Jibraeel (AS) and the Night Journey: Role in Isra and Miraj

The Role of Jibraeel (AS) in Isra wal Mi'raj

A Journey Beyond the Heavens Guided by the Trustworthy Spirit

The Sacred Preparation

Jibraeel (AS) arrived while the Prophet ﷺ was in the Hatim of the Ka'bah.

He opened the Prophet's chest and washed his heart with Zamzam water from a golden vessel.

This spiritual purification was essential to prepare him for the immense journey ahead.

Bringing the Buraq

Jibraeel (AS) brought the Buraq, a heavenly beast white in color, smaller than a mule but larger than a donkey.

When the Buraq shied away initially, Jibraeel (AS) calmed it, reminding it of the Prophet's ﷺ noble status.

Arrival at Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa

Upon reaching Jerusalem, Jibraeel (AS) indicated for the Prophet ﷺ to tether the Buraq.

Inside the Masjid, Jibraeel (AS) presented the gathered souls of all previous Prophets.

Jibraeel (AS) signaled for Muhammad ﷺ to lead them all in a historic congregational prayer.

The Test of Fitrah

Jibraeel (AS) presented two vessels: one containing wine and the other milk.

The Prophet ﷺ chose the milk.

Jibraeel remarked: 'You have chosen the Fitrah (natural instinct). Had you chosen the wine, your Ummah would have gone astray.'

Ascending the Heavens

Jibraeel (AS) acted as the guide and voucher at each celestial gate.

The Dialogue at the Gates

Gatekeeper: 'Who is it?'

Jibraeel: 'It is Jibraeel.'

Gatekeeper: 'Who is with you?'

Jibraeel: 'It is Muhammad.'

Introductions to the Prophets

At each level of the heavens, Jibraeel (AS) introduced the Prophet ﷺ to the Prophets residing there.

Adam (1st Heaven)

Isa & Yahya (2nd Heaven)

Yusuf (3rd Heaven)

Idris (4th Heaven)

Harun (5th Heaven)

Musa (6th Heaven)

Ibrahim (7th Heaven)

Explaining the Unseen

Throughout the ascent, the Prophet ﷺ witnessed powerful scenes representing the rewards of the righteous and the punishments of sinners.

Whenever the Prophet ﷺ asked, 'Who are these, O Jibraeel?', the Angel would explain the nature of their deeds (e.g., those who consumed Riba or backbit others).

Sidrat al-Muntaha

They reached the 'Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary'. Its colors and beauty were beyond human description.

Here, Jibraeel (AS) was seen in his true, magnificent angelic form, with 600 wings covering the horizon.

The Final Boundary

At a certain point beyond the Sidra, Jibraeel (AS) stopped.

He could accompany the Prophet ﷺ no further. This marked the limit of created beings.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ proceeded alone to the station of 'Qaaba Qawsayn' (two bows' length) to speak directly with Allah.

The Trustworthy Companion

Isra wal Mi'raj highlighted Jibraeel's (AS) role not just as a messenger of revelation, but as a guardian, guide, and teacher.

From bringing the Buraq to stopping at the threshold of the Divine, he fulfilled his duty with perfection.