Examination of the ascension of the prophet of islam in the view of orientalists

Abstract

In accordance with Quranic verses, Muslims believe in the nightly journey of the Prophet of Islam from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid Al-Aqsa and his physical ascent into the heavens. This event is named the Ascension (mi‘raj). As the Ascension is considered by Muslims to be a miracle of the Prophet of Islam, orientalists have examined the matter. Some orientalists regard the Ascension as essentially true but have different ideas about the manner in which it occurred. For instance, it is believed that the Ascension of the Prophet of Islam transpired in a dream. Others believe that it was not physical but spiritual. This study utilizes logical reasoning and traditional evidence to evaluate the views of orientalists about the Ascension.