Jibrail, in the presence of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)

Arch-Angel Jibrail, in the presence of the Chief of the Prophets Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)

 

 

In terms of attributes, qualities, signs, miracles, & spiritual stations,

Allah Ta’ala has granted His Beloved Prophet Hadhrat Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) superiority over all other Prophets

 

As given in Surah Baqara:

 

Those messengers We endowed with gifts some above others: to one of them Allah spoke; others He raised to degrees (of honor);Surah Baqara (2:253)

 

The whole creation, including the angels, are the Ummah of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)

 

This is an undeniable fact which concerns our beliefs and faith that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is the reason the whole universe and the whole creation was created.  The whole creation which includes the angels as well are His Ummah as given in Sahih Muslim Vol I pg no-199 Hadith no. 523:

 

Translation: "… I have been sent towards the whole creation and the series of Prophets ends with Me."

 

(Sahih Muslim Vol 1, Pg No. 199, Hadith No: 523, Musnad Ahmad, Musnad Abu Hurairah (May Allah be well pleased with him), Hadith No: 8949, Zujajatul Masabeeh, Vol 5, Pg No: 5)

 

Hadhrat Mulla Ali Qari (May Allah shower His Mercy upon him) writes in the interpretation of this Hadith in Sharh Mishkaat Mirqat, "I have been sent towards the whole universe i.e. genies, humans, angels, animals and flora and fauna as a Prophet.

 

Allah Ta’ala states the exalted and lofty status of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and commands the Ummah to respect and revere the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).

 

 

In order that ye (o men) may believe in Allah and His Messenger that ye may assist and honor Him and celebrate His praises morning and evening.  Surah Fath (48:9)

 

 

Well-meaning human beings, genies, and the rest of the creation respect and revere the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  It cannot be imagined that angels and especially the Arch-angel Jibrail (Peace be upon him) do not respect and insult the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) in any way.  Because Allah Ta’ala says in Surah Al-Tahreem 06;

 

…………..over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe who flinch not (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allah, but do (precisely) what they are commanded. Surah Tahreem (66:6)

 

 

Allah Ta’ala has made Jibrail (Peace be upon him) a servant of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and Jibrail (Peace be upon him) has been created only to serve the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) as Imam Yousuf bin Ismail Nabhani writes on the authority of Shaykh Abdul Aziz Dabbagh (May Allah shower His Mercy on him).

 

 

Translation- Whatever lofty spiritual stations were granted to Hadhrat Jibrail (Peace be upon him), they were granted only because of his association with the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and because of his service to Him. If Jibrail (Peace be upon him) had spent his whole life without serving the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), then in spite of whatever untiring efforts he would have made, he would not have attained even one station of Ma’arifah on his own.  Nobody, except himself and on those whom Allah Ta’ala opens the door of Ma’arifah (gnosis), knows what blessings he gained from the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  Hadhrat Abdul Aziz Dabbagh (May Allah shower His Mercy upon him) continues, "Jibrail (Peace be upon him) has been created only to serve the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and this is why he defends the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).”  Jawahirul Bihar- Vol. 1, Pg No: 456.

 

 

Jibrail (Peace be upon him) benefits from the Mercy of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)

 

Imam Qazi Ayaz (May Allah shower His Mercy upon him) writes in his magnum opus Ash Shifa bi ta’areefi huquq il Mustafa (Lit. Healing, in the description of the rights of the Mustafa)

 

It has been narrated that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) asked Jibrail (Peace be upon him): Have you received anything from My special Mercy?  He said, Yes, I used to be frightened about my fate, now I am content about it.  Because of You, Allah Ta’ala has said the following about me:

 

Verily this is the word of a most honorable Messenger, (19) Endued with Power, with rank before the Lord of the Throne, (20) With authority there, (and) faithful of his trust.  Surah Takveer (81:21)

 

Jibrail (Peace be upon him) is the Prophet's vizier in the spiritual worlds

 

Allah Ta’ala has made Jibrail not only a servant of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), but also His vizier in the spiritual world. Imam Hakim Neshapuri (May Allah shower His Mercy upon him) has narrated a Hadith in this context in his famous book Al Mustadrak, in which he compiled the Hadith according to the standards laid down by Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim:

 

It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abu Sa’eed Khudri (May Allah be well pleased with him) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Surely, I have 2 viziers in the spiritual world and 2 on the earth. In the spiritual worlds, My viziers are Jibrail and Mikail and among the inhabitants of earth, My 2 viziers are Abu Bakr and Umar."

 

This Hadith has been recorded in other compendiums of Hadith with a slight change of wording. Imam Hakim mentions this Hadith at 2 places, Imam Tirmidhi's compendium, Jame’ Tirmidhi mentions this Hadith at one place, Imam Suyuti (May Allah shower His Mercy upon him) mentions this Hadith in his Jaami'ul Hadith wal maraseel at five places, Kanzul 'Ummal entions this Hadith at 4 places, Imam Nasai mentions this Hadith in his Fadhail as Sahabah at one place.

 

(Mustadrak Alas Sahihain, Kitab Ut Tafseer, Surah Baqara, Hadith no: 3002; Jame’ Tirmidhi, Abwab Ul Manaqib, Vol. 2 Pg No: 209, Hadith No: 3613; Zujajatul Masabeeh, bab manaqibi Abi Bakrin wa Umar raziallahu anhuma, Vol. 5, Pg No: 271)

 

Hadhrat Shaykh Ul Islam A'arif billah Imam Muhammad Anwarullah Farooqui writes in the interpretation of this Hadith: When 2 angels like Jibrail and Mikail are the Holy Prophet's (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) viziers in the heavens and 2 are on this earth, then what reservations are there that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is the king of the higher and lower worlds?”

 

Then he wrote a couplet in Persian.

 

Translation:

 

Heavens and the earth are beneath Your feet,

Maqam-e-Mahmood is Your seat

Your soldiers are angels, men and Jinns

Everywhere You are the King of all Kings.

 

Allah Ta’ala taught the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).

 

Jibrail (Peace be upon him) is not the teacher in any way

 

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is the first among the creation. The Creator of the worlds, Allah Ta’ala Himself granted Him knowledge of the beginnings and the endings of the universe (‘Ilm UL Awwaleen wal Aakhireen) and even more, and made Him the Teacher of the Universe.

 

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) never learnt anything from anyone in this world.  Allah Ta’ala Himself taught Him and granted Him the Knowledge of what has happened and what is to happen.

 

As Allah Ta’ala says in the Holy Quran Surah Rahman:

 

(Allah) Most Gracious! (1) It is He Who has taught the Qur'an.  Surah Rahman (55:1)

 

In fact Allah Ta’ala is the only teacher of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). Whatever Wahi of Allah that Jibrail (Peace be upon him) brought to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), he brought it as a servant and as a ambassador.  The work of Jibrail (Peace be upon him) was to convey the Word of Allah.  The meaning, intricacies, import and secrets of it were taught to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) by Allah Ta’ala Himself, so wherever the “taught” is used for Jibrail, it does not mean that he actually taught the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), but it means that he conveyed the Wahi of Allah Ta’ala.  Everybody’s ultimate teacher is Allah Ta’ala, but in this world, Allah Ta’ala appoints a virtual teacher as well.  For the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), there is no virtual teacher in this world.  Allah Ta’ala has explained the reality of teaching and education by attributing it to Himself.

 

It is for Us to collect it and to promulgate it: Surah Qiyamah (75:17)

 

Again in Surah Qiyamah

 

Nay more, it is for Us to explain it (and make it clear): Surah Qiyamah (75:19)

 

Again in Surah A'ala

 

By degrees shall We teach thee to declare (the Message), so thou shalt not forget, Surah A’ala (87:6)

 

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) also mentioned this teaching in His words, "Verily, Allah Ta’ala taught Me and brought Me up and He SWT brought Me up in the best way."  (Mawahib Ladunniya, ma’ Zurqani, Vol 5, Pg Mo. 297)

 

It us given in Tafseer Ruh Al Bayan Vol I pg no 31:

 

It is mentioned in the Hadith that Jibrail (Peace be upon him) came to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) with the verse ڪٓهيعٓصٓ (Kaaf Haa Yaa A’in Suaad) of Surah Maryam and recited Kaaf, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: I know its meaning and truth (Haqiqa), Jibrail (Peace be upon him) said: Haa, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: I know its meaning and Haqiqa.  Jibrail (Peace be upon him) said: Yaa, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: I know its meaning and Haqiqa.  Jibrail (Peace be upon him) said: A’in, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  I know its meaning and Haqiqa.  Jibrail (Peace be upon him) said: Suaad, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said, I know its meaning and Haqiqa.

 

Jibrail (Peace be upon him) said, O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) What greatness is this! I myself don't know the meaning of them and You know it!"

 

The above lines show that Jibrail (Peace be upon him) was no the teacher of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) even to the extent of teaching of an alphabet, instead he was entrusted with the Wahi, was an ambassador, a servant and a vizier of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).

 

Jibrail (Peace be upon him) came to the presence of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) 420000 times

 

 

Imam Muhammad Fasi (May Allah shower His Mercy upon him) writes in his Matali'us samarrat (Sharh of Dalail ul Khairaat) on pg no 322 on the authority of Lafz ud durri bi anamil kaffi, the book of Shaikh Abu Abdullah Al 'Amri

Which means that Jibrail (Peace be upon him) had the honour of coming to the presence of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) 420000 times. And each time he came and stood with proper respect.

 

Jibrail (Peace be upon him) requests permission to enter the presence of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)

 

When Jibrail (Peace be upon him) would came to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), he would become a model of respect and would request permission.  Out of respect, he would not come closer to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) suddenly, but for coming close, he would constantly request the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  When the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) would grant him permission, then he would come closer to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and sit with both his knees resting on the ground.

 

So, in SIhah Sittah (the 6 authentic books of Hadith), in the Sunan, in Musnad Imam Azam, Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Nasai, Sunan Baihaqi, Kanz Ul Ummal, At Targheeb wat Tarheeb, Jame Ul Ahadith wal maraseel, and in many other books of Hadith, there are many Hadith of this kind.  As an example, the following Hadith are being mentioned here:

 

Translation:  It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abdullah bin Umar (May Allah be well pleased with them):  We were in the presence of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), suddenly a person with a beautiful face, fragrant odor and in a clean dress came to the Holy Prophet and said, Assalamalaikum! O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), May I come closer to you? Then He (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said, "Come closer." He came a little closer.  In the same way, he requested permission many times and kept coming closer to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).

 

In Musnad Imam Azam, it is mentioned that he said: Assalamalaikum! O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said, Walaikum as salam.  Then he said, O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), May I come closer?  He (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Come closer.

 

In Kanzul Ummal, the words are like this, Jibrail (Peace be upon him) said: May I come closer to You, O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said, Come closer to Me." (Kanz Ul Ummal, Vol. 1, Pg No: 240)

 

In Sunan Nasai, the following words have been recorded:

 

Translation:  Jibrail (Peace be upon him) came to the edge of floor cover and said: O Muhammad (Epitome of praise) (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) Assalamualika.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) replied to his Salaam.  Jibrail (Peace be upon him) requested: O Muhammad! (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)! May I come closer to You?  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Come closer.  Jibrail (Peace be upon him) kept requesting permission and the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Come closer.  (Sunan Nasai, Vol. 2, Pg No: 265)

 

Musnad Ahmed and Sunan e Baihaqi have these words: O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) May I come? Ateeka

 

The commentator of Musnad Imam Azam has explained this line in the following words: Jibrail (Peace be upon him) requested permission in this manner to come closer to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) out of the fear that coming closer suddenly would come under disrespect of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).

 

This shows us with what respect and reverence Jibrail (Peace be upon him) used to enter the Holy Prophet's presence with His permission.  In the same way, Allah Ta’ala used to command Jibrail (Peace be upon him) that he should not leave the presence of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) without asking His permission and will.

 

Do not return until the Beloved (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) permits you to

 

Hadhrat Qazi Sanaullah Panipati Naqshbandi (May Allah shower His Mercy on him) narrates a Hadith in his Tafseer e Mazhari on the authority of Ibn e Sa'ad and Abu Shaikh:

 

Translation: When the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) was done with the Battle of Badr, Jibrail (Peace be upon him) came to Him on a red horse wearing armor, holding a spear in his hand and requested: O Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), Allah Ta’ala has sent me to You and has commanded me not to return until You are pleased with me.  Is the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) pleased with me?  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said, Yes I am pleased with you.  Then Jibrail (Peace be upon him) returned.

 

(Baihaqi, Dalail Un Nabuwwa, Hadith No: 992.  Khasais Kubra, Vol. 1, Pg No: 203, Subul Ul Huda war Rashad, Vol. 4, Pg No: 41)

 

Jibrail (Peace be upon him) service to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)

 

As Jibrail (Peace be upon him) is a close servant of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), he used to hold the reins of His mount as Imam Tabarani (May Allah shower His Mercy on him) relates a Hadith on the authority of Hadhrat Anas (May Allah be well pleased with him) in his Musnad e Shamiyyeen in Vol 1, Pg No: 603:

 

Translation: Hadhrat Anas (May Allah be well pleased with him) said: We were with the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) in a battle ( Ghazwah ).  We were going towards a valley.  When we started climbing it, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) gave the Takbir i.e " Allahu Akbar ", looked at us, smiled and continued.  When we reached the middle of the valley, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) again said the Takbeer, looked at us, smiled and continued. When we covered the entire valley, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) once again said the Takbeer, looked at us, smiled and stopped.  When all of us gathered, He (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) asked us: Do you know why I said the Takbeer and why I looked at you and smiled?  We said: Allah Ta’ala and His Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) know best us.

 

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: When we were climbing the valley, Jibrail (Peace be upon him) held the reins of my horse and said: O Muhammad, please give this glad tiding to Your Ummah that whoever dies in the state that he/she testifying (declares): There is no Lord except Allah Ta’ala and Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is His worshipper and Prophet, then Allah Ta’ala will certainly allow that person to enter Jannah, so I said the Takbeer, turned towards you and smiled.  Jibrail (Peace be upon him) held the reins (of my horse) and kept walking.  After some time Jibrail (Peace be upon him) said: O Muhammad, please accept this glad tiding and convey it to Your Ummah: Whoever testifies that the Allah Ta’ala is the Lord Almighty and Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is His Prophet, that person will be allowed entry into Jannah by Allah Ta’ala.   I said the Takbeer, turned towards you and smiled. Jibrail (Peace be upon him) kept walking, so much so that we covered the entire valley and reached flat ground.  Then he said: O Muhammad, please accept this glad tiding and convey it to Your Ummah: Whoever dies while testifying that there is no one worthy of worship except Allah Ta’ala and Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is His Prophet, Allah Ta’ala forbids hell on that person.

 

Allah Ta’ala sent Jibrail (Peace be upon him) to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) only to respect and revere Him

 

Jibrail (Peace be upon him) came to the presence of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), just before He (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) passed away into the presence of Allah Ta’ala and requested as Imam Tabarani writes in Mawahib e Ladunniya,

 

Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Ali bin Hussain (May Allah be well pleased with him) who in turn heard his father saying: 3 days before the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) passed away into the presence of Allah, Jibrail (Peace be upon him) came to Him and requested thus: O Muhammad, Allah Ta'ala has sent me especially to respect and revere You.  Then Jibrail (Peace be upon him) asked the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) about His illness.  The angel of death requested permission to enter the presence of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), Jibrail (Peace be upon him) said: This is the angel of death, he requests permission to come into Your presence.  Before You, he had never requested permission from any Prophet and will never request permission from any human being after You. The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Permit him.  The angel of death entered the presence of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  He stood with utmost respect and said: Verily Allah Ta’ala has sent me to You and has commanded to obey whatever You say.  If You order that I should draw Your pure Soul, I'll do it.  If You order me not to do so, I won’t.

 

Jibrail (Peace be upon him) said, O Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), verily Allah Ta’ala wants to meet You.  Then the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: O angel of death, do what you have been commanded to do.  Jibrail (Peace be upon him) said: O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) this is my last coming to the earth with the Wahi. There is nothing except that in this world.  You are my only purpose in this world. 

 

(Mojam Kabeer Tabarani, Hadith No: 2821; Al Matalib Ul A’aliya of Imam Ibn Hajr Asqalani, Hadith No: 4449; Kanz Ul ‘Ummal, Kitab Ush Shamail; Majma Uz Zawaaid, Vol. 9, Pg No: 34; Khasais Kubra, Vol. 2, Pg No: 273, Mawahib Ladunniya, Vol. 4, Pg No: 571, Subul Ul Huda War Rashad, Vol. 12, Pg No: 263)

 

Jibrail (Peace be upon him) kissing the hands of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)

 

The Pride of the Muhaddithin (Hadith-Experts) Hadhrat Abul Hasanaat Syed Abdullah Shah Sahab Naqshbandi Mujaddidi Qadri (May Allah shower His Mercy on him) narrates a Hadith in his beautiful book,  Miladnama  Pg No: 162. 

 

Once Jibrail (Peace be upon him) was ardently kissing the hands of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam); sometimes he would rub his face on the cloak of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) asked him: O Jibrail (Peace be upon him), What is this?  Jibrail (Peace be upon him) said: O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), please ask Mikail (Peace be upon him).  Mikail (Peace be upon him) said: O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), when we are not given any order to come to You, we become restless.  Today we prayed to Allah Ta’ala thousands of times.  Seeing such humble prayers of ours, other angels asked us: O Jibrail and Mikail (Peace be upon them) what is this restlessness?  We answered, we cannot be at peace until we see the beauty of Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), what can we do? Because we received permission to come to You after thousands of prayers, that’s why this is our condition.”

 

Jibrail (Peace be upon him) kissing the heels of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)

 

In the incident of the heavenly journey of Meraj of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), we see the best example of Jibrail (Peace be upon him) reverence of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  Mulla Muhammad Muin Kashfi Harwi (May Allah shower His Mercy on him) narrates a Hadith about Meraj of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam):

 

Translation: In another Hadith it has been narrated on the authority of Jibrail (Peace be upon him): I learnt through the Wahi of Allah that my body has been fashioned out of the camphor of Jannah, but I did not know the wisdom behind it.  I learnt it on the night of Meraj and that in this manner that in spite of my pureness and fineness, I was hesitating to wake up the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and was worried about how to do so.  Then I was ordered that I should rub my face on the heels of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  When I rubbed my face on His heels, the coldness of camphor met warmth and the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) woke up easily from His sleep.  At that time I understood the wisdom behind making me out of camphor.

 

 

Jibrail (Peace be upon him) came to the presence of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) along with 210000 angels.

 

On the night of Meraj, Jibrail (Peace be upon him) had the good fortune of serving the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  As given in Tafseer Ruh Al Bayan Vol 5 Pg No: 109:

 

Translation: On the night of Meraj, Jibrail, Mikail, Israfeel (Peace be upon them) came to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  Each one of them had 70000 angels along with him.  When the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) mounted the Buraq, Jibrail (Peace be upon him) held the reins of buraq, Mikail (Peace be upon him) held the seat of the horse and Israfeel (Peace be upon him) held the saddle of the horse. 

 

The angels received the service of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) in return for their worship

 

The Pride of the Muhaddithin Hadhrat Abul Hasanaat Syed Abdullah Shah Naqshbandi Qadri (May Allah shower His Mercy on him), writes in his great work Miladnama:

 

 

Translation: The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said, I was uneasy at this service of the angels and asked them to stop.  These angels said: O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) we have taken this service in return of thousands of years of worship.  O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) in fact, after thousands of years of worship, one day Allah Ta’ala asked us: What do you want as a reward for this worship.  We requested that we be granted some service of the one whose name is written along with your name on the ‘Arsh.  Allah Ta’ala said: When He (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) will be born, I will take Him from Makkah to Bait ul Muqaddis.  I will let you serve Him in that journey. O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), we got this service in this manner.

 

 

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is the greatest Wasila for Jibrail (Peace be upon him)

 

Jibrail (Peace be upon him) always used to think about pleasing the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). It was in this connection that the he requested permission to spread his wings on the Sirat on the Day of Judgment.  And he conveyed his wish to Allah Ta’ala through the greatest Wasila, the Holy Prophet Hadhrat Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  It is given in Tafseer Ruh Al Bayan, Vol. 5, Pg No: 121:

 

Translation: The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Does a friend leave a friend in such a place? Jibrail (Peace be upon him) requested: O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), if I step forward, I’ll be burned by the radiance of Allah Ta’ala.   In another Hadith it is recorded: If I come close even to the extent of a fingertip, I will be burned to ashes.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Do you have any wish that you would like to have conveyed to Allah SWT? Jibrail (Peace be upon him) requested: O Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), you please convey to Allah Ta’ala that I would like to spread my wings on the Siraat for Your Ummah, so that they can pass over it easily.

 

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) gives the reward for the service done to Hadhrat Ibrahim Khaleelullah (Peace be upon him)

 

Imam Zurqani relates a very interesting narration in his commentary on Mawahib e Ladunniya;

 

Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Ibn e Abbas (May Allah be well pleased with them) that Hadhrat Ali (May Allah be well pleased with him) said: Ask me before you miss me.  Ask me about that knowledge about which neither Jibrail (Peace be upon him) knew anything nor Mikail (Peace be upon him).  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) taught me from those sciences which Allah Ta’ala taught Him on the night of Meraj.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: My Lord gave me different kinds of knowledge.  Hadhrat Ali (May Allah be well pleased with him) narrates that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) told me this and said: I was a Noor in the body of Hadhrat Ibrahim (Peace be upon him) and was a radiant in his (i.e. Hadhrat Ibrahim’s (Peace be upon him)) back.  When Namrud (Nimrod) was about to throw Hadhrat Ibrahim (Peace be upon him) in the fire, Jibrail (Peace be upon him) came to him and said: O beloved of Rahman, do you have any need? He said: I have no need from you, O Jibrail (Peace be upon him).  Jibrail (Peace be upon him) came for a second time.  This time Mikail (Peace be upon him) was with him.  Ibrahim (Peace be upon him) said: I have no need from you or from Mikail (Peace be upon him).  Jibrail (Peace be upon him) came for a third time and said: Do you have any wish for your Lord Allah SWT?  Hadhrat Ibrahim (Peace be upon him) said, Brother Jibrail (Peace be upon him), the mark of a beloved is not to disobey the wish of his Beloved.

 

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Allah Ta’ala made me talk, so I said: When I will come to this world and Allah Ta’ala will seat me on the station of Prophethood and will raise my status above all others, then I will give a reward to Jibrail (Peace be upon him) for his good act with my father Hadhrat Ibrahim (Peace be upon him).  Then when the night of Meraj came after Allah Ta’ala sent Me into this world.  Jibrail (Peace be upon him) came to Me and remained with Me until he reached a particular place and stopped there.  I told Jibrail (Peace be upon him): Does a friend leave another in a place like this?  Jibrail (Peace be upon him) said: If I go beyond this place, rays of Allah’s SWT Radiance will burn me.  Then the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: O Jibrail (Peace be upon him).  Do you have any wish which you would like to be conveyed to the Allah SWT?  Jibrail (Peace be upon him) requested: O Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), please pray to Allah Ta’ala for me that I want to spread my wings on the Siraat for Your Ummah so that they can pass over it with ease.

 

JIbrail’s (Peace be upon him) seeking blessings from the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)

 

The way Jibrail (Peace be upon him) considers his coming to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) a blessing for himself, in the same way, he considers the Holy Prophet’s (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) sitting at Sidratul Muntaha as a means of blessings for him.

 

Mulla Muin Kashfi Harvi (May Allah shower His Mercy on him) mentions a Hadith in Ma’arijun nabuwwa:

 

Jibrail (Peace be upon him) requested: O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), I have a request.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Tell what is it? He requested: O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), please offer 2 raka’at of Salaat here so that my place of living is blessed by Your feet.

 

Jibrail (Peace be upon him) is commanded to seek the protection of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)

 

Nuzhatul Majalis has a Hadith:

 

Translation: Allah Ta’ala commanded Jibrail (Peace be upon him): O Jibrail (Peace be upon him) take the flag of guidance, the Buraq of benevolence, the robe of honor, the mantle of Prophethood and the turban of awe along with a procession of 70000 angels to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  Stand at His door and seek His protection.  Tonight you have to hold the reins of His horse.  O Mikalil (Peace be upon him) you take the flag of acceptance and along with a procession 70000 angels go the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  O Israfeel and Izrail (Peace be upon them) you both also serve Our Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) in the same way.

 

There is a Hadith in Khasais ul Kubra of Imam Suyuti, Mo’jam e Ausat and Majma Uz Zawaaid of Imam Tabarani:

 

Translation: Ummul Momineen Hadhrat Aisha (May Allah be well pleased with her) narrates from the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) that Jibrail (Peace be upon him) said: I have combed the east and the west but I have not found anybody as excellent as the Holy Prophet Hadhrat Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).

 

Research about the words used in description of Meraj  

 

On the night of Meraj, Jibrail (Peace be upon him) descended from the heavens, and right from coming to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), through out the Journey of Meraj, he became the very model of respect of the Holy Prophet of (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  He held the reins of the mount of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  He did not let go of even a small article of respect of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).

 

When he came to the Mercy of all worlds (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), he came with soft steps and rubbed his cheeks on the heels of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  What is to be understood here is that some books of Seerah like Ibne Hisham etc have used the words: “Fahamazani bil Qadami” (Lit. waking up with the feet).  Some people have translated the above mentioned words as “Jibrail (Peace be upon him) kicked Me to wake Me up”.  This translation is completely wrong and is against logic and is against what has been reported to us as well and no Muslim can even think like this.  This is against the respect and reverence of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and is a lie against Jibrail (Peace be upon him), the trustful.  That’s why linguistic research about these words is being presented here.

 

The first thing that is to be understood here is that the Prophets have been given such spiritual power that when Jibrail (Peace be upon him) starts his descent from the Sidrah, they smell him right here on the earth and understand that Jibrail (Peace be upon him) is going to descend. As related by Allama Shabuddin Khaffaji in Naseem Al Riyaz:

 

Translation: The summary of all this is that, the  Batin  of the Prophets and their spiritual senses are divine.  That’s why they see in all the directions of the world, hear the creaking o the sky and when Jibrail (Peace be upon him) decides to descend from the sky, they smell him.

 

In this book, it has been proved beyond doubt using the verses of the Holy Quran, the Hadith, and the rulings and sayings of the Imams and the Sahabah that Jibrail (Peace be upon him) is the preferred servant of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  He has been appointed by Allah Ta’ala to serve the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  He does not move away even a hair’s breadth from the respect of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  Is it even conceivable that to wake up the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), Jibrail (Peace be upon him) committed such an act?  Islam is a religion which teaches culture and in Islam waking up even a common Muslim like this is against culture and manners. 

 

A brief research of these words

 

The word “hamaza” has multiple meanings.  Among them are to walk with soft steps, to come with soft steps, to talk slowly, to cast a thought in the heart, to remove something, to press, to backbite etc.

 

Among the multiple meanings of the word “Hamaza,” which have been described by Allama Ibn Manzoor the word “Hamasa” is also included.  As given in “Lisan Al Arab.”  About this word, Allama Johri who is an Imam of Arabic Language has written in his “Sihah” that it means to walk with soft steps.  Allama Ibn e Faras writes in “Maqayees Ul Lughat” that it means  to walk with soft steps.  Again in Mukhtar As Sihah lil Razi, it is given as to walk with soft steps.  And in Munjid, Mojam Al Waseet says, walk with soft steps.

 

When all the dictionaries describe its meaning as to walk softly, then how wrong it is to ignore all such facts and to translate it as “to kick.”  This is a deviation from the Shariah as well as from literature.  The words used in the Hadith should always be understood and interpreted keeping in mind the propriety and respect due to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  Thus, the word “Fahamazani bil Qadami” means that Jibrail (Peace be upon him) came to Me walking with soft steps.   

 

A meaning of it is to cast something into the heart, so metaphorically it means that I felt his coming in My heart.

 

There is no other way a servant comes to a master except with utmost respect.  Kicking somebody is not acceptable to anybody and is considered as disrespect.

 

Double meaning words cannot be used for the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) even with a virtuous intention

 

Double meaning words cannot be used for the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) even with a good intention.

 

Shaykh ul Islam Imam Muhammad Anwarullah Farooqui writes about the verse:

 

O ye of Faith! say not (to the Prophet) words of ambiguous import but words of respect; and hearken (to him); to those without faith is a grievous punishment. Surah Baqarah (2:104)

 

The summary is that even though the Sahabah used this word with a good intention and with proper respect, as the same word was an abuse in another language, Allah Ta’ala prohibited its use. Everybody can understand here that a word which did not even hint at any kind of disrespect was prohibited because of the way it was used in another language, so how can those words which really intend disrespect be allowed? If someone says that the prohibition was only for the Jews that they should not use the said word, I will say that yes it might be so. But it cannot be denied that the prohibition was for the believers, who used this word as a form of respect. The Jews and their language are not mentioned here. If that was what was intended, then like the other mischief of Jews it would have been mentioned here. Addressing Muslims shows that use of such words even with a good intention is not allowed. Then the punishment for it was decided as execution, irrespective of whether the accused is a Muslim or non-Muslim. If any Muslim had used that word, he would have been executed. Nobody would ask that Muslim what he meant by that word.

 

Shaykh Ul Islam writes in a thought provoking and heartfelt manner about the direct and indirect disrespect of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) which is being done nowadays:

 

“Now we should consider, how is it to use those words which really mean disrespect to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). It doesn’t matter whether it is direct or indirect. If the Sahabah considered someone who said “Ra’ina” as liable to be killed, so will these empty words be of any benefit? No, never. But what can we do except to remember those days and cry on our own fate, when the pride of Muslims flew the flag of Islam on the corners of the world.  The flickering light of that lamp could not be seen by the people of today’s world.  The field is clear, so whoever wants to say something, does so with amazing courage.  Then look at that vain courage that those acts which make one liable for killing are being promoted as the basis for faith.  If this faith, then we need to carefully think and consider what faithlessness will be.

 

The Holy Quran and the Hadith prove beyond doubt even a hinted disrespect to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) destroys the faith and the person does not even realize it.

 

As given in Surah Hujaraat:

 

O ye who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak aloud to him in talk, as ye may speak aloud to one another lest your deeds become vain and ye perceive not. Surah Hujuraat (49:2)

 

Allah Ta’ala has give instructions only those words which show proper respect and reverence to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) should be used.

 

As given in Surah Noor:

 

Deem not the summons of the Messenger among yourselves like the summons of one of you to another: Allah doth know those of you who slip away under shelter of some excuse: then let those beware who withstand the Messenger's order, lest some trial befall them, or a grievous Penalty be inflicted on them. Surah Noor (24:63)

 

Even a slight raising of the voice has been declared as the reason for the rejection of the worship of the life and all good acts and the destruction of faith (Iman). This also has been made plain that Jibrail (Peace be upon him) was a follower, servant and vizier of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). That’s why he came to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) as a model of respect. He sent Durood and salaam to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and requested his permission to come before him. There is an agreed upon Hadith in both Bukhari and Muslim

 

Translation: Once Jibrail (Peace be upon him) came to the presence of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), he put both his hands on his thighs and sat down in front of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). Then he asked questions about Iman, Islam and Ihsan and about Qiyamah and the establishment of the Qiyamah. The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) gave him answers. After he went away, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) told the Sahabah: It was Jibrail (Peace be upon him), he came to teach your religion to you.”

 

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said that he came to teach your religion to you. The question is what is meant here by teaching religion ? Jibrail (Peace be upon him) did not teach the Sahabah anything from the rules and regulations of Islam. It was the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) who explained these things through his answers. Then what did Jibrail (Peace be upon him) teach? The answer is clear. Jibrail (Peace be upon him) came to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) with utmost respect and only placed his request before the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). He taught the entire Ummah how to come before the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and how to request Him for something. The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) declared this respect and reverence as Deen and told the Sahabah: It was Jibrail (Peace be upon him) who came to teach your Deen to you.

 

May Allah Ta’ala,  for the sake of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) guide all the Muslims to respect and revere the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and to follow the rules of Islam.

 

A brief description of the journey of Meraj

 

The enmity and the constant refusal of the non-Muslims to recognize Him hurt and saddened the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). To console, to make the beloved Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) happy and to make the people realize the true status of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), Allah Ta’ala summoned Him into His presence, gave him a tour of all the skies, the heaven and the hell and favored Him with His Vision.  The Holy Quran has referred to this heavenly journey as Isra and the Hadith have referred to it as Meraj.  Isra means to journey in night and Meraj means perfection, zenith etc.  The journey from the Ka’aba to Baitul Muqaddis has been called Isra and the journey from Baitul Muqaddis to the heavens, Sidratul Muntaha and beyond is called as Meraj.

 

The verse of the Holy Quran:

 

Glory to (Allah) Who did take His Servant for Journey by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque whose precincts We did bless― in order that We might show him some of Our Signs: for He is the one Who heareth and seeth (all things). Surah Isra (17:1)

 

describes the journey clearly mentions the journey from the Ka’aba to Baitul Muqaddis; “some of Our Signs” means the journey of the heavens and beyond them. (Madarij Un Nabuwwa, Vol. 1, Pg No: 158)

 

The journey (with the body and soul together and not the soul only) from the Ka’aba to the Baitul Muqaddis and from there to the heavens, the tour of the heaven and hell and the Vision of Allah Ta’ala with the physical eyes, all this happened only in a small part of the night.  This heavenly journey happened on 12 Nabvi 27_th of Rajab, after the journey of Taif and before the migration to Medina.  Most of the scholars write that the Meraj was granted to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) 34 times; among them once together with His body and soul (Zurqani Sharh Al al Mawahib Ladunniya, Vol. 8, Pg No: 13, Madarij Un Nabuwwa, Vol. 1, Pg No: 157).  The person who denies the Meraj of the body and the soul is a “Fasiq” (sinner) and an innovator in religion (Bida’ati).  Mulla Jivan (May Allah shower His Mercy on him) says: Meraj occurred in a state of wakefulness, for both the body and the soul.  This is the position of the Ahle Sunnah, so anyone who says that Meraj was granted only to the soul or was granted in sleep, that person is misguided, a misguides others and is a Fasiq. 

 

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) was resting in the house of Umme Hani which was near the Ka’aba.  Jibrail (Peace be upon him) came to the Prophet’s presence with angels who had radiant torches in their hands and rubbed his face of camphor on the heels of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) opened His eyes due to the coldness of Jibrail’s (Peace be upon him) face.  Jibrail (Peace be upon him) requested: O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), Allah Ta’ala summons You.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) went to the well of Zam Zam.  His holy chest was opened and a vessel full of Iman and wisdom was poured into it.  The Buraq which was brought as a mount was so fast that it would set down its foot on the farthest point of sight.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) mounted it and came to Baitul Muqaddis and tied the Buraq to the ring where the earlier Prophets used to tie their mounts.  All the Prophets were waiting for Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) there.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) led them in Salaat.  After that the tour of the heavens started.  At various levels, various Prophets welcomed Him.  On the first heaven, the Father of all mankind, Prophet Adam (Peace be upon him) and on the 7^th heaven, the Father of the Prophets, Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon him) met Him.  Along with all other Prophets, Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon him) greeted the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) thus: O Prophet who have the ability to have the vision of Allah, Blessings and Glory to You.

 

Then the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) went up to Sidratul Muntaha which is the place for the radiance of Allah Ta’ala.   Whatever happened after that is neither expressible by the tongues nor understandable by the minds.  The secret dialogue between the Beloved and the One who loves has been described by the Holy Quran as … Surah Najm-10. And Allah Ta’ala granted the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) His vision which has been mentioned in the Holy Quran thus:

 

(His) sight never swerved nor did it go wrong! (17) For truly did he see of the Signs of his Lord the Greatest! Surah Najm (53:18)

 

It has been mentioned in Kitab Al Shifa that many of the Sahabah and the Tabi’een say that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) had the vision of Allah Ta’ala with His physical eyes.

 

Hadhrat Abdullah Bin Abbas (May Allah be well pleased with them) says: Verily, on the night of Meraj, Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) saw His Lord twice.  Hadhrat Ka’ab (May Allah be well pleased with him) gave a cry that echoed around the hills and said: Hadhrat Moosa (Peace be upon him) heard the voice of his Lord and Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) saw Him.

 

Hadhrat Ma’az bin Jabal (May Allah be well pleased with him) says: The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: I saw my Lord.  It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abuzar Ghifari (May Allah be well pleased with him), that he asked the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam): Did You see Your Lord?  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said, Yes: I saw the Noor al Haq (Radiance of Truth).

 

Hadhrat Abdul Razzaq (May Allah shower His Mercy on him) who is a teacher of Imam Bukhari’s teachers says: Hadhrat Hasan Basri (May Allah be well pleased with him) used to say on oath that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) saw His Lord.

 

It has been mentioned in Kitab Ash Shifa that Imam Ahmed bin Hambal (May Allah be well pleased with him) was asked about this.  He said: My position on this is what Hadhrat Abdullah Bin Abbas (May Allah be well pleased with him) said that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) saw Allah Ta’ala,  saw Allah Ta’ala saw Allah Ta’ala.   Imam Ahmed kept saying this till he lost his breath.

 

The Mounts of the Journey of Meraj

 

On the night of Meraj, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) used 5 mounts.

 

1.      From Makkah to Baitul Muqaddis- Buraq

2.      From Baitul Muqaddis to the first heaven- A staircase of radiance

3.      From the first heaven to the seventh heaven- On the wings of the angels

4.      From the seventh Heaven to the Sidratul Muntaha- On the arms of Jibrail (Peace be upon him)

5.      From the Sidrah to the ‘Arsh- On His own blessed feet.

 

When the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) came back after completing the journey in a very short period of time: He (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) announced this among the people of Mecca.  The Meccan people denied this and started taunting Him.  This denial also shows that the Meraj was for the body and the soul.  If it was only for the soul, they could not have denied it.