Misinterpretation of holy Miraj

Several television channels telecast special programme on the holy Miraj on Monday. Miraj means vision, which in the case of Hazrat Muhammad (SM), refers to his journey to seven heavens to Lote-tree and seeing of some of the greatest signs of Allah.

But some discussants misinterpreted the meaning of the Miraj and narrated manufactured story, which has in no way support in the Quran. Allah in An-Najm, an early Meccan surah, narrates the story of Miraj. The Prophet was bestowed prophethood in mid-610 and, thereafter, stayed in Mecca for 12 years or a little more before his departure for Medina in mid-622 A.D. From that point, the Prophet went on traveling seven heavens by 615.

Prophet's journey to seven heavens may be ascertained from the following verses i.e. 53/13-18: -

And verily he (Muhammad) saw him (Zibrail) yet another time,

By the Lote-tree of the utmost boundary,

Nigh unto which is the Garden of Abode.

When that which shrouds did enshroud the Lote-tree,

The eye turned not aside nor yet was overbold.

Verily he (Muhammad) saw one of the greatest signs of his Lord.

Verse No.53/13 and 14 give evidence of seeing Zibrail a second time. Then when did the Prophet see him for the first time? Answer to this question lies in Vv. 53/6-14.

One vigorous; and he (Zibrail) grew clear to view

Then he drew nigh and came down

Till he was (at a distance of) two bows length or even nearer,

And he (Zibrail) revealed unto His (Allah) slave that which he revealed.

The heart lied not (in seeing) what it saw.

Will you (o man) then dispute with him concerning what he saw?

Verily he saw him yet another time,

By the Lote-tree of the utmost boundary,

Almost all the interpreters and the commentators are of the opinion that vv. Num 53/6-12 refer to the Prophet's seeing of the Arch-angel or the Faithful Spirit on Mt. Hira while vv.53/13-18 tell of seeing near the Lote-tree a second time. Had the Prophet seen Allah, it would have been the most glorious sign, and not one of the greatest signs. Verse No.53/18 witnesses that he saw one of the greatest signs because he saw the Arch-angel.

We learn from the Quran that human eyes cannot comprehend Allah. The text of related verse (6/102) is: -

Vision comprehends Him not, but He comprehends (all) vision.

The cheap narrative that Hazrat Muhammad (SM) had the glimpse of Allah is not acceptable. Allah does not have any physical image like that of god or goddess. He is omnipotent, exists everywhere, and not confined to any particular place in any shape or size.

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