lost and misguided, emphasizing the importance of a leader practicing what they preach.
- The Mi’raj began with the Prophet ascending a beautiful staircase made of gold, silver, and gems from Jannat al-Firdous, escorted by rows of angels.
- The angel Ismail, gatekeeper of the first sky, oversees an army of billions of angels and has only descended to earth once—for the Prophet’s funeral.
Comprehensive Analysis
1. The Great Congregation and the Imam of Prophets
The Prophet arrived at Masjid al-Aqsa, where every Prophet and Messenger Allah had ever sent—estimated between 100,000 and 300,000 people—had gathered. Seeing such a vast assembly of those who shared the same mission was a deeply empowering and fulfilling experience for the Prophet after years of Makkan adversity. After Jibril called the iqamah, the Prophets deferred to one another until Jibril pulled Prophet Muhammad forward by his hand to lead the prayer, confirming that every single Prophet prayed behind him.
2. Reflections of the Messengers
Following the prayer, the major Prophets shared reflections on the blessings Allah had bestowed upon them. Ibrahim (as) praised Allah for making him a nation and a teacher. Musa (as) spoke of his role in destroying Pharaoh, while Dawud (as) and Suleiman (as) mentioned their kingdoms and mastery over minerals and jinn. Isa (as) reflected on being the Word of Allah and his ability to revive the dead. Finally, Muhammad (saw) praised Allah for sending him as a mercy for all mankind, opening his chest, and making his Ummah a balanced and first nation to enter Paradise. After hearing this, Ibrahim (as) declared that Muhammad possessed the most virtue among all of them.
3. Discussions on the Hour and the End of Times
The Prophets discussed the Day of Judgment, deferring to Isa (as) when Ibrahim and Musa admitted they lacked specific knowledge of the timing. Isa explained that the Dajjal (AntiChrist) would come and melt away upon seeing him, after which Yajjuj and Majjuj would ravage the earth. Following Isa’s dua, Allah will destroy this creation, and the earth will be cleansed by 40 days of rain. Isa concluded that the Day of Judgment will arrive like a pregnant woman whose term is complete, surprising humanity at any moment.
4. The Trial of the Three Bowls
While at Baytul Maqdis, the Prophet experienced an extreme thirst and was presented with three covered bowls containing honey, milk, and wine. He drank the entire bowl of milk and took only a small sip of the honey, completely ignoring the wine. Ibrahim (as) and Jibril congratulated him, with Jibril explaining that the milk represented guidance and the deen, while the honey represented the material desires of the world. The wine represented evil and misguidance, and Jibril noted that had the Prophet touched it, his Ummah would have become lost.
5. Lessons on Moderation and Leadership
The Prophet’s interaction with the three bowls established a methodology for the Ummah: while the deen (milk) is inherently good to overindulge in, the permissible (honey) should be taken with moderation, and the impermissible (wine) must be avoided entirely. Ibrahim noted that the Prophet had stuck to the fitrah, the inherent nature of man. Furthermore, Jibril’s warning highlighted that if a guide does not practice what they preach, the impact of their message on others is greatly minimized.
6. The Mi’raj and the Staircase of Jewels
To begin the ascension, a magnificent and ornate staircase was brought down, featuring steps made of gold and silver. The entire structure was fixed with gems and jewels from Jannat al-Firdous, and angels lined up on both sides as a royal escort. The Prophet and Jibril climbed this staircase until they reached the Babul Hafada (Door of Protection), which serves as the gate between the earth and the sky.
7. The Gatekeeper of the Sky
The angel Ismail serves as the gatekeeper of this first sky and commands an army of 70,000 angels, with each of those having another 100,000 under their command. These billions of angels guard the boundary between this world and the Heavens. Notably, Ismail has never left his post except for one occasion: to pay his respects at the funeral (janaaza) of Prophet Muhammad. This meeting at the gate marked the formal beginning of the journey of Mi’raj.