The Isra (Night Journey) and The Miraj (Ascension to the Heavens) of Prophet Muhammad in the light of modern science

The entire universe is a stroke of Divine miracle to which science has yet to conclude a unanimous framework. And science may never know how was the universe created and how big it really is. Why, because these are Divine miracles which can not be explained by scientific discoveries and research so far developed till date. Yet, humans due their inborn curiosity continue to question these miracles to reach closer to the why to such creations and happenings.

The Isra and Miraj, two miraculous events in Islamic tradition that occurred during the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, are profound and often discussed from a spiritual, theological, and historical perspective. The events are described in the Qur'an and Hadith. However, many people attempt to understand these events in light of modern scientific knowledge, though it is important to recognize that these events are of a miraculous nature, beyond the natural laws we understand today.

Before we proceed with a possible answer in the light of scientific knowledge of today, let us briefly explain what really is the Night Journey and Ascension to the Heaves by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:

• The Isra refers to the journey of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from the Kaaba in Mecca to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem in a single night. The Qur'an mentions this event in Surah Al-Isra (17:1): "Glory be to the One who took His servant on a journey by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque, whose surroundings We have blessed..."
• The Miraj describes the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) ascent from Jerusalem to the heavens, where he met various prophets and ultimately stood before Allah. This event is often associated with the Prophet's spiritual purification and the establishment of the five daily prayers (Salah). This journey is described in both the Qur'an and Hadith. The Qur'an references the ascent in Surah Al-Najm (53:13-18), where it mentions that the Prophet was taken to the highest point in the universe.

We have already written a detailed post on The Miraculous Journey of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to Jerusalem (Israa) and Heavens (Mairaj), therefore we are omitting details of this Divine miracle here.

In light of modern knowledge, some scholars suggest that the Isra and Miraj could be understood metaphorically or allegorically. For instance:

• Metaphysical Interpretation: The events may represent a deeply spiritual journey rather than a literal, physical journey, emphasizing the Prophet's spiritual elevation and nearness to Allah.
• Quantum or Multidimensional Theories: Some modern thinkers, particularly those interested in reconciling religion and science, have speculated that concepts like "other dimensions" or parallel universes might provide a framework where such extraordinary events could happen. However, these ideas remain speculative and aren't definitive explanations.

Now we share a very informative video TIME TRAVEL of Prophet Muhammad? Shocking Secrets of MIRAJ- SCIENTIFIC Theory which may present to a possible dimension to this miracle. Students of science may ponder over it for further study and research. But remember, Divine Miracles have no explanations and are to be accepted as these happened.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎)  help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may like to read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: Divine Revelations in Qur'an validated by Scientific Discoveries (Reference Page)

Photo |  You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The views contained in the video are that of the research team. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Divine Revelations in Qur'an validated by Scientific Discoveries: The Fingerprints

Our lives today revolve around our fingerprints. This unique formation of waves has become the most frequently applied technique in forensic science and digital applications. Since fingerprints of each man is unique and different from the other and the fact that no two individuals possess the same fingerprints, these serve as a powerful means of personal identification, and a very useful tool used forensic evidence worldwide. 

In fact, today, the use of fingerprints is far greater than it was when discovered in the 19th century. Nothing moves when operating computers, cell phones or even doors unless an identifiable fingerprint is inserted. The matching of two fingerprints is thus among the most widely used and most reliable biometric techniques. Today, there is a branch of science called "Dactiloscopy" that examines fingerprints.

When were the finger prints disccovered. The pioneer in fingerprint identification was Sir Francis Galton, an anthropologist by training, who was the first to show scientifically how fingerprints could be used to identify individuals. Beginning in the 1880s, Galton (a cousin of Charles Darwin) studied fingerprints to seek out hereditary traits. In 1686 the physiologist Marcello Malpighi examined fingerprints under a microscope and noted a series of ridges and loops. In 1823, another physiologist, Jan Purkinje, noted at least nine different fingerprint patterns.

But wait: was there any mention of finger prints before these were dsicovered in the 19th centurey? Well, science was in its infancy before the 19th century and nobody really cared or knew about the usage of this important barometric function. I do not know whether any mention of finger prints is made in any of the Divine Scriptures, but we come across the mention of finger prints in Qur'an. It is said the Qur'an: 

“Does man think that We will not assemble his bones? Yes. [We are] Able [even] to proportion his fingertips." (Surah 75 Al-Qiyama, 3-4)

(بَلَى قَـدِرِينَ عَلَى أَن نُّسَوِّىَ بَنَانَهُ and We are quite able to put together his fingertips) That is We could make his Banan " َبَنَانَ", which are the tips of his fingers, all equal (in length). 

Isn't it amazing that God telling people more than 1400 years ago that He will assemble the man on the Day of Judgement even to the proportion of his fingertips!! And mind it, it is not only fingerprints but it is the eyes of the man who are uniquely distinct for the others and are also used as means of identification.

The two verses quoted above reassert the process of putting bones back together by stating something more complex, which is to put fingertips in their respective positions, just as they were in life. This implies that man will be brought back to life, with every little detail or small aspect of his physique put back in perfect order. Nothing is lost, however small!

The question is why did God choose to use the body part ‘fingertips’ as an example of His ability in resurrecting. A human being making the same point may have opted to say ‘proportion his face’ – for that would apparently seem to be of a greater difficulty and more visible differentiation – fingertips not being something you would traditionally associate with difficulty or uniqueness. God knows the uniqueness He has placed in each human being.  The verse stresses that every detail of man shall be brought back to life even to the extent of the information that exists on a fingertip. Only the Creator would have said these words in this way. [3]

Those who claim that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ "wrote" the Qur'an by taking excerpts from other Divine Scriptures when he used to go out with his trade caravans and getting to extract Divine knowledge from people of other religions. If that we so, does this mention of finger prints exist in any other scripture. Or for instance the mention of Big Bang Theory, Formation of all living being with water or the separation of the seas? And how could Muhammad ﷺ know that iron is an alien body that came from outer space?

We have already written posts on things said in Qur'an the meaning of which people of the time did not know for their knowledge was too limited to interpret the Divine Wisdom. It is only recently been validated by scientific discoveries. Only God could know of these things Who actually made these to happen, far beyond the comprehension of human mind and that too centuries before advent of modern-day science. 

Let us start calling a spade a spade and do not contest Qur'an but start to read it objectively, correlating with latest scientific developments and start to agree that Qur'an is a word of God and no human being can ever write a single line worth that of the Qur'an.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Divine Revelations in Qur'an validated by Scientific Discoveries. You may also refer to our Reference Pages and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Source References:  | 1 | 2 | 3 | 

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Divine Revelations in Qur'an validated by Scientific Discoveries: Separation of Two Seas

Qur'an, the last of the Divine Scriptures, was revealed unto Prophet Muhammad ﷺ more than 1400 years ago. The Qur'an at time addressed the coarse and illiterate audience of Arabia who lived a life confined to the wind blowing deserts, far from seas and rivers. Thus, many revelations in Qur'an could not be understood by them for science was perhaps in its very early age and everything that was said was more of speculations rather than solid convictions.  And thus, many a Divine Revelation remained unanswered till very late in the 20th century when science began to find hidden meaning of things said centuries ago.

We already talked of the Theory of Big Bang and Formulation of all living beings with water in our series of posts on "Divine Revelation in Qur'an validated by Scientific Discoveries". Today, we will talk about the separation of two seas when these contain different water densities and formation.  Let us first see how this phenomenon is mentioned in Qur'an:

He has set free the two seas meeting together.  There is a barrier between them.  They do not transgress. (Quran, Sūrah 55 Ar Rehman verses:19-20)

He is the one who has set free the two kinds of water, one sweet and palatable, and the other salty and bitter.  And He has made between them a barrier and a forbidding partition.  (Quran, Sūrah 25 Al Furqan verse:53)

In Allah's overall scheme of things, bodies of salt and sweet water, which are adjoining and yet separate, have significant functions. Weaving a harmonious fabric out of these different fibres shows both Allah's power and wisdom. Incidentally, this verse points to a fact which has only recently been discovered by science. This fact relates to the oceans of the world: they meet and yet each remains separate for Allah has placed "a barrier, a partition" between them. [1]

Now coming over to the scientific explanation of the phenomena mentioned in Qur'an:

Modern Science has discovered that in the places where two different seas meet, there is a barrier between them.  This barrier divides the two seas so that each sea has its own temperature, salinity, and density. For example, Mediterranean Sea water is warm, saline, and less dense, compared to Atlantic Ocean water.  When Mediterranean Sea water enters the Atlantic over the Gibraltar sill, it moves several hundred kilometers into the Atlantic at a depth of about 1000 meters with its own warm, saline, and less dense characteristics.  The Mediterranean water stabilizes at this depth. [2]

In the diagram above, the Mediterranean Sea water as it enters the Atlantic over the Gibraltar sill with its own warm, saline, and less dense characteristics, because of the barrier that distinguishes between them.  Temperatures are in degrees Celsius (C°). (Marine Geology, Kuenen, p. 43, with a slight enhancement.)

This is just one example. There are many places in the oceans where this phenomenon occurs. Those who argue that Qur'an is nothing but brainchild of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, how would they respond to this phenomenon mentioned in Qur'an 1400 years ago and only validated in recent times, almost five hundred years later, using advanced equipment to measure temperature, salinity, density, oxygen dissolubility, etc.  The human eye cannot see the difference between the two seas that meet, rather the two seas appear to us as one homogeneous sea.  Likewise, the human eye cannot see the division of water in estuaries into the three kinds: fresh water, salt water, and the partition (zone of separation).

You many now like to view a video on the subject in question and how two bodies of water of different densities and formation are kept from mixing with each other and keep at bay with a invisible barrier in between the two: "Why the Atlantic and Pacific Meet, But Never Mix"

You may also like to listen to Dr Zakir A Naik, an eminent Muslim scholar of present times, explaining the same phenomena by clicking on the link given below"

    * Oceanology in the Quran - Dr Zakir Naik

Those who claim that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ "wrote" the Qur'an by taking excerpts from other Divine Scriptures when he used to go out with his trade caravans and getting to extract Divine knowledge from people of other religions. If that we so, does this mention of finger prints exist in any other scripture. Or for instance the mention of Big Bang Theory, Formation of all living being with water or the separation of the seas? And how could Muhammad ﷺ know that iron is an alien body that came from outer space?

Let us start calling a spade a spade and do not contest Qur'an but start to read it objectively, correlating with latest scientific developments and start to agree that Qur'an is a word of God and no human being can ever write a single line worth that of the Qur'an.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Divine Revelations in Qur'an validated by Scientific Discoveries. You may also refer to our Reference Pages and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Source References: | 1 | 2  | 

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More