The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume I — Page 280
Seal of the Prophets - Volume I 280 for the Muslims, as he stated, 1 ٗ بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَه meaning, “We have made the environment of this new arena blessed for you. ” History testifies that it happened as such. When Islām left the boundaries of Arabia and the Arabian people, it felt as if this environment had already been prepared from before, and in this battle, these remarkable victories had been predestined. During his journey, the elucidations of the various sights which the Holy Prophet sa was confronted with are present within the actual vision itself. In these times of triumph, the wealth and provisions of this world will invite the Muslims. The provisions of this world may be used in as much as necessary, but since an abundance of it possesses the ability to drown, the Muslims should remain vigilant. The sighting of Iblīs is a representation of religious misguidance and darkness. Muslims have been forewarned that in their triumphant onslaught, satanic forces should not turn them away from the path of justice. Then, the meeting with prophets, not only holds a message of blessings and peace, but also means that in future times of victory, whilst benefiting from the blessings of Islām, the nations of the world shall admit to its greatness. Therefore, it is an open page of history that the current advancement of Europe and America is due to their interaction with Islām, for prior to Islām, these nations were engulfed in a sleep of ignorance. The fair-minded researchers of Europe have admitted to this grace and blessing of Islām in clear words, and they have admitted that the West acquired its first lesson in modern sciences from Islām. 2 Finally, upon his arrival to Jerusalem, is the scene of the past prophets offering their Ṣalāt behind the Holy Prophet sa. However, this scene is an explanation in itself, which requires no further elucidation. Similarly, there are various other points in the Isrā’ as well, but with the thought of brevity, we shall rest at this alone. Therefore, the Mi‘rāj and Isrā’ were two remarkably outstanding visions, in which the forthcoming victories and achievements of the Holy Prophet, and his community were shown. Occurrences that took place thereafter confirmed that these visions were from God, because whatever was shown to the Holy Prophet sa , occurred as such, they are occurring, and shall continue to occur. Now look, what status does a physical and bodily journey have in comparison to such a magnificent perspective. If these journeys are understood as merely physical and bodily, their implication would be no more than the fact that by 1 Banī Isrā’īl (17:2) 2 * The Decline & Fall of the Roman Empire, By Edward Gibbon and Encyclopedia Britannica * An Apology for Mohammad and the Koran by John Davenport, pp. 89-93, London (1882) (Publishers)