وأخرج ابن مردويه والبيهقي في “شعب الإيمان” من طريق حميد عن أنس بن مالك في قوله : فإما نذهبن بك فإنا منهم منتقمون الآية، قال : أكرم الله نبيه صلى الله عليه وسلم أن يريه في أمته ما يكره فرفعه إليه وبقيت النقمة .

Anas (RA) says:
Allah honored His Prophet, peace be upon him, by not letting him see in his nation what he would dislike, so He raised him to Himself, and the punishment (for the disobedient ones) remained.

[Shu’ab al-Iman, 1410]

Rafa used by the Prophet (SAW)

قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ إِنَّ رَبَّكُمْ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى حَيِيٌّ كَرِيمٌ يَسْتَحْيِي مِنْ عَبْدِهِ إِذَا رَفَعَ يَدَيْهِ إِلَيْهِ أَنْ يَرُدَّهُمَا صِفْرًا ‏”‏ ‏.‏

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: Your Lord is munificent and generous, and is ashamed to turn away empty the hands of His servant when he raises them to Him.

[Sunan Abi Dawud 1488]

وَحَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، وَأَبُو كُرَيْبٍ وَاللَّفْظُ لَهُمَا ح وَحَدَّثَنَا إِسْحَاقُ الْحَنْظَلِيُّ، قَالَ إِسْحَاقُ أَخْبَرَنَا وَقَالَ الآخَرَانِ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ، عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، عَنْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، عَنِ الأَسْوَدِ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، قَالَتْ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ مَا يُصِيبُ الْمُؤْمِنَ مِنْ شَوْكَةٍ فَمَا فَوْقَهَا إِلاَّ رَفَعَهُ اللَّهُ بِهَا دَرَجَةً أَوْ حَطَّ عَنْهُ بِهَا خَطِيئَةً ‏”‏ ‏.‏

‘A’isha reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:

A believer does not receive (the trouble) of running a thorn or more than that but Allah elevates him in rank or effaces his sins because of that.

[Sahih Muslim 2572b]

حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ يُونُسَ، حَدَّثَنَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ ـ هُوَ ابْنُ سَعْدٍ ـ حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ شِهَابٍ، عَنْ عَامِرِ بْنِ سَعْدٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، قَالَ عَادَنِي النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فِي حَجَّةِ الْوَدَاعِ مِنْ وَجَعٍ، أَشْفَيْتُ مِنْهُ عَلَى الْمَوْتِ، فَقُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ بَلَغَ بِي مِنَ الْوَجَعِ مَا تَرَى، وَأَنَا ذُو مَالٍ وَلاَ يَرِثُنِي إِلاَّ ابْنَةٌ لِي وَاحِدَةٌ أَفَأَتَصَدَّقُ بِثُلُثَىْ مَالِي قَالَ ‏”‏ لاَ ‏”‏‏.‏ قُلْتُ أَفَأَتَصَدَّقُ بِشَطْرِهِ قَالَ ‏”‏ لاَ ‏”‏‏.‏ قُلْتُ فَالثُّلُثِ قَالَ ‏”‏ وَالثُّلُثُ كَثِيرٌ، إِنَّكَ أَنْ تَذَرَ وَرَثَتَكَ أَغْنِيَاءَ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَنْ تَذَرَهُمْ عَالَةً يَتَكَفَّفُونَ النَّاسَ، وَلَسْتَ تُنْفِقُ نَفَقَةً تَبْتَغِي بِهَا وَجْهَ اللَّهِ إِلاَّ أُجِرْتَ بِهَا، حَتَّى اللُّقْمَةَ تَجْعَلُهَا فِي فِي امْرَأَتِكَ ‏”‏‏.‏ قُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ آأُخَلَّفُ بَعْدَ أَصْحَابِي قَالَ ‏”‏ إِنَّكَ لَنْ تُخَلَّفَ فَتَعْمَلَ عَمَلاً تَبْتَغِي بِهِ وَجْهَ اللَّهِ إِلاَّ ازْدَدْتَ بِهِ دَرَجَةً وَرِفْعَةً، وَلَعَلَّكَ تُخَلَّفُ حَتَّى يَنْتَفِعَ بِكَ أَقْوَامٌ وَيُضَرَّ بِكَ آخَرُونَ، اللَّهُمَّ أَمْضِ لأَصْحَابِي هِجْرَتَهُمْ، وَلاَ تَرُدَّهُمْ عَلَى أَعْقَابِهِمْ‏.‏ لَكِنِ الْبَائِسُ سَعْدُ ابْنُ خَوْلَةَ رَثَى لَهُ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَنْ تُوُفِّيَ بِمَكَّةَ ‏”‏‏.‏

The Prophet (ﷺ) visited me during Hajjat ul-Wada` while I was suffering from a disease which brought me to the verge of death. I said, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! My ailment has reached such a (bad) state as you see, and I have much wealth, but I have no-one to inherit from me except my only daughter. Shall I give 2/3 of my property as alms (in charity)?” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “No,” I said, “Shall I give half of my property as alms?” He said, “No.” I said, “(Shall I give) 1/3 of it? ” He replied, ” 1/3, and even 1/3 is too much. It is better for you to leave your inheritors wealthy rather than to leave them poor, begging people (for their sustenance); and whatever you spend for Allah’s Sake, you will get reward for it even for the morsel of food which you put in your wives mouth.” I said, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! Should I remain (in Mecca) behind my companions (who are going with you to Medina)?” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “If you remain behind, any good deed which you will do for Allah’s Sake, will upgrade and elevate you. May be you will live longer so that some people may benefit by you and some other (i.e. infidels) may get harmed by you.” The Prophet (ﷺ) then added, “O Allah! Complete the Migration of my companions and do not turn them on their heels. But the poor Sa`d bin Khaula (not the above mentioned Sa`d) (died in Mecca) .” Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) pitied Sa`d for he died in Mecca.

[Sahih al-Bukhari 4409]

وعن عمر بن الخطاب رضي الله عنه‏:‏ أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال ‏:‏ ‏ “‏ إن الله يرفع بهذا الكتاب أقوامًا ويضع به آخرين‏”‏‏.‏

‘Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Verily, Allah elevates some people with this Qur’an and abases others.”

[Riyad as-Salihin 996]

وَحَدَّثَنِي زُهَيْرُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ، حَدَّثَنَا يَعْقُوبُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، حَدَّثَنِي أَبِي، عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، عَنْ عَامِرِ بْنِ وَاثِلَةَ، أَنَّ نَافِعَ بْنَ عَبْدِ الْحَارِثِ، لَقِيَ عُمَرَ بِعُسْفَانَ وَكَانَ عُمَرُ يَسْتَعْمِلُهُ عَلَى مَكَّةَ فَقَالَ مَنِ اسْتَعْمَلْتَ عَلَى أَهْلِ الْوَادِي فَقَالَ ابْنَ أَبْزَى ‏.‏ قَالَ وَمَنِ ابْنُ أَبْزَى قَالَ مَوْلًى مِنْ مَوَالِينَا ‏.‏ قَالَ فَاسْتَخْلَفْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ مَوْلًى قَالَ إِنَّهُ قَارِئٌ لِكِتَابِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَإِنَّهُ عَالِمٌ بِالْفَرَائِضِ ‏.‏ قَالَ عُمَرُ أَمَا إِنَّ نَبِيَّكُمْ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَدْ قَالَ ‏ “‏ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَرْفَعُ بِهَذَا الْكِتَابِ أَقْوَامًا وَيَضَعُ بِهِ آخَرِينَ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

‘Amir b. Wathila reported that Nafi’ b. ‘Abd al-Harith met ‘Umar at ‘Usfan and ‘Umar had employed him as collector in Mecca. He (Hadrat ‘Umar) said to him (Nafi’):

“Whom have you appointed as collector over the people of the valley? He said: Ibn Abza. He said: Who is Ibn Abza? He said: He is one of our freed slaves. He (Hadrat ‘Umar) said: So you have appointed a freed slave over them. He said: He is well versed In the Book of Allah. the Exalted and Great, and he is well versed In the commandments and injunctions (of the Shari’ah). ‘Umar said: So the Prophet (ﷺ) said: By this Book, Allah would exalt some peoples and degrade others.”

_{[Sahih Muslim 817a]}

حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ أَيُّوبَ، وَقُتَيْبَةُ، وَابْنُ، حُجْرٍ قَالُوا حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ، – وَهُوَ ابْنُ جَعْفَرٍ – عَنِ الْعَلاَءِ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ مَا نَقَصَتْ صَدَقَةٌ مِنْ مَالٍ وَمَا زَادَ اللَّهُ عَبْدًا بِعَفْوٍ إِلاَّ عِزًّا وَمَا تَوَاضَعَ أَحَدٌ لِلَّهِ إِلاَّ رَفَعَهُ اللَّهُ”‏ ‏.‏

Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:

Charity does not decrease wealth, no one forgives another except that Allah increases his honor, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises his status.

[Sahih Muslim 2588]

حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ أَبِي عُمَرَ الْمَكِّيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنْ عُمَرَ بْنِ سَعِيدِ بْنِ مَسْرُوقٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ عَبَايَةَ بْنِ رِفَاعَةَ، عَنْ رَافِعِ بْنِ خَدِيجٍ، قَالَ أَعْطَى رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَبَا سُفْيَانَ بْنَ حَرْبٍ وَصَفْوَانَ بْنَ أُمَيَّةَ وَعُيَيْنَةَ بْنَ حِصْنٍ وَالأَقْرَعَ بْنَ حَابِسٍ كُلَّ إِنْسَانٍ مِنْهُمْ مِائَةً مِنَ الإِبِلِ وَأَعْطَى عَبَّاسَ بْنَ مِرْدَاسٍ دُونَ ذَلِكَ ‏.‏ فَقَالَ عَبَّاسُ بْنُ مِرْدَاسٍ أَتَجْعَلُ نَهْبِي وَنَهْبَ الْعُبَيْدِ بَيْنَ عُيَيْنَةَ وَالأَقْرَعِ فَمَا كَانَ بَدْرٌ وَلاَ حَابِسٌ يَفُوقَانِ مِرْدَاسَ فِي الْمَجْمَعِ وَمَا كُنْتُ دُونَ امْرِئٍ مِنْهُمَا وَمَنْ تَخْفِضِ الْيَوْمَ لاَ يُرْفَعِ قَالَ فَأَتَمَّ لَهُ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم مِائَةً ‏.‏

Rafi’ b. Khadij reported that the Messenger of Allah; (ﷺ) gave to Abu Sufyan b. Harb and Safwan. b. Umayya and ‘Uyaina b. Hisn and Aqra’ b. Habis, i.e. to every one of these persons, one hundred camels, and gave to ‘Abbas b. Mirdas less than this number. Upon this ‘Abbas b. Mirdis said:

You allot the share of my booty and that of my horse between ‘Uyaina and Aqra’. Both Uyaina and Aqra’ are in no way more eminent than Mirdas (my father) in the assembly. I am in no way inferior to any one of these persons. And he who is let down today would not be elevated. He (the narrator) said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) then completed one hundred camels for him.

[Sahih Muslim 1060a]

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو كُرَيْبٍ، مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْعَلاَءِ حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ صَبِيحٍ، عَنْ كَامِلٍ أَبِي الْعَلاَءِ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ حَبِيبَ بْنَ أَبِي ثَابِتٍ، يُحَدِّثُ عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ جُبَيْرٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، قَالَ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ يَقُولُ بَيْنَ السَّجْدَتَيْنِ فِي صَلاَةِ اللَّيْلِ ‏ “‏ رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَارْحَمْنِي وَاجْبُرْنِي وَارْزُقْنِي وَارْفَعْنِي ‏”‏ ‏.‏

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Wealth is not diminished by giving (in charity). Allah augments the honour of one who forgives; and one who displays humbleness towards another seeking the pleasure of Allah, Allah exalts him in ranks.”

[Riyad as-Salihin 555]

حَدَّثَنَا سَعِيدُ بْنُ مَنْصُورٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ وَهْبٍ، حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو هَانِئٍ الْخَوْلاَنِيُّ، عَنْ أَبِي عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ الْحُبُلِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏”‏ يَا أَبَا سَعِيدٍ مَنْ رَضِيَ بِاللَّهِ رَبًّا وَبِالإِسْلاَمِ دِينًا وَبِمُحَمَّدٍ نَبِيًّا وَجَبَتْ لَهُ الْجَنَّةُ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ فَعَجِبَ لَهَا أَبُو سَعِيدٍ فَقَالَ أَعِدْهَا عَلَىَّ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ فَفَعَلَ ثُمَّ قَالَ ‏”‏ وَأُخْرَى يُرْفَعُ بِهَا الْعَبْدُ مِائَةَ دَرَجَةٍ فِي الْجَنَّةِ مَا بَيْنَ كُلِّ دَرَجَتَيْنِ كَمَا بَيْنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالأَرْضِ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ وَمَا هِيَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ قَالَ ‏”‏ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

It has been narrated on the authority of Abu Sa`id al-Khudri that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said (to him):

Abu Sa`id, whoever cheerfully accepts Allah as his Lord, Islam as his religion and Muhammad as his Apostle is necessarily entitled to enter Paradise. He (Abu Sa`id) wondered at it and said: Messenger of Allah, repeat it for me. He (the Messenger of Allah) did that and said: There is another act which elevates the position of a man in Paradise to a grade one hundred (higher), and the elevation between one grade and the other is equal to the height of the heaven from the earth. He (Abu Sa`id) said: What is that act? He replied: Jihad in the way of Allah! Jihad in the way of Allah!

[Sahih Muslim 1884]

حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ أَيُّوبَ، وَقُتَيْبَةُ، وَابْنُ، حُجْرٍ جَمِيعًا عَنْ إِسْمَاعِيلَ بْنِ جَعْفَرٍ، – قَالَ ابْنُ أَيُّوبَ حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ، – أَخْبَرَنِي الْعَلاَءُ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏”‏ أَلاَ أَدُلُّكُمْ عَلَى مَا يَمْحُو اللَّهُ بِهِ الْخَطَايَا وَيَرْفَعُ بِهِ الدَّرَجَاتِ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ قَالُوا بَلَى يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ‏.‏ قَالَ ‏”‏ إِسْبَاغُ الْوُضُوءِ عَلَى الْمَكَارِهِ وَكَثْرَةُ الْخُطَا إِلَى الْمَسَاجِدِ وَانْتِظَارُ الصَّلاَةِ بَعْدَ الصَّلاَةِ فَذَلِكُمُ الرِّبَاطُ ‏”‏ ‏

Abu Huraira reported:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Should I not suggest to you that by which Allah obliterates the sins and elevates the ranks (of a man). They (the hearers) said: Yes, Messenger of Allah. He said: Performing the ablution thoroughly despite odds, tranverside of more paces towards the mosque, and waiting for the next prayer after observing a prayer, and that is mindfulness.

[Sahih Muslim 251a]

وعن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال‏:‏ ‏”‏ألا أدلكم على ما يمحو الله به الخطايا، ويرفع به الدرجات‏؟‏ ‏”‏ قالوا بلى يا رسول الله‏.‏ قال‏:‏ ‏”‏إسباغ الوضوء على المكاره، وكثرة الخطا إلى المساجد، وانتظار الصلاة بعد الصلاة، فذلكم الرباط، فذلكم الرباط‏”‏

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Shall I not tell you something by which Allah effaces the sins and elevates the ranks (in Jannah).” The Companions said: “Yes (please tell us), O Messenger of Allah.” He said, “Performing the Wudu’ properly in spite of difficult circumstances, walking with more paces to the mosque, and waiting for the next Salat (prayer) after a observing Salat; and that is Ar-Ribat, and that is Ar-Ribat.”

[Riyad as-Salihin 1059]

حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ أَبِي عُمَرَ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ بْنُ عُيَيْنَةَ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، عَنْ عَامِرِ بْنِ سَعْدِ بْنِ أَبِي وَقَّاصٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، قَالَ مَرِضْتُ عَامَ الْفَتْحِ مَرَضًا أَشْفَيْتُ مِنْهُ عَلَى الْمَوْتِ فَأَتَانِي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَعُودُنِي فَقُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِنَّ لِي مَالاً كَثِيرًا وَلَيْسَ يَرِثُنِي إِلاَّ ابْنَتِي أَفَأُوصِي بِمَالِي كُلِّهِ قَالَ ‏”‏ لاَ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ قُلْتُ فَثُلُثَىْ مَالِي قَالَ ‏”‏ لاَ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ قُلْتُ فَالشَّطْرُ قَالَ ‏”‏ لاَ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ قُلْتُ فَالثُّلُثُ قَالَ ‏”‏ الثُّلُثُ وَالثُّلُثُ كَثِيرٌ إِنَّكَ إِنْ تَدَعْ وَرَثَتَكَ أَغْنِيَاءَ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَنْ تَدَعَهُمْ عَالَةً يَتَكَفَّفُونَ النَّاسَ وَإِنَّكَ لَنْ تُنْفِقَ نَفَقَةً إِلاَّ أُجِرْتَ فِيهَا حَتَّى اللُّقْمَةَ تَرْفَعُهَا إِلَى فِي امْرَأَتِكَ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ قُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أُخَلَّفُ عَنْ هِجْرَتِي قَالَ ‏”‏ إِنَّكَ لَنْ تُخَلَّفَ بَعْدِي فَتَعْمَلَ عَمَلاً تُرِيدُ بِهِ وَجْهَ اللَّهِ إِلاَّ ازْدَدْتَ بِهِ رِفْعَةً وَدَرَجَةً وَلَعَلَّكَ أَنْ تُخَلَّفَ حَتَّى يَنْتَفِعَ بِكَ أَقْوَامٌ وَيُضَرَّ بِكَ آخَرُونَ اللَّهُمَّ أَمْضِ لأَصْحَابِي هِجْرَتَهُمْ وَلاَ تَرُدَّهُمْ عَلَى أَعْقَابِهِمْ لَكِنِ الْبَائِسُ سَعْدُ ابْنُ خَوْلَةَ يَرْثِي لَهُ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَنْ مَاتَ بِمَكَّةَ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى وَفِي الْبَابِ عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ ‏.‏ وَهَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ وَقَدْ رُوِيَ هَذَا الْحَدِيثُ مِنْ غَيْرِ وَجْهٍ عَنْ سَعْدِ بْنِ أَبِي وَقَّاصٍ ‏.‏ وَالْعَمَلُ عَلَى هَذَا عِنْدَ أَهْلِ الْعِلْمِ أَنَّهُ لَيْسَ لِلرَّجُلِ أَنْ يُوصِيَ بِأَكْثَرَ مِنَ الثُّلُثِ وَقَدِ اسْتَحَبَّ بَعْضُ أَهْلِ الْعِلْمِ أَنْ يَنْقُصَ مِنَ الثُّلُثِ لِقَوْلِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏”‏ وَالثُّلُثُ كَثِيرٌ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

“I was ill during the year of the Conquest (of Makkah) with an illness bringing me to the brink of death. So The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) came to visit me, and I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah (S.A.W)! Indeed I have a great deal of wealth and I do not have any heirs except my daughter, so should I will all of my wealth?’ He said: ‘No.’ I said: ‘Then two-thirds of my wealth?’ He said: ‘No.’ I said: ‘Then half?’ He said: ‘No.’ I said: ‘Then a third’ He said: ‘No.’ A third and a third is too much. If you leave your heirs without need it is better than to leave them in poverty begging from the people. Indeed you do not do any spending (on your family) except that you are rewarded for it, even the morsel of food you raise to your wife’s mouth.'” He said: “I said: ‘Will I be left behind from my emigration?’ He said: ‘You will not be left behind after me,and do righteous deeds intending Allah’s Face, except that it will add to your elevation in rank. Perhaps you will remain until some people benefit from you and others will be harmed by you. O Allah! Complete the emigration of my companions and do not turn them on their heels. But the case of Sa’d bin Khawlah is sad.'” the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) felt sorry for him dying in Makkah.

[Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2116]

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو كُرَيْبٍ، مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْعَلاَءِ حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ صَبِيحٍ، عَنْ كَامِلٍ أَبِي الْعَلاَءِ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ حَبِيبَ بْنَ أَبِي ثَابِتٍ، يُحَدِّثُ عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ جُبَيْرٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، قَالَ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ يَقُولُ بَيْنَ السَّجْدَتَيْنِ فِي صَلاَةِ اللَّيْلِ ‏ “‏ رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَارْحَمْنِي وَاجْبُرْنِي وَارْزُقْنِي وَارْفَعْنِي ‏”‏ ‏.‏

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said:

“When praying at night (Qiyamul-Lail), the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say between the two prostrations: ‘Rabbighfir li warhamni wajburni warzuqni warfa’ni (O Lord, forgive me, have mercy on me, improve my situation, grant me provision and raise me in status).’”

[Sunan Ibn Majah 898]

حَدَّثَنَا مُسَدَّدٌ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ، عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ صَلاَةُ الرَّجُلِ فِي جَمَاعَةٍ تَزِيدُ عَلَى صَلاَتِهِ فِي بَيْتِهِ وَصَلاَتِهِ فِي سُوقِهِ خَمْسًا وَعِشْرِينَ دَرَجَةً وَذَلِكَ بِأَنَّ أَحَدَكُمْ إِذَا تَوَضَّأَ فَأَحْسَنَ الْوُضُوءَ وَأَتَى الْمَسْجِدَ لاَ يُرِيدُ إِلاَّ الصَّلاَةَ وَلاَ يَنْهَزُهُ إِلاَّ الصَّلاَةُ لَمْ يَخْطُ خَطْوَةً إِلاَّ رُفِعَ لَهُ بِهَا دَرَجَةٌ وَحُطَّ عَنْهُ بِهَا خَطِيئَةٌ حَتَّى يَدْخُلَ الْمَسْجِدَ فَإِذَا دَخَلَ الْمَسْجِدَ كَانَ فِي صَلاَةٍ مَا كَانَتِ الصَّلاَةُ هِيَ تَحْبِسُهُ وَالْمَلاَئِكَةُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى أَحَدِكُمْ مَا دَامَ فِي مَجْلِسِهِ الَّذِي صَلَّى فِيهِ يَقُولُونَ اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ اللَّهُمَّ ارْحَمْهُ اللَّهُمَّ تُبْ عَلَيْهِ مَا لَمْ يُؤْذِ فِيهِ أَوْ يُحْدِثْ فِيهِ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

Abu Hurairah reported the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying:

Prayer said by a man in congregation is twenty five degrees more excellent than prayer said by him alone in his house or in the market. This is because when any of you performs ablution and does it perfectly, and goes out to the mosque having no intention except praying, and nothing moves him except prayer, then at every step which he takes his rank is elevated by one degree on account of this (walking), and one sin is remitted from him for this (walking), till he enters the mosque. When he enters the mosque, he will be reckoned as praying as long as he will be detained by the prayer. The angels keep on invoking blessing on any of you so long as he remains seated in the place he prayer, saying: O Allah, forgive him; O Allah, have mercy on him; O Allah, accept his repentance so long as he does not harm anyone, or breaks his ablution.

[Sunan Abi Dawud 559]

وعن أبي سعيد الخدري رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال‏:‏ ‏”‏من رضي بالله ربًا وبالإسلام دينًا، وبمحمد رسولا وجبت له الجنة‏”‏ فعجب لها أبو سعيد فقال أعدها علي يا رسول الله فأعادها عليه ثم قال‏:‏ ‏”‏وأخرى يرفع الله بها العبد مائة درجة في الجنة، ما بين كل درجتين، كما بين السماء والأرض‏”‏ قال‏:‏ وما هي يا رسول الله‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏”‏الجهاد في سبيل الله، الجهاد في سبيل الله‏”‏

Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “If anyone is pleased with Allah as his Rubb, with Islam as his religion and with Muhammad (ﷺ) as (Allah’s) Messenger, surely, he will be entitled to enter Jannah.” Abu Sa’id was delighted with this and requested the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) to repeat it. He (ﷺ) repeated it again and then said, “There is also another act by which Allah will elevate the position of a (pious believing) slave in Jannah to a grade one hundred degrees higher. And the distance between any two grades is equal to the distance between heaven and earth.” He asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) what it was and he ((ﷺ)) replied, “Jihad in the way of Allah; Jihad in the way of Allah.”

[Riyad as-Salihin 1301]

وعنه أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال‏:‏‏ “‏من تطهر في بيته، ثم مضى إلى بيت من بيوت الله، ليقضي فريضة من فرائض الله كانت خطواته، إحداها تحط خطيئة، والأخرى ترفع درجة‏”‏

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “He who purifies (performs Wudu’) himself in his house and then walks to one of the houses of Allah (mosque) for performing an obligatory Salat, one step of his will wipe out his sins and another step will elevate his rank (in Jannah).”

[Riyad as-Salihin 1054]

وَحَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ رَافِعٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّزَّاقِ بْنُ هَمَّامٍ، حَدَّثَنَا مَعْمَرُ بْنُ رَاشِدٍ، عَنْ هَمَّامِ بْنِ مُنَبِّهٍ، أَخِي وَهْبِ بْنِ مُنَبِّهٍ قَالَ هَذَا مَا حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَذَكَرَ أَحَادِيثَ مِنْهَا ‏.‏ وَقَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏”‏ إِنَّ اللَّهَ قَالَ لِي أَنْفِقْ أُنْفِقْ عَلَيْكَ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ وَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏”‏ يَمِينُ اللَّهِ مَلأَى لاَ يَغِيضُهَا سَحَّاءُ اللَّيْلَ وَالنَّهَارَ أَرَأَيْتُمْ مَا أَنْفَقَ مُذْ خَلَقَ السَّمَاءَ وَالأَرْضَ فَإِنَّهُ لَمْ يَغِضْ مَا فِي يَمِينِهِ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ ‏”‏ وَعَرْشُهُ عَلَى الْمَاءِ وَبِيَدِهِ الأُخْرَى الْقَبْضُ يَرْفَعُ وَيَخْفِضُ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying that Allah said to him:

” Spend, I will bestow upon you.” And the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: The right hand of Allah is full and spending (the riches) liberally during day and night will not diminish (the resources of Allah). Don’t you see what (an enormous amount of resources) He has spent since He created the heaven and the earth, and what is in His right hand has not decreased? His Throne is upon the water. And in His other hand is death, and He elevates and degrades (whom He likes).

[Sahih Muslim 993b]

حَدَّثَنَا هِشَامُ بْنُ عَمَّارٍ، حَدَّثَنَا الْوَزِيرُ بْنُ صَبِيحٍ، حَدَّثَنَا يُونُسُ بْنُ حَلْبَسٍ، عَنْ أُمِّ الدَّرْدَاءِ، عَنْ أَبِي الدَّرْدَاءِ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ فِي قَوْلِهِ تَعَالَى ‏{كُلَّ يَوْمٍ هُوَ فِي شَأْنٍ}‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ ‏”‏ مِنْ شَأْنِهِ أَنْ يَغْفِرَ ذَنْبًا وَيُفَرِّجَ كَرْبًا وَيَرْفَعَ قَوْمًا وَيَخْفِضَ آخَرِينَ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

It was narrated from Abu Darda’ that:

The Prophet said concerning the Verse: “Every day He is (engaged) in some affair.” “His affairs include forgiving sins, relieving distress, raising some people and bringing others low.”

[Sunan Ibn Majah 202]

Al Israa and Miraaj are two profound but separate spiritual experiences and personal miracles of the Holy Prophet SAW. Al Israa means night journey, while Miraaj means a mechanism to ascend. In popular culture, these 2 events have been linked together and called Al Israa wal Miraaj. However, this is an impossibility as the dates for the events do not line up and it would imply that 5 daily prayers were put into place right before hijrah which contradicts sahih ahadith. Furthermore, the place where the Prophet SAW was sleeping is also different; during the Miraaj he was at the Kaaba while during the Israa he was at Umm Hani (R.A)’s house. Another reason is that the narrations pertaining to Umm Hani (R.A)’s house mention the night journey to Jerusalem and No ascension. For these and many other reasons, these events are put into separate chapters by Imam Bukhari (RH).

Since the Israa is intertwined with Surah Al Najm and we know that it was this surah’s verse 52 which cause the Quraish to the prostate with the Muslims causing a rumor to spread that they had become Muslim, we can say the Israa occurred in the 5th year of the Prophetic Mission. While Allah gave the Miraaj after the Prophet SAW this experience as a personal miracle after the loss of his beloved wife Khadija (R.A) and his uncle Abu Talib who raised him. 

These events are so significant that there are more hadith about them than the entire rest of the Meccan period. However at the same time, one of the biggest problems is the vast and numerous inauthentic narrations surrounding this event due to the Israa and miraaj becoming a subject of folklore.

What happened?

Here is a short summary list of events that happened during the Israa and Miraaj:

MIRAAJ

• The Holy Prophet SAW is sleeping at the Kaaba when 3 figures approach, One of whom is Gabriel they purify his heart and give him wisdom they had brought in a tray.
• Ascension into the heavens entering via the gate into the 1st heaven. 
• The Prophet SAW meets and talks to many previous Prophets (A.S) starting with Adam (A.S) on the first heaven, Yahya (A.S) and Isa (A.S) in the second heaven, Yusuf (A.S) in the third heaven, Idris (A.S) in fourth heaven, Harun (A.S) in fifth heaven, Musa (A.S) in sixty heavens, and Ibrahim (A.S) in the seventh heaven. 
• The Prophet SAW also received the physical appearances of the previous Prophets (A.S) when they were alive manifested. Isa (A.S) is for example described with a whitish red skin tone. 
• The Prophet SAW was in Jannah and saw its rivers and smelled its fragrance. 
• The Prophet SAW reached the Sidratul Muntaha past the seventh heaven (the tree of the farthest boundary). He then crossed it with something not done before by any creation. Here the Prophet SAW speaks to his lord. 
• After the Prophet SAW asked Allah on the insistence of Musa (A.S) to create ease for his Ummah and hence Allah reduced the daily prayers from 50 to 5 while promising the reward of 50 for the 5 prayers. 
• The Prophet SAW returns to Mecca and throws out all the allegations given by the Meccans that he had not seen Jerusalem by describing it to them.

ISRAA

• He was sleeping at his cousin, Umm Hani (R.A)’s house after leading Isha’a prayers.
• Gabriel breaks open the roof of Umm Hani (R.A)’s house creating a hole and the Prophet SAW sees Buraaq. 
• Travel on Buraaq to Baitul Maqdis in Jerusalem and pray there and the Prophets pray behind him. 
• The Prophet SAW returns to Mecca and throws out all the allegations given by the Meccans that he had not seen Jerusalem by describing it to them.

Proofs it was a spiritual Journey

Quran on the subject

Miraaj

In Surah Bani Israel also known as Surah Al Israa, the Quraish ask the Messenger SAW to ascend to the heavens but Allah tells the Prophet SAW to say he is just a man and cannot ascend:

أَوْ يَكُونَ لَكَ بَيْتٌ مِّن زُخْرُفٍ أَوْ تَرْقَىٰ فِي السَّمَاءِ وَلَن نُّؤْمِنَ لِرُقِيِّكَ حَتَّىٰ تُنَزِّلَ عَلَيْنَا كِتَابًا نَّقْرَؤُهُ قُلْ سُبْحَانَ رَبِّي هَلْ كُنتُ إِلَّا بَشَرًا رَّسُولً. وَمَا مَنَعَ النَّاسَ أَن يُؤْمِنُوا إِذْ جَاءَهُمُ الْهُدَىٰ إِلَّا أَن قَالُوا أَبَعَثَ اللَّهُ بَشَرًا رَّسُولً

“Or thou have a house [made] of gold, or thou ascend to heaven – but nay, we would not [even] believe in thy ascension unless thou bring down to us [from heaven] a writing which we [ourselves] could read! Say thou, [O Prophet:] “Limitless in His glory is my Sustainer! Am I, then, aught but a mortal man, an apostle?” Yet whenever [God’s] guidance came to them [through a prophet,] nothing has ever kept people from believing [in him] save this their objection: “Would God have sent a [mere] mortal man as His apostle?“

[Quran 17:93-94]

In reference to the Miraaj where Muhammad saw’s heart did not lie about what it saw since it was spiritual. If it was physical and literal, he would’ve seen everything with his eyes, and the verse would’ve stated “his eyes did not lie of what it saw”:

وَهُوَ بِالْأُفُقِ الْأَعْلَى ثُمَّ دَنَا فَتَدَلَّى فَكَانَ قَابَ قَوْسَيْنِ أَوْ أَدْنَى فَأَوْحَىٰ إِلَىٰ عَبْدِهِ مَا أَوْحَى

 مَا كَذَبَ الْفُؤَادُ مَا رَأَى أَفَتُمَارُونَهُ عَلَىٰ مَا يَرَى وَلَقَدْ رَآهُ نَزْلَةً أُخْرَى عِندَ سِدْرَةِ الْمُنتَهَى

“Appearing in the horizon’s loftiest part and then drew near, and came close until he was but two bow-lengths away, or even nearer And thus did [God] reveal unto His servant whatever He deemed right to reveal The [servant’s] heart did not give the lie to what he saw will you, then, by the lote-tree of the farthest limit.”

[Quran 53:7-14]

Furthermore, no one who enters Jannah will ever be made to leave it. The Miraaj narrations explicitly state the Prophet SAW entered Jannah:

لَا يَمَسُّهُمْ فِيهَا نَصَبٌ وَمَا هُم مِّنْهَا بِمُخْرَجِين

“No weariness shall ever touch them in this [state of bliss], and never shall they have to forgo[leave] it.”

[Quran 15:48]

Lastly, Allah clarifies that physical ascension to him is fallacious as he is not bound by time, position, or place:

وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ وَنَعْلَمُ مَا تُوَسْوِسُ بِهِ نَفْسُهُ وَنَحْنُ أَقْرَبُ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ حَبْلِ الْوَرِيد

“NOW, VERILY, it is We who have created man, and We know what his innermost self whispers within him: for We are closer to him than his neck-vein.”

[Quran 50:16]

Israa

The Israa has been literally called a Ruyah which means vision. This proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Israa was only spiritual in nature:

وَإِذْ قُلْنَا لَكَ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ أَحَاطَ بِالنَّاسِ وَمَا جَعَلْنَا الرُّؤْيَا الَّتِي أَرَيْنَاكَ إِلَّا فِتْنَةً لِّلنَّاسِ وَالشَّجَرَةَ الْمَلْعُونَةَ فِي الْقُرْآنِ وَنُخَوِّفُهُمْ فَمَا يَزِيدُهُمْ إِلَّا طُغْيَانًا كَبِيرً

And lo! We said unto thee, [O Prophet:] “Behold, thy Sustainer encompasses all mankind [within His knowledge and might]: and so We have ordained that the vision which We have shown thee -as also the tree [of hell,] cursed in this Qur’an – shall be but a trial for men. Now [by Our mentioning hell] We convey a warning to them: but [if they are bent on denying the truth,] this [warning] only increases their gross, overweening arrogance.”

[Quran 17:60]

Ahadith: Showing prophet SAW was in a state of sleep.

Miraaj

Hadith 1:

Narrated Sharik bin `Abdullah bin Abi Namr:

“I heard Anas bin Malik telling us about the night when the Prophet (ﷺ) was made to travel from the Ka`ba Mosque. Three persons (i.e. angels) came to the Prophet (ﷺ) before he was divinely inspired was an Aspostle), while he was sleeping in Al Masjid-ul-Haram.”

[Sahih Al Bukhari 3570]

Hadith 2:

Another hadith of him SAW being in a state of sleep and wakefulness. This state is known as Hypnagogia and is known for Lucid dreams and vision. This hadith indicates he had a Kashf similar to the one in his childhood. The Sufis when writing about Kashf have described a similar state as well. It is more prone to twisting but the fact that his companions who were laying beside him did not see his heart being ripped and cleaned. Nor did they see buraq or him flying away on it indicates a vision and not a Physical experience. Another clear proof of clear symbolism and spirituality is that the hadith says a golden tray of Wisdom was brought but wisdom is not physical:

Narrated Malik bin Sasaa:

“While I was at the House in a state midway between sleep and wakefulness, (an angel recognized me) as the man lying between two men. A golden tray full of wisdom and belief was brought to me and my body was cut open from the throat to the lower part of the `Abdomen and then my `Abdomen was washed with Zamzam water and (my heart was) filled with wisdom and belief. Al- Buraq, a white animal, smaller than a mule and bigger than a donkey was brought to me and I set out with Gabriel….”

[Sahih Bukhari 3207]

Hadith 3:

Another clear hadith showing he was asleep during the Miraaj and helps contextualize previous hadith is as follows:

Narrated Anas bin Malik:

“The night Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) was taken for a journey from the sacred mosque (of Mecca) Al-Ka`ba: Three persons came to him (in a dreamy while he was sleeping in the Sacred Mosque before the Divine Inspiration was revealed to Him….. he saw them, his eyes were asleep but his heart was not—-and so is the case with the prophets: their eyes sleep while their hearts do not sleep……On that Gabriel said, “Descend in Allah’s Name.” The Prophet (ﷺ) then woke while he was in the Sacred Mosque (at Mecca).”

[Sahih Al Bukhari 3570]

Hadith 4:

The last example is from Sahih Muslim where the Prophet SAW is again sleeping:

Narrated Anas b. Malik:

“Three beings (angels) came to him in the mosque of the Ka’bah, while he was sleeping in the sacred mosque before it (the Command of Night Journey and Accension) was revealed to him…”

[Sahih Muslim 162]

Israa

The Israa journey happened at Umm Hani (R.A)’s house. There are many narrations that show this also was a dream. This is due to them mentioning that he was asleep. Furthermore, the narrations say that Gabriel opened up the roof of Umm Hani (R.A)’s house, something that no one seemed to notice. This is particularly problematic as houses at the time were not large or with numerous bedrooms furthermore, the roof hole was never seen by anyone afterward:

“Umm Hani said: He was taken on this journey from our house. He slept that night with us; he offered al-`Isha prayers, and then he slept. When it was pre-dawn we awoke him (to offer) morning (prayers). He got up and when he offered morning prayers he said: 0 Umm Hàni! I offered al-Ishá prayers with you as you witnessed, then I reached Bayt al-Muqaddas and offered prayers there; then I offered morning prayers before you…..”

1) Ibn Sa’d Volume 1, Parts 1.56.1 (p241 of eng pdf)
2) Ibn Ishaq(eng) translated by Gulliame p184
3) The Life of Prophet Muhammad Volume two by Ibn Kathir (eng) p63-64

Ahadith: Showing prophet SAW saw Allah with his heart.

Here are some ahadith commenting on 53:7-14. These ahadith show that the Holy Prophet SAW did not see Allah SWT with his eyes as that would be impossible and only a liar would make such a claim. Some Salafis claim this does not refer to Allah but Gabriel which is an impossibility as Sahih AL Bukhari 7517 says: “till he reached the Lote Tree (beyond which none may pass) and then the Irresistible, the Lord of Honor and Majesty approached and came closer till he was about two bow lengths or (even) nearer.” Salafis insert in brackets on their websites with Gabriel but Gabriel cannot cross the Sidratul Muntaha only the Prophet SAW did. Regardless, in either case, the Prophet SAW still did not see Gabriel or Allah with his eyes but rather with his heart.

Hadith 1:

“It is narrated on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbas that he (the Holy Prophet) saw (Allah) with, his heart.”

[Sahih Al Muslim 176a]
[Jamia At Tirmidhi 3281]

Hadith 2:

“‘The heart belied not what he saw” (al-Qur’an, Iiii. 11) and’ Certainly he saw Him in another descent” (al-Qur’an, Iiii. 13) imply that he saw him twice with his heart.”

[Sahih Al Muslim 176b]

Hadith 3:

`Aisha said, “If anyone tells you that Muhammad has seen his Lord, he is a liar, for Allah says: ‘No vision can grasp Him.’ (6.103) And if anyone tells you that Muhammad has seen the Unseen, he is a liar, for Allah says: “None has the knowledge of the Unseen but Allah.”

[Sahih Al Bukhari 7380]
[Sahih Al Bukhari 4855]
[Jamia At Tirmidhi 3068]

Ahadith: Showing prophet SAW only saw souls of the Prophets.

During the Miraaj the Holy Prophet SAW only saw the souls of the previous Prophets (A.S). Souls are not physical or visible to the naked eye. As confirmed earlier the Prophet SAW was able to describe the physical appearance of the Prophet SAW when they were alive this again points to a dream or vision/Kashf:

قال : ثم لقي أرواح الأنبياء

“He saw the souls of the Prophets…”

[Tafsir Ibn Kathir Volume 5, p7]
[Scan link]

Ahadith: Showing only souls can enter Jannah.

Another crucial reason why a physical ascension during Miraaj is impossible is that only Muslim or Mumin SOULS can enter Jannah. Hence the Prophet SAW bodily entrance into Jannah is impossible. Even though the Miraaj has explicitly mentioned him entering Jannah and seeing its rivers like Sahih Muslim 164a. These hadith about only Muslim souls entering Jannah are incredibly numerous and found in all reputable hadith collections, one example is:

Narrated `Abdullah:

While we were in the company of the Prophet (ﷺ) in a tent he said, ”Would it please you to be one fourth of the people of Paradise?” We said, “Yes.” He said, “Would It please you to be one-third of the people of Paradise?” We said, “Yes.” He said, “Would it please you to be half of the people of Paradise?” We said, “Yes.” Thereupon he said, “I hope that you will be one half of the people of Paradise, for none will enter Paradise but a Muslim soul, and you people, in comparison to the people who associate others in worship with Allah, are like a white hair on the skin of a black ox, or a black hair on the skin of a red ox.”

[Sahih Al Bukhari 6528]

Ahadith: Showing jannah is something no eye has seen.

A near Mutawatir if not Mutawatir tradition of the Holy Prophet SAW is that no eye has seen Jannah. Something the Miraaj hadith claim that the Prophet SAW did like Sahih Al Muslim 164a. This means that the Prophet SAW did not experience the Miraaj with his eyes or any other sensory organs rather it must have been a spiritual experience. This hadith is narrated by countless sahabi one example is as follows:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet, said, “Allah said, ‘I have prepared for My pious worshipers such things as no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard of, and nobody has ever thought of. All that is reserved, besides which, all that you have seen, is nothing.” Then he recited:– ‘No soul knows what is kept hidden (in reserve) for them of joy as a reward for what they used to do.’ (32.17)

[Sahih Al Bukhari 4780]

Riwayah of the Sahabah (R.A)

As it has already been proven Anas bin Malik (R.A), Malik bin Sasa (R.A), Umm Hani (R.A), etc all believed the Prophet SAW was asleep during these spiritual journeys. Other Sahabh like Ibn Abbas (ra0 have said that Prophet SAW witnessed the events with his heart which is also indicative of a spiritual Journey. Here are a few more Sahabah who held a similar view.

Aisha (R.A): Body did not move

On the Miraaj, Aisha (R.A) comments are very famous and are found in various branches likes Seerah like Ibn Ishaaq and Tafasir like Al-Kashshaf, Tafsir Al Razi, Tafsir Al Mahari, etc. Aswell as Za’ad Al Ma’ad by Ibn Qayyim:

“The Apostle SAW body remained where it was but God removed his SAW spirit by Night.”

[Ibn Ishaq(eng) translated by Guillaume p183]
[Za’ad Al Ma’ad by Ibn Qayyim Vol. 3, p36]

Mauwiyah (R.A): Prophet SAW said it was a true vision

Mauwiyah (R.A) narrates:

“The Prophet SAW said: It was a true vision from God.”

[Ibn Ishaq(eng) translated by Guillaume p183]

In our other articles, we have proven through the Holy Quran and the Ahadith of the Prophet (SAW) that Isa (AS) has passed away like any other prophet. In this article, we will show the view of Yusuf Al-Hajjaj (661H – 714H).

Explanation

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو ظَفَرٍ عَبْدُ السَّلاَمِ، حَدَّثَنَا جَعْفَرٌ، عَنْ عَوْفٍ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ الْحَجَّاجَ، يَخْطُبُ وَهُوَ يَقُولُ إِنَّ مَثَلَ عُثْمَانَ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ عِيسَى ابْنِ مَرْيَمَ ثُمَّ قَرَأَ هَذِهِ الآيَةَ يَقْرَؤُهَا وَيَفُسِّرُهَا ‏{‏ إِذْ قَالَ اللَّهُ يَا عِيسَى إِنِّي مُتَوَفِّيكَ وَرَافِعُكَ إِلَىَّ وَمُطَهِّرُكَ مِنَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا ‏}‏ يُشِيرُ إِلَيْنَا بِيَدِهِ وَإِلَى أَهْلِ الشَّامِ ‏.

I heard al-Hajjaj addressing the people say:

The similitude of ‘Uthman with Allah is like the similitude of Jesus son of Mary. He then recited the following verse and explained it: “Behold! Allah said: O Jesus! I will take thee and raise thee to Myself and clear thee (of the falsehood) of those who blaspheme.”[3:55] He was making a sign with his hand to us and to the people of Syria.

[Sunan Abi Dawud 4641]

Grading¹:

Some Muhadithun have graded it weak, while others haven’t. The point is that the early Muslims and the Sahaba did not believe that Isa (AS) was an exception or that he was raised to the heavens with his physical body. Neither did they understand the Quran 3:55 as proof of his ascension. It talks about the death of Isa (AS) and his raising afterward. Al Hajjaj is making the same comparison that Uthman (RA) died and was raised just like him.

This narration is also found in other books, for example, the following is from Tarikh-e-Dimishq

I heard al-Hajjaj (661-714 CE) addressing the people, saying:

The similitude of Uthman with Allah is like the similitude of Jesus son of Mary. He then recited the following verse and explained it: “O Jesus! Verily, I shall cause thee to die, and shall exalt thee unto Me, and cleanse thee of [the presence of] those who are bent on denying the truth; He was making a sign with his hand to us and to the people of Syria.

[Tarikh-e-Damishq, vol. 12, pg. 159]

References

Anti-Ahmadis believe that Isa (AS) was raised to the heavens alive, with a physical body because of the following verse:

بَلۡ رَّفَعَہُ اللّٰہُ اِلَیۡہِ

On the contrary, Allah exalted him to Himself.

[Quran 4:158]

They believe since Allah raised him to Himself, it means Isa (AS) was physically flown to heaven with his physical body.

Although the verse does not say that Isa (AS) was raised to the heavens but for the purpose of this article, we will ignore that and explain how Allah raises humans. Does he raise humans by physically raising them i.e. flying them to the sky/heaven etc?

Explanation

One of the attributes/names of Allah is Al-Rafi (ٱلْرَّافِعُ). Al-Rafi is the one who raises and exalts.

How does Allah raise? Imam al-Ghazali explains it beautifully:

Al-Rafi

He is the One who abases the unbelievers by means of misfortune and the One who exalts the believers by means of good fortune. He exalts His elect by drawing them near to Him, and He abases His enemies by isolating them from Himself.

[Al-Maqsad Al-Asna, pg. 48]

So when Allah raises someone, it is in terms of bringing them spiritually closer. All believers are brought closer to Allah when Allah raises them. Raising of believers does not mean flying to the Arsh or Heaven.

This is how the Muslims, regardless of their sect, understand it as well. There is not a single usage of Rafa’ where Allah raises a human physically.

More Resources

• The usage of Rafa’ in Quran
• The usage of Rafa’ in Ahadith
• The usage of Rafa’ in Lexicons

اِذۡ قَالَ اللّٰہُ یٰعِیۡسٰۤی اِنِّیۡ مُتَوَفِّیۡکَ وَرَافِعُکَ اِلَیَّ وَمُطَہِّرُکَ مِنَ الَّذِیۡنَ کَفَرُوۡا وَجَاعِلُ الَّذِیۡنَ اتَّبَعُوۡکَ فَوۡقَ الَّذِیۡنَ کَفَرُوۡۤا اِلٰی یَوۡمِ الۡقِیٰمَۃِ ۚ ثُمَّ اِلَیَّ مَرۡجِعُکُمۡ فَاَحۡکُمُ بَیۡنَکُمۡ فِیۡمَا کُنۡتُمۡ فِیۡہِ تَخۡتَلِفُوۡنَ

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

When Allah said, ‘O Jesus, I will cause thee to die a natural death and will exalt thee to Myself, and will clear thee from the charges of those who disbelieve, and will place those who follow thee above those who disbelieve, until the Day of Resurrection; then to Me shall be your return, and I will judge between you concerning that wherein you differ.

Pickthall

(And remember) when Allah said: O Jesus! Lo! I am gathering thee and causing thee to ascend unto Me, and am cleansing thee of those who disbelieve and am setting those who follow thee above those who disbelieve until the Day of Resurrection. Then unto Me ye will (all) return, and I shall judge between you as to that wherein ye used to differ.

Muhammad Asad

Lo! God said: “O Jesus! Verily, I shall cause thee to die, and shall exalt thee unto Me, and cleanse thee of [the presence of] those who are bent on denying the truth; and I shall place those who follow thee [far] above those who are bent on denying the truth, unto the Day of Resurrection. In the end, unto Me you all must return, and I shall judge between you with regard to all on which you were wont to differ

Holy Qur’an – 4:158

بَلۡ رَّفَعَہُ اللّٰہُ اِلَیۡہِ ؕ وَکَانَ اللّٰہُ عَزِیۡزًا حَکِیۡمًا

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

On the contrary, Allah exalted him to Himself. And Allah is Mighty, Wise.

Pickthall

But Allah took him up unto Himself. Allah was ever Mighty, Wise.

Muhammad Asad

Nay, God exalted him unto Himself – and God is indeed almighty, wise

Holy Qur’an – 2:63

وَاِذۡ اَخَذۡنَا مِیۡثَاقَکُمۡ وَرَفَعۡنَا فَوۡقَکُمُ الطُّوۡرَ ؕ خُذُوۡا مَاۤ اٰتَیۡنٰکُمۡ بِقُوَّۃٍ وَّاذۡکُرُوۡا مَا فِیۡہِ لَعَلَّکُمۡ تَتَّقُوۡنَ

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

And remember the time when We took a covenant from you and raised high above you the Mount, saying: ‘Hold fast that which We have given you and bear in mind what is therein, that you may be saved.’

Pickthall

And (remember, O Children of Israel) when We made a covenant with you and caused the mount to tower above you, (saying): Hold fast that which We have given you, and remember that which is therein, that ye may ward off (evil).

Muhammad Asad

AND LO! We accepted your solemn pledge, raising Mount Sinai high above you, [and saying;] “Hold fast with [all your] strength unto what We have vouchsafed you, and bear in mind all that is therein, so that you might remain conscious of God!”

Holy Qur’an – 2:93

وَاِذۡ اَخَذۡنَا مِیۡثَاقَکُمۡ وَرَفَعۡنَا فَوۡقَکُمُ الطُّوۡرَ ؕ خُذُوۡا مَاۤ اٰتَیۡنٰکُمۡ بِقُوَّۃٍ وَّاسۡمَعُوۡا ؕ قَالُوۡا سَمِعۡنَا وَعَصَیۡنَا ٭ وَاُشۡرِبُوۡا فِیۡ قُلُوۡبِہِمُ الۡعِجۡلَ بِکُفۡرِہِمۡ ؕ قُلۡ بِئۡسَمَا یَاۡمُرُکُمۡ بِہٖۤ اِیۡمَانُکُمۡ اِنۡ کُنۡتُمۡ مُّؤۡمِنِیۡنَ

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

And remember the time, when We took a covenant from you and raised high above you the Mount, saying: ‘Hold firmly to what We have given you and hearken;’ they said: ‘We hear and we disobey;’ and their hearts were permeated with the love of the calf because of their disbelief. Say: ‘Evil is that which your faith enjoins on you, if you have any faith!’

Pickthall

And when We made with you a covenant and caused the Mount to tower above you, (saying): Hold fast by that which We have given you, and hear (Our Word), they said: We hear and we rebel. And (worship of) the calf was made to sink into their hearts because of their rejection (of the covenant). Say (unto them): Evil is that which your belief enjoineth on you, if ye are believers.

Muhammad Asad

And, lo, We accepted your solemn pledge, raising Mount Sinai high above you, [saying,] “Hold fast with [all your] strength unto what We have vouchsafed you, and hearken unto it!” [But] they say, “We have heard, but we disobey” – for their hearts are filled to overflowing with love of the [golden] calf because of their refusal to acknowledge the truth. Say: “Vile is what this [false] belief of yours enjoins upon you-if indeed you are believers!”

Holy Qur’an – 2:127

وَاِذۡ یَرۡفَعُ اِبۡرٰہٖمُ الۡقَوَاعِدَ مِنَ الۡبَیۡتِ وَاِسۡمٰعِیۡلُ ؕ رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلۡ مِنَّا ؕ اِنَّکَ اَنۡتَ السَّمِیۡعُ الۡعَلِیۡمُ

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

And remember the time when Abraham and Ishmael raised the foundations of the House, praying, ‘Our Lord, accept this from us; for Thou art All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

Pickthall

And when Abraham and Ishmael were raising the foundations of the House, (Abraham prayed): Our Lord! Accept from us (this duty). Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Hearer, the Knower.

Muhammad Asad

And when Abraham and Ishmael were raising the foundations of the Temple, [they prayed:] “O our Sustainer! Accept Thou this from us: for, verily, Thou alone art all-hearing, all-knowing

Holy Qur’an – 2:253

تِلۡکَ الرُّسُلُ فَضَّلۡنَا بَعۡضَہُمۡ عَلٰی بَعۡضٍ ۘ مِنۡہُمۡ مَّنۡ کَلَّمَ اللّٰہُ وَرَفَعَ بَعۡضَہُمۡ دَرَجٰتٍ ؕ وَاٰتَیۡنَا عِیۡسَی ابۡنَ مَرۡیَمَ الۡبَیِّنٰتِ وَاَیَّدۡنٰہُ بِرُوۡحِ الۡقُدُسِ ؕ وَلَوۡ شَآءَ اللّٰہُ مَا اقۡتَتَلَ الَّذِیۡنَ مِنۡۢ بَعۡدِہِمۡ مِّنۡۢ بَعۡدِ مَا جَآءَتۡہُمُ الۡبَیِّنٰتُ وَلٰکِنِ اخۡتَلَفُوۡا فَمِنۡہُمۡ مَّنۡ اٰمَنَ وَمِنۡہُمۡ مَّنۡ کَفَرَ ؕ وَلَوۡ شَآءَ اللّٰہُ مَا اقۡتَتَلُوۡا ۟ وَلٰکِنَّ اللّٰہَ یَفۡعَلُ مَا یُرِیۡدُ

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

These Messengers have We exalted, some of them above others: among them there are those to whom Allah spoke; and some of them He exalted by degrees of rank. And We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear proofs and strengthened him with the Spirit of holiness. And if Allah had so willed, those that came after them would not have fought with one another after clear Signs had come to them; but they did disagree. Of them were some who believed, and of them were some who disbelieved. And if Allah had so willed, they would not have fought with one another; but Allah does what He desires.

Pickthall

Of those messengers, some of whom We have caused to excel others, and of whom there are some unto whom Allah spake, while some of them He exalted (above others) in degree; and We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear proofs (of Allah’s Sovereignty) and We supported him with the holy Spirit. And if Allah had so wiled it, those who followed after them would not have fought one with another after the clear proofs had come unto them. But they differed, some of them believing and some disbelieving. And if Allah had so willed it, they would not have fought one with another; but Allah doeth what He will.

Muhammad Asad

Some of these apostles have We endowed more highly than others: among them were such as were spoken to by God [Himself], and some He has raised yet higher.’ And We vouchsafed unto Jesus, the son of Mary, all evidence of the truth, and strengthened him with holy inspiration. And if God had so willed, they who succeeded those [apostles] would not have contended with one another after all evidence of the truth had come to them; but [as it was,] they did take to divergent views, and some of them attained to faith, while some of them came to deny the truth. Yet if God had so willed, they would not have contended with one another: but God does whatever He wills

Holy Qur’an – 4:154

وَرَفَعۡنَا فَوۡقَہُمُ الطُّوۡرَ بِمِیۡثَاقِہِمۡ وَقُلۡنَا لَہُمُ ادۡخُلُوا الۡبَابَ سُجَّدًا وَّقُلۡنَا لَہُمۡ لَا تَعۡدُوۡا فِی السَّبۡتِ وَاَخَذۡنَا مِنۡہُمۡ مِّیۡثَاقًا غَلِیۡظًا

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

And We raised high above them the Mount while making a covenant with them, and We said to them, ‘Enter the gate submissively,’ and We said to them, ‘Transgress not in the matter of the Sabbath.’ And We took from them a firm covenant.

Pickthall

And We caused the Mount to tower above them at (the taking of) their covenant: and We bade them: Enter the gate, prostrate! and We bode them: Transgress not the Sabbath! and We took from them a firm covenant.

Muhammad Asad

Raising Mount Sinai high above them in witness of their solemn pledge. And We said unto them, “Enter the gate humbly”; and We told them, “Do not break the Sabbath-law”; and We accepted from them a most solemn pledge

Holy Qur’an – 6:83

وَتِلۡکَ حُجَّتُنَاۤ اٰتَیۡنٰہَاۤ اِبۡرٰہِیۡمَ عَلٰی قَوۡمِہٖ ؕ نَرۡفَعُ دَرَجٰتٍ مَّنۡ نَّشَآءُ ؕ اِنَّ رَبَّکَ حَکِیۡمٌ عَلِیۡمٌ

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

And that is Our argument which We gave to Abraham against his people. We exalt in degrees of rank whomso We please. Thy Lord is indeed Wise, All-Knowing.

Pickthall

That is Our argument. We gave it unto Abraham against his folk. We raise unto degrees of wisdom whom We will. Lo! thy Lord is Wise, Aware.

Muhammad Asad

And this was Our argument which We vouchsafed unto Abraham against his people: [for] We do raise by degrees whom We will. Verily, thy Sustainer is wise, all-knowing

Holy Qur’an – 6:165

وَہُوَ الَّذِیۡ جَعَلَکُمۡ خَلٰٓئِفَ الۡاَرۡضِ وَرَفَعَ بَعۡضَکُمۡ فَوۡقَ بَعۡضٍ دَرَجٰتٍ لِّیَبۡلُوَکُمۡ فِیۡ مَاۤ اٰتٰکُمۡ ؕ اِنَّ رَبَّکَ سَرِیۡعُ الۡعِقَابِ ۫ۖ وَاِنَّہٗ لَغَفُوۡرٌ رَّحِیۡمٌ

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

And He it is Who has made you successors of others on the earth and has exalted some of you over the others in degrees of rank, that He may try you by that which He has given you. Surely, thy Lord is quick in punishment; and surely He is Most Forgiving, Merciful.

Pickthall

He it is Who hath placed you as viceroys of the earth and hath exalted some of you in rank above others, that He may try you by (the test of) that which He hath given you. Lo! Thy Lord is swift in prosecution, and Lo! He verily is Forgiving, Merciful.

Muhammad Asad

For, He it is who has made you inherit the earth, and has raised some of you by degrees above others, so that He might try you by means of what He has bestowed upon you. Verily, thy Sustainer is swift in retribution: yet, behold, He is indeed much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace

Holy Qur’an – 7:176

وَلَوۡ شِئۡنَا لَرَفَعۡنٰہُ بِہَا وَلٰکِنَّہٗۤ اَخۡلَدَ اِلَی الۡاَرۡضِ وَاتَّبَعَ ہَوٰٮہُ ۚ فَمَثَلُہٗ کَمَثَلِ الۡکَلۡبِ ۚ اِنۡ تَحۡمِلۡ عَلَیۡہِ یَلۡہَثۡ اَوۡ تَتۡرُکۡہُ یَلۡہَثۡ ؕ ذٰلِکَ مَثَلُ الۡقَوۡمِ الَّذِیۡنَ کَذَّبُوۡا بِاٰیٰتِنَا ۚ فَاقۡصُصِ الۡقَصَصَ لَعَلَّہُمۡ یَتَفَکَّرُوۡنَ

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

And if We had pleased, We could have exalted him thereby; but he inclined to the earth and followed his evil inclination. His case therefore is like the case of a thirsty dog; if thou drive him away, he hangs out his tongue; and if thou leave him, he hangs out his tongue. Such is the case of the people who disbelieve in Our Signs. So give them the description that they may ponder.

Pickthall

And had We willed We could have raised him by their means, but he clung to the earth and followed his own lust. Therefor his likeness is as the likeness of a dog: if thou attackest him he panteth with his tongue out, and if thou leavest him he panteth with his tongue out. Such is the likeness of the people who deny Our revelations. Narrate unto them the history (of the men of old), that haply they may take thought.

Muhammad Asad

Now had We so willed, We could indeed have exalted him by means of those [messages]: but he always clung to the earth and followed but his own desires. Thus, his parable is that of an [excited] dog: if thou approach him threateningly, he will pant with his tongue lolling; and. if thou leave him alone, he will pant with his tongue lolling. Such is the parable of those who are bent on giving the lie to Our messages. Tell [them], then, this story, so that they might take thought

Holy Qur’an – 12:76

فَبَدَاَ بِاَوۡعِیَتِہِمۡ قَبۡلَ وِعَآءِ اَخِیۡہِ ثُمَّ اسۡتَخۡرَجَہَا مِنۡ وِّعَآءِ اَخِیۡہِ ؕ کَذٰلِکَ کِدۡنَا لِیُوۡسُفَ ؕ مَا کَانَ لِیَاۡخُذَ اَخَاہُ فِیۡ دِیۡنِ الۡمَلِکِ اِلَّاۤ اَنۡ یَّشَآءَ اللّٰہُ ؕ نَرۡفَعُ دَرَجٰتٍ مَّنۡ نَّشَآءُ ؕ وَفَوۡقَ کُلِّ ذِیۡ عِلۡمٍ عَلِیۡمٌ

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

Then he began the search with their sacks before the sack of his brother; then he took it out from his brother’s sack. Thus did We plan for Joseph. He could not have taken his brother under the King’s law unless Allah had so willed. We raise in degrees of rank whomsoever We please; and over every possessor of knowledge is One, Most-Knowing.

Pickthall

Then he (Joseph) began the search with their bags before his brother’s bag, then he produced it from his brother’s bag. Thus did We contrive for Joseph. He could not have taken his brother according to the king’s law unless Allah willed. We raise by grades (of mercy) whom We will, and over every lord of knowledge there is one more knowing.

Muhammad Asad

Thereupon [they were brought before Joseph to be searched; and] he began with the bags of his half-brothers before the bag of his brother [Benjamin]: and in the end he brought forth the drinking Cups out of his brother’s bag. In this way did We contrive for Joseph [the attainment of his heart’s desire]: under the King’s law, he would [otherwise] not have been able to detain his brother, had not God so willed. We do raise to [high] degrees [of knowledge] whomever We will – but above everyone who is endowed with knowledge there is One who knows all

Holy Qur’an – 12:100

وَرَفَعَ اَبَوَیۡہِ عَلَی الۡعَرۡشِ وَخَرُّوۡا لَہٗ سُجَّدًا ۚ وَقَالَ یٰۤاَبَتِ ہٰذَا تَاۡوِیۡلُ رُءۡیَایَ مِنۡ قَبۡلُ ۫ قَدۡ جَعَلَہَا رَبِّیۡ حَقًّا ؕ وَقَدۡ اَحۡسَنَ بِیۡۤ اِذۡ اَخۡرَجَنِیۡ مِنَ السِّجۡنِ وَجَآءَ بِکُمۡ مِّنَ الۡبَدۡوِ مِنۡۢ بَعۡدِ اَنۡ نَّزَغَ الشَّیۡطٰنُ بَیۡنِیۡ وَبَیۡنَ اِخۡوَتِیۡ ؕ اِنَّ رَبِّیۡ لَطِیۡفٌ لِّمَا یَشَآءُ ؕ اِنَّہٗ ہُوَ الۡعَلِیۡمُ الۡحَکِیۡمُ

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

And he raised his parents upon the throne, and they all fell down prostrate before God for him. And he said, ‘O my father, this is the fulfilment of my dream of old. My Lord has made it true. And He bestowed a favour upon me when He took me out of the prison and brought you from the desert after Satan had stirred up discord between me and my brethren. Surely, my Lord is Benignant to whomsoever He pleases; for He is the All-Knowing, the Wise.

Pickthall

And he placed his parents on the dais and they fell down before him prostrate, and he said: O my father! This is the interpretation of my dream of old. My Lord hath made it true, and He hath shown me kindness, since He took me out of the prison and hath brought you from the desert after Satan had made strife between me and my brethren. Lo! my Lord is tender unto whom He will. He is the Knower, the Wise.

Muhammad Asad

And he raised his parents to the highest place of honour; and they [all] fell down before Him, prostrating themselves in adoration. Thereupon [Joseph] said: “O my father! This is the real meaning of my dream of long ago, which my Sustainer has made come true. And He was indeed good to me when He freed me from the prison, and [when] He brought you [all unto me] from the desert after Satan had sown discord between me and my brothers. Verily, my Sustainer is unfathomable in [the way He brings about] whatever He wills: verily, He alone is all-knowing, truly wise

Holy Qur’an – 13:2

اَللّٰہُ الَّذِیۡ رَفَعَ السَّمٰوٰتِ بِغَیۡرِ عَمَدٍ تَرَوۡنَہَا ثُمَّ اسۡتَوٰی عَلَی الۡعَرۡشِ وَسَخَّرَ الشَّمۡسَ وَالۡقَمَرَ ؕ کُلٌّ یَّجۡرِیۡ لِاَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّی ؕ یُدَبِّرُ الۡاَمۡرَ یُفَصِّلُ الۡاٰیٰتِ لَعَلَّکُمۡ بِلِقَآءِ رَبِّکُمۡ تُوۡقِنُوۡنَ

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

Allah is He Who raised up the heavens without any pillars that you can see. Then He settled Himself on the Throne. And He pressed the sun and the moon into service: each pursues its course until an appointed term. He regulates it all. He clearly explains the Signs, that you may have a firm belief in the meeting with your Lord.

Pickthall

Allah it is Who raised up the heavens without visible supports, then mounted the Throne, and compelled the sun and the moon to be of service, each runneth unto an appointed term; He ordereth the course; He detaileth the revelations, that haply ye may be certain of the meeting with your Lord.

Muhammad Asad

It is God who has raised the heavens without any supports that you could see, and is established on the throne of His almightiness; and He [it is who] has made the sun and the moon subservient [to His laws], each running its course for a term set [by Him]. He governs all that exists. Clearly does He spell out these messages, so that you might be certain in your innermost that you are destined to meet your Sustainer [on Judgment Day]

Holy Qur’an – 19:57

وَّرَفَعۡنٰہُ مَکَانًا عَلِیًّا

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

And We exalted him to a lofty station.

Pickthall

And We raised him to high station.

Muhammad Asad

Whom We exalted onto a lofty station

Holy Qur’an – 24:36

فِیۡ بُیُوۡتٍ اَذِنَ اللّٰہُ اَنۡ تُرۡفَعَ وَیُذۡکَرَ فِیۡہَا اسۡمُہٗ ۙ یُسَبِّحُ لَہٗ فِیۡہَا بِالۡغُدُوِّ وَالۡاٰصَالِ

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

This light is now lit in houses with regard to which Allah has ordained that they be exalted and that His name be remembered in them. Therein is He glorified in the mornings and the evenings

Pickthall

(This lamp is found) in houses which Allah hath allowed to be exalted and that His name shall be remembered therein. Therein do offer praise to Him at morn and evening.

Muhammad Asad

IN THE HOUSES [of worship] which God has allowed to be raised so that His name be remembered in them, there [are such as] extol His limitless glory at morn and evening –

Holy Qur’an – 35:10

مَنۡ کَانَ یُرِیۡدُ الۡعِزَّۃَ فَلِلّٰہِ الۡعِزَّۃُ جَمِیۡعًا ؕ اِلَیۡہِ یَصۡعَدُ الۡکَلِمُ الطَّیِّبُ وَالۡعَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ یَرۡفَعُہٗ ؕ وَالَّذِیۡنَ یَمۡکُرُوۡنَ السَّیِّاٰتِ لَہُمۡ عَذَابٌ شَدِیۡدٌ ؕ وَمَکۡرُ اُولٰٓئِکَ ہُوَ یَبُوۡرُ

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

Whoso desires honour, then let him know that all honour belongs to Allah. Unto Him ascend good words, and righteous work does He exalt. And those who plot evils — for them is a severe punishment; and the plotting of such will perish.

Pickthall

Whoso desireth power (should know that) all power belongeth to Allah. Unto Him good words ascend, and the pious deed doth He exalt; but those who plot iniquities, theirs will be an awful doom; and the plotting of such (folk) will come to naught.

Muhammad Asad

He who desires might and glory [ought to know that] all might and glory belong to God [alone]. Unto Him ascend all good words, and the righteous deed does He exalt. But as for those who cunningly devise evil deeds – suffering severe awaits them; and all their devising is bound to come to nought

Holy Qur’an – 40:15

رَفِیۡعُ الدَّرَجٰتِ ذُو الۡعَرۡشِ ۚ یُلۡقِی الرُّوۡحَ مِنۡ اَمۡرِہٖ عَلٰی مَنۡ یَّشَآءُ مِنۡ عِبَادِہٖ لِیُنۡذِرَ یَوۡمَ التَّلَاقِ

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

He is of most exalted attributes, Lord of the Throne. He sends the Word by His command to whomsoever of His servants He pleases, that He may give warning of the Day of Meeting,

Pickthall

The Exalter of Ranks, the Lord of the Throne. He causeth the Spirit of His command upon whom He will of His slaves, that He may warn of the Day of Meeting,

Muhammad Asad

High above all orders [of being] is He, in almightiness enthroned. By His Own will does He bestow inspiration upon whomever He wills of His servants, so as to warn [all human beings of the coming] of the Day when they shall meet Him

Holy Qur’an – 43:32

اَہُمۡ یَقۡسِمُوۡنَ رَحۡمَتَ رَبِّکَ ؕ نَحۡنُ قَسَمۡنَا بَیۡنَہُمۡ مَّعِیۡشَتَہُمۡ فِی الۡحَیٰوۃِ الدُّنۡیَا وَرَفَعۡنَا بَعۡضَہُمۡ فَوۡقَ بَعۡضٍ دَرَجٰتٍ لِّیَتَّخِذَ بَعۡضُہُمۡ بَعۡضًا سُخۡرِیًّا ؕ وَرَحۡمَتُ رَبِّکَ خَیۡرٌ مِّمَّا یَجۡمَعُوۡنَ

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

Is it they who would distribute the mercy of thy Lord? It is We Who distribute among them their livelihood in the present life, and We exalt some of them above others in degrees of rank, so that some of them may make others subservient to themselves. And the mercy of thy Lord is better than that which they amass.

Pickthall

Is it they who apportion thy Lord’s mercy? We have apportioned among them their livelihood in the life of the world, and raised some of them above others in rank that some of them may take labour from others; and the mercy of thy Lord is better than (the wealth) that they amass.

Muhammad Asad

But is it they who distribute thy Sustainer’s grace? [Nay, as] it is We who distribute their means of livelihood among them in the life of this world, and raise some of them by degrees above others, to the end that they might avail themselves of one another’s help – [so, too, it is We who bestow gifts of the spirit upon whomever We will]: and this thy Sustainer’s grace is better than all [the worldly wealth] that they may amass

Holy Qur’an – 49:2

یٰۤاَیُّہَا الَّذِیۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا لَا تَرۡفَعُوۡۤا اَصۡوَاتَکُمۡ فَوۡقَ صَوۡتِ النَّبِیِّ وَلَا تَجۡہَرُوۡا لَہٗ بِالۡقَوۡلِ کَجَہۡرِ بَعۡضِکُمۡ لِبَعۡضٍ اَنۡ تَحۡبَطَ اَعۡمَالُکُمۡ وَاَنۡتُمۡ لَا تَشۡعُرُوۡنَ

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

O ye who believe! raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet, and speak not aloud to him, as you speak aloud to one another, lest your works become vain while you perceive not.

Pickthall

O ye who believe! Lift not up your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor shout when speaking to him as ye shout one to another, lest your works be rendered vain while ye perceive not.

Muhammad Asad

O you who have attained to faith! Do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet, and neither speak loudly to him, as you would speak loudly to one another, lest all your [good] deeds come to nought without your perceiving it

Holy Qur’an – 52:5

وَالسَّقۡفِ الۡمَرۡفُوۡعِ

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

And by the elevated Roof;

Pickthall

And the roof exalted,

Muhammad Asad

Consider the vault [of heaven] raised high

Holy Qur’an – 55:7

وَالسَّمَآءَ رَفَعَہَا وَوَضَعَ الۡمِیۡزَانَ

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

And the heaven He has raised high and set up a measure,

Pickthall

And the sky He hath uplifted; and He hath set the measure,

Muhammad Asad

And the skies has He raised high, and has devised [for all things] a measure

Holy Qur’an – 56:3

خَافِضَۃٌ رَّافِعَۃٌ

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

Some it will bring low, others it will exalt.

Pickthall

Abasing (some), exalting (others);

Muhammad Asad

abasing [some], exalting [others]

Holy Qur’an – 56:34

وَّفُرُشٍ مَّرۡفُوۡعَۃٍ

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

And they will have noble spouses —

Pickthall

And raised couches;

Muhammad Asad

And [with them will be their] spouses, raised high

Holy Qur’an – 58:11

یٰۤاَیُّہَا الَّذِیۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡۤا اِذَا قِیۡلَ لَکُمۡ تَفَسَّحُوۡا فِی الۡمَجٰلِسِ فَافۡسَحُوۡا یَفۡسَحِ اللّٰہُ لَکُمۡ ۚ وَاِذَا قِیۡلَ انۡشُزُوۡا فَانۡشُزُوۡا یَرۡفَعِ اللّٰہُ الَّذِیۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا مِنۡکُمۡ ۙ وَالَّذِیۡنَ اُوۡتُوا الۡعِلۡمَ دَرَجٰتٍ ؕ وَاللّٰہُ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُوۡنَ خَبِیۡرٌ

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

O ye who believe! when it is said to you, ‘Make room!’ in your assemblies, then do make room; Allah will make ample room for you. And when it is said, ‘Rise up!’ then rise up; Allah will raise those who believe from among you, and those to whom knowledge is given, to degrees of rank. And Allah is Well-Aware of what you do.

Pickthall

O ye who believe! when it is said unto you, Make room! in assemblies, then make room; Allah will make way for you (hereafter). And when it is said, Come up higher! go up higher; Allah will exalt those who believe among you, and those who have knowledge, to high ranks. Allah is Informed of what ye do.

Muhammad Asad

O YOU who have attained to faith! When you are told, “Make room for one another in your collective life”, do make room: [and in return,] God will make room for you [in His grace]. And whenever you are told, “Rise up [for a good deed]”, do rise up; [and] God will exalt by [many] degrees those of you who have attained to faith and, [above all,] such as have been vouchsafed [true] knowledge: for God is fully aware of all that you do

Holy Qur’an – 79:28

رَفَعَ سَمۡکَہَا فَسَوّٰٮہَا

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

He has raised the height thereof and made it perfect.

Pickthall

He raised the height thereof and ordered it;

Muhammad Asad

High has He reared its vault and formed it in accordance with what it was meant to be

Holy Qur’an – 80:14

مَّرۡفُوۡعَۃٍ مُّطَہَّرَۃٍۭ

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

Exalted, purified,

Pickthall

Exalted, purified,

Muhammad Asad

Lofty and pure

Holy Qur’an – 88:13

فِیۡہَا سُرُرٌ مَّرۡفُوۡعَۃٌ

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

Therein are raised couches,

Pickthall

Wherein are couches raised

Muhammad Asad

[and] there will be thrones [of happiness] raised high

Holy Qur’an – 88:18

وَاِلَی السَّمَآءِ کَیۡفَ رُفِعَتۡ

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

And at the heaven, how it is raised high?

Pickthall

And the heaven, how it is raised?

Muhammad Asad

And at the sky, how it is raised aloft

Holy Qur’an – 94:4

وَرَفَعۡنَا لَکَ ذِکۡرَکَ

(Ahmadiyya) Maulvi Sher Ali

And We exalted thy name?

Pickthall

And exalted thy fame?

Muhammad Asad

And [have We not] raised thee high in dignity

The majority of Muslims claim that the proof Isa (AS) is still alive in the heavens with his body is the following verse which states:

وَّقَوۡلِہِمۡ اِنَّا قَتَلۡنَا الۡمَسِیۡحَ عِیۡسَی ابۡنَ مَرۡیَمَ رَسُوۡلَ اللّٰہِ ۚ وَمَا قَتَلُوۡہُ وَمَا صَلَبُوۡہُ وَلٰکِنۡ شُبِّہَ لَہُمۡ ؕ وَاِنَّ الَّذِیۡنَ اخۡتَلَفُوۡا فِیۡہِ لَفِیۡ شَکٍّ مِّنۡہُ ؕ مَا لَہُمۡ بِہٖ مِنۡ عِلۡمٍ اِلَّا اتِّبَاعَ الظَّنِّ ۚ وَمَا قَتَلُوۡہُ یَقِیۡنًۢا

بَل رَّفَعَهُ ٱللَّهُ إِلَيْهِ ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَزِيزًا حَكِيمًۭا

And their saying, ‘We did kill the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah;’ whereas they slew him not, nor crucified him, but he was made to appear to them like one crucified; and those who differ therein are certainly in a state of doubt about it; they have no definite knowledge thereof, but only follow a conjecture; and they did not convert this conjecture into a certainty;

Rather, Allah raised him up to Himself. And Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.

[Quran 4:157-158]

They make two claims:

1. Since Isa (AS) was not killed nor crucified, he must be alive.
2. “Raising towards Allah” refers to a physical elevation, implying that Isa (AS) was physically taken to the heavens and remains alive there.

In this article, we will explore why these interpretations are flawed and examine the true meaning of the verse based on the Quran, Hadith, and statements of Islamic scholars.

Refutations of the “Sunni”/Shia belief

1) Not Crucified & not Killed = Alive?

Some Muslims claim that since the verse states Isa (AS) was not killed or crucified, it must mean he is alive. However, this reasoning is unfounded. Many individuals were neither killed nor crucified, including Muhammad (SAW). Does this imply they are all physically alive in the heavens?

2) Does the verse mention raising to the Heavens?

The verse in question states that Allah raised Isa (AS) to Himself. However, it does not mention “heavens” or specify a physical elevation. Inferring physical ascension from the text is an unwarranted extrapolation.

3) Where is Allah? Does Allah have a physical body?

The next question one gets is if Isa (AS) is raised to Allah, how did he end up in Heaven? Is Allah located in Heaven?

The clear answer to this statement is no, Allah does not exist in Heaven or is located there. This is agreed upon by almost all “Sunnis” and Shias.

So how did Isa (AS) end up in Heaven when he was only raised to Allah?

4) Does the verse mention that Isa (AS) was raised ALIVE?

Even if we assume a physical raising occurred, the verse does not explicitly state that Isa (AS) was alive when he was raised. Allah could have caused his death and then raised his soul or body, as is the belief of certain group of Sunni Muslims.

True Understanding of the verse

1) Rafa (Raising) after Tawaffa (taking of the soul)

The raising of Isa (AS) that is mentioned in 4:157 happens after the death of Isa (AS). We know this from Quran 3:55 which states:

إِذْ قَالَ ٱللَّهُ يَـٰعِيسَىٰٓ إِنِّى مُتَوَفِّيكَ وَرَافِعُكَ إِلَىَّ وَمُطَهِّرُكَ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ وَجَاعِلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوكَ فَوْقَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ ۖ ثُمَّ إِلَىَّ مَرْجِعُكُمْ فَأَحْكُمُ بَيْنَكُمْ فِيمَا كُنتُمْ فِيهِ تَخْتَلِفُونَ
When Allah said, ‘O Jesus, I will cause thee to die a natural death and will exalt thee to Myself, and will clear thee from the charges of those who disbelieve, and will place those who follow thee above those who disbelieve, until the Day of Resurrection; then to Me shall be your return, and I will judge between you concerning that wherein you differ.

In summary, Allah first took the soul of Isa (AS) and then raised him. This proves that whatever type of raising happened for Isa (AS), it did not involve Isa (AS) being alive, as the majority of the “Sunnis” claim.

2) Al-Rafi: 1 of the 99 names of Allah

Al-Rafi is one of the names of Allah which means:

He is The One who lowers whoever He wills and raises whoever He wills. The One who chooses who will be raised in rank in every way.

Thus, Allah doing Rafa (رفع) of Isa (AS) is not something special. Rather, Allah raises every believer and lowers those who disbelieve. Does Allah physically raise other believers, alive, to the heavens too?

One of the greatest Muslim scholars of all times, Imam Ghazali (RH) says the following regarding this attribute of Allah

AL-KHAFID, AR-RAFI
The One Who Abases the Unbeliever and Exalts the Believer
He is the One who abases the unbelievers by means of misfortune and the One who exalts the believers by means of good fortune. He exalts His elect by drawing them near to Him.

[Al-Maqsad al-asna fi sharh maani asma Allah al-husna]

In summary, Rafa (رفع) is an action by Allah where He brings believers closer to Himself. This closeness is not physical but rather refers to spiritual proximity.

3) How does one get closer to God?

The following hadith beautifully explains the concept of Allah getting closer to His chosen ones:

يَقُولُ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى أَنَا عِنْدَ ظَنِّ عَبْدِي بِي، وَأَنَا مَعَهُ إِذَا ذَكَرَنِي، فَإِنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي نَفْسِهِ ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي نَفْسِي، وَإِنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي مَلأٍ ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي مَلأٍ خَيْرٍ مِنْهُمْ، وَإِنْ تَقَرَّبَ إِلَىَّ بِشِبْرٍ تَقَرَّبْتُ إِلَيْهِ ذِرَاعًا، وَإِنْ تَقَرَّبَ إِلَىَّ ذِرَاعًا تَقَرَّبْتُ إِلَيْهِ بَاعًا، وَإِنْ أَتَانِي يَمْشِي أَتَيْتُهُ هَرْوَلَةً
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Allah says: ‘I am just as My slave thinks I am, (i.e. I am able to do for him what he thinks I can do for him) and I am with him if He remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I too, remember him in Myself; and if he remembers Me in a group of people, I remember him in a group that is better than they; and if he comes one span nearer to Me, I go one cubit nearer to him; and if he comes one cubit nearer to Me, I go a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him; and if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.’ “
[Sahih al-Bukhari 7405]

The wonderful hadith clarifies any misconceptions that one might have regarding the act of Allah coming closer to a believer or bringing that believer closer to Himself.

This is the reason Muhammad (SAW) taught us a beautiful dua where we beg Allah to raise us in every rak’a of Salat:

قَالَ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ يَقُولُ بَيْنَ السَّجْدَتَيْنِ فِي صَلاَةِ اللَّيْلِ ‏ “‏ رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَارْحَمْنِي وَاجْبُرْنِي وَارْزُقْنِي وَارْفَعْنِي ‏

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said:

“When praying at night (Qiyamul-Lail), the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say between the two prostrations:

O Lord, forgive me, have mercy on me, improve my situation, grant me provision and raise me.”

[Sunan Ibn Majah 898] Sahih by Albani, Arna’ut
[Hisn al-Muslim 49]

Are we asking Allah to fly us to heaven with our physical bodies?

4) Rafa (رفع) in the Ahadith

In the following hadith, the Prophet (SAW) explains that Allah is always raising people.

حَدَّثَنَا هِشَامُ بْنُ عَمَّارٍ، حَدَّثَنَا الْوَزِيرُ بْنُ صَبِيحٍ، حَدَّثَنَا يُونُسُ بْنُ حَلْبَسٍ، عَنْ أُمِّ الدَّرْدَاءِ، عَنْ أَبِي الدَّرْدَاءِ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ فِي قَوْلِهِ تَعَالَى ‏{كُلَّ يَوْمٍ هُوَ فِي شَأْنٍ}‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ ‏”‏ مِنْ شَأْنِهِ أَنْ يَغْفِرَ ذَنْبًا وَيُفَرِّجَ كَرْبًا وَيَرْفَعَ قَوْمًا وَيَخْفِضَ آخَرِينَ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

It was narrated from Abu Darda’ that:

The Prophet said concerning the Verse: “Every day He is (engaged) in some affair.” “His affairs include forgiving sins, relieving distress, raising some people and bringing others low.”

[Sunan Ibn Majah 202]

Yet if “Sunnis” and Shia Muslims were correct about their definition, we would see many people getting physically flown to heaven and staying alive there.

 قَالَ عُمَرُ أَمَا إِنَّ نَبِيَّكُمْ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَدْ قَالَ ‏ “‏ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَرْفَعُ بِهَذَا الْكِتَابِ أَقْوَامًا وَيَضَعُ بِهِ آخَرِينَ

‘Umar said: So the Prophet (ﷺ) said: By this Book, Allah would raise some people and degrade others.

[Sahih Muslim 817a]

Again, another hadith shows that Allah raises believers and lowers the disbelievers.

وَحَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ رَافِعٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّزَّاقِ بْنُ هَمَّامٍ، حَدَّثَنَا مَعْمَرُ بْنُ رَاشِدٍ، عَنْ هَمَّامِ بْنِ مُنَبِّهٍ، أَخِي وَهْبِ بْنِ مُنَبِّهٍ قَالَ هَذَا مَا حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَذَكَرَ أَحَادِيثَ مِنْهَا ‏.‏ وَقَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏”‏ إِنَّ اللَّهَ قَالَ لِي أَنْفِقْ أُنْفِقْ عَلَيْكَ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ وَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏”‏ يَمِينُ اللَّهِ مَلأَى لاَ يَغِيضُهَا سَحَّاءُ اللَّيْلَ وَالنَّهَارَ أَرَأَيْتُمْ مَا أَنْفَقَ مُذْ خَلَقَ السَّمَاءَ وَالأَرْضَ فَإِنَّهُ لَمْ يَغِضْ مَا فِي يَمِينِهِ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ ‏”‏ وَعَرْشُهُ عَلَى الْمَاءِ وَبِيَدِهِ الأُخْرَى الْقَبْضُ يَرْفَعُ وَيَخْفِضُ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying that Allah said to him:

“Spend, I will bestow upon you.” And the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: The right hand of Allah is full and spending (the riches) liberally during day and night will not diminish (the resources of Allah). Don’t you see what (an enormous amount of resources) He has spent since He created the heaven and the earth, and what is in His right hand has not decreased? His Throne is upon the water. And in His other hand is death, and He elevates and degrades (whom He likes).

[Sahih Muslim 993b]

5) Rafa (رفع) used by Sahaba (RA)

عن أنَسِ بنِ مالِكٍ «في قَولِه عَزَّ وجَلَّ: ﴿فَإِمّا نَذْهَبَنَّ بِكَ فَإِنّا مِنْهُمْ مُنْتَقِمُونَ * أَوْ نُرِيَنَّكَ الَّذِي وَعَدْناهُمْ فَإِنّا عَلَيْهِمْ مُقْتَدِرُونَ﴾. قال: أكرَمَ اللهُ عَزَّ وجَلَّ نَبيَّه أن يُرِيَه في أمَّتِه ما يَكرَهُ، فرَفَعَه إليه وبَقِيَت النِّقْمةُ»

Allah honored His Prophet, peace be upon him, by not letting him see in his nation what he would dislike, so He raised him to Himself, and the punishment (for the disobedient ones) remained.

[Shu’ab al-Iman, 1410]

يقولُ اللهُ: مَن تواضَع لي هكذا رفعتُه هكذا وجعَل باطنَ كفِّه إلى الأرضِ، ثم جعَل كفَّه إلى السماءِ ورفَعها نحوَ السماءِ

Ibn ‘Umar from ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with them,… Allah, Blessed and Exalted said:

“Whoever humbles himself before Me in this way” – [the narrator] lowered the palm of his hand to the ground and brought it close- “I raise him in this way” – and he raised the palm of his hand towards the sky

[Musnad Ahmad, 309]

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is no definitive evidence in the Quran or authentic Hadith to support the claim that Isa (AS) is alive in the heavens. The interpretation that 4:158 indicates physical ascension is a misrepresentation of the verse.

Believers are encouraged to seek nearness to Allah through piety, devotion, and understanding. The act of raising by Allah means exactly that.