The Night Journey and Ascension, known as Isra and Mi'raj, is one of the greatest events in the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. During this extraordinary journey, the Prophet ﷺ encountered several prophets, including Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, peace be upon them.

A narration transmitted by Ibn Ishaq from al-Zuhri and Sa'id ibn al-Musayyab includes descriptions given by the Prophet ﷺ of these prophets and recounts scenes from his encounters with them.

How Did Prophet Muhammad ﷺ Describe Abraham, Moses and Jesus?

The narration states that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described the appearance of the prophets he encountered during that night.

The Description of Prophet Abraham

The Prophet ﷺ said regarding Abraham عليه السلام:

“I have never seen a man who more closely resembles your companion, nor your companion who more closely resembles him.”

The expression “your companion” refers to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, highlighting the resemblance between Prophet Abraham and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

The Description of Prophet Moses

The Prophet ﷺ described Moses عليه السلام as:

“A tall, dark-complexioned man, with curly hair and a prominent nose, as though he were one of the men of Shanu'ah.”

This description conveys Moses’ distinctive physical appearance as seen by the Prophet ﷺ.

The Description of Prophet Jesus

Jesus, son of Mary, عليه السلام, was described by the Prophet ﷺ as:

“A reddish-complexioned man, of medium height, with straight hair and many facial marks.”

The Prophet ﷺ also compared his appearance to that of Urwah ibn Mas'ud al-Thaqafi.

The Prophet’s ﷺ Encounters With Abraham, Moses and Jesus

The narration contains several scenes describing the Prophet’s ﷺ encounters with the prophets during the Night Journey and Ascension.

As the Prophet ﷺ traveled, he encountered groups of Allah’s creation who greeted him. Jibril عليه السلام identified the prophets he encountered.

Among them were Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, peace be upon them.

The Prophet’s ﷺ Encounter With Moses

The Prophet ﷺ passed by Moses عليه السلام while Moses was standing and praying in his grave near the red sandhill.

The Prophet ﷺ greeted him, and Moses returned the greeting.

The Prophet ﷺ then asked Jibril عليه السلام about him, and Jibril identified him as Moses ibn Imran.

The narration also mentions that Moses welcomed Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and prayed for ease for his Ummah.

This scene reflects the special status of Moses عليه السلام and his devotion to worship.

The Prophet’s ﷺ Encounter With Jesus

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also encountered Jesus, son of Mary, عليه السلام, whom he described as a man of moderate height with straight hair and facial marks.

When Jesus encountered the Prophet ﷺ, he welcomed him and prayed for blessings for him.

This encounter reflects the connection between the prophetic messages and their shared foundation: calling people to worship Allah and affirming His oneness.

The Prophet’s ﷺ Encounter With Abraham

The Prophet ﷺ then passed by a tree whose fruit was described as the fruit of the lote tree. Beneath it was an elderly man with his family, and the Prophet ﷺ saw lights.

He asked Jibril عليه السلام who the man was.

Jibril replied:

“This is your father Abraham.”

The Prophet ﷺ greeted Abraham عليه السلام, who returned the greeting. Jibril then identified Muhammad ﷺ to him.

Abraham welcomed him and described him as the Arab Prophet who conveyed his Lord’s message and sincerely advised his Ummah.

Abraham’s Advice to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

The narration includes profound advice attributed to Abraham عليه السلام, who said to the Prophet ﷺ:

“My son, tonight you will meet your Lord. Your Ummah is the last of nations and among the weakest of them. So if you can make your concern, or most of it, for your Ummah, then do so.”

This advice highlights the prophets’ concern for their people and their desire for their guidance, wellbeing, and salvation.

It also reflects the well-known compassion of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ toward his Ummah and his constant concern for its guidance and success.

Lessons From the Prophet’s ﷺ Encounters With the Prophets

The Unity of the Prophetic Message

The prophets share the fundamental message of calling people to Allah, worshipping Him, and affirming His oneness.

The Prophets’ Compassion for Their Nations

The narration illustrates the concern of the prophets for their people and their desire for their wellbeing, particularly through the advice attributed to Abraham عليه السلام.

The Status of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

The encounters between Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the earlier prophets demonstrate the continuity and connection between his message and the messages of the prophets who came before him.

The Importance of Caring for the Ummah

The advice attributed to Abraham عليه السلام emphasizes concern for the Ummah and striving for its guidance and wellbeing.

Conclusion

The narrations concerning the Night Journey and Ascension contain moving scenes of Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ encounters with Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, peace be upon them.

They include descriptions of the prophets, their greetings and welcoming of Muhammad ﷺ, and advice concerning his Ummah.

The Night Journey and Ascension therefore remains one of the most remarkable events in the Prophetic biography, carrying lessons about faith, worship, the unity of the prophetic message, and compassion for the Ummah.

How did Prophet Muhammad ﷺ describe Abraham?

He described Abraham as the prophet who most closely resembled him among the men he had seen.

How did Prophet Muhammad ﷺ describe Moses?

He described Moses as tall, dark-complexioned, with curly hair and a prominent nose.

How did Prophet Muhammad ﷺ describe Jesus?

He described Jesus as reddish-complexioned, of moderate height, with straight hair and facial marks.

Where did Prophet Muhammad ﷺ see Moses?

The narration states that he saw Moses standing and praying in his grave near the red sandhill.

What advice did Abraham give Prophet Muhammad ﷺ?

The narration states that Abraham advised him to devote much of his concern to his Ummah and its wellbeing.