Believing that the Ascension is a physical journey is a test for the Ummah

Believing that the Ascension is a physical journey is a test for the Ummah

As far as those people are concerned that the Ascension occurred in sleep or that it was a high-class spiritual journey, as Mirza Qadiani says, they have to deny many incidents.

 

It is obvious that no matter how outlandish the dream, there is no hesitation in describing it and neither does the listener deny it.  On the other hand, it is established through the Hadith that describing this incident was not deemed to be prudent due to the fear of denial.  (Ifaadatul Afhaam, Vol. 2, Pg. No. 200/201)

 

Ibn Abi Shaiba, Ahmad, Nasai, Bazzar, Tabarani, Ibn Mardway, Abu Nu’aim, Ibn Asaker, all relate those Hadith in which the condition of the nation after the journey of The Ascension is described and say:

 

Some points are to be noted here:

 

Rigorously authenticated Hadith are present in the Sihah and Musnad Imam Ahmad and as per the opinion held by the Hadith-experts, there is no objection on the authenticity of these books.

 

The certainty of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) that people will deny it shows that this was not a dream as often one sees strange things in dreams but no one makes it a point to deny them.

 

Instead of being happy and glad about the journey of The Ascension, before He related it, He was very sad as the disbelievers will definitely deny this journey which defies logic.  Now, one might think that if this was the case, then why was this incident related at all?  Even if it had to be related, it could have been related to as a secret a few Muslims with firm beliefs.

 

On the other hand, Hadhrat Umm Haani (May Allah be well pleased with her) tried her best to stop the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) from relating this incident before the disbelievers.  Even the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) was worried.  For a long time, He remained seated in a state of sorrow, but eventually the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) did relate this.

 

This shows that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) was bound to relate this incident by Allah Most High.  The reason behind The Ascension was to show the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) the wonders of Allah’s power, but after completion, this journey acquired an entirely different status.  Now, it had become a matter of faith.  First, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) was ordered to relate this incident publicly before the Muslims and disbelievers.  Then with the mention of this journey in the Holy Quran, for all those who come until the Day of Judgment this incident was turned into one of those things believing in whom was necessary no matter how much it defies logic…

 

Thus, Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran:

 

Sublime is He Who took His (most beloved and intimate) Servant in a small portion of a night from the Sacred Mosque to the al-Aqsa Mosque, whose surroundings We have blessed, in order that We might show him (the Perfect Servant) Our signs. Surely, He is the One Who is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.  Surah Isra (17:01)