Conclusive Evidence in the Debate over Physical or Spiritual Journey

The question arises whether the texts present such definitive evidence concerning the physical or spiritual nature of the Isra event as to decisively resolve the argument? The answer to this question is in the affirmative. The evidence lies in the fact that Allah has not left this matter ambiguous but has explicitly clarified the state in which this event occurred.

To understand this, when we examine the inaugural verse of Surah Al-Isra, we learn that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was taken overnight from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid Al-Aqsa. This phrasing leaves open both interpretations. It could be perceived as a corporeal ascension while awake, or as a journey within a dream^[37]. Were the situation limited to only verse 1, relying on words such as subhān, asra, and abd for indicative or conjectural evidence might serve as the focal point^[38], with one of the two interpretations then validated accordingly. However, the conversation extends beyond verse 1. Verse 60 introduces another element, and in it, the Word of Allah makes it clear that the event occurred within a world of vision.

This indicates that after the explicit declaration of Allah Almighty, a definitive and pivotal evidence has now come forth. As a result, the following points are its inevitable implications:

1. The term al-ru’ya will assume the role of the primary evidence, and all other proofs will become secondary.
2. The definition and interpretation of al-ru’ya will be determined in alignment with the standard usage in the Arabic language.
3. Since ru’ya in Arabic typically refers to seeing in sleep or a dream, the event will be deemed spiritual rather than physical, rendering all other potential interpretations invalid.
4. Interpretations of indicative evidence such as subhān, asra, and abd mentioned in verse 1 of Surah Al-Isra will likewise be considered in light of the definition and interpretation of al-ru’ya^[39].
5. The term ru’ya will also be decisive concerning its relationship between the event of Isra mentioned in Surah Al-Isra and the incidents of Sidrat al-Muntaha and Qāba Qawsayn mentioned in Surah Al-Najm. As a result, it will be necessary to consider these as separate events because it has been explicitly mentioned that one occurred in the realm of dream and it is clear regarding the other two that they took place in a state of wakefulness with open eyes. Thus, verse 60 of Surah Al-Isra holds the decisive position in distinguishing between verse 1 of the same surah and the relevant verses of Surah
   al-Najm. It establishes the basis for differentiating between the two contexts.
6. All the Hadiths and reports related to the event of Isra will be understood in the light of this definitive evidence, and anything that contradicts this will be declared against the Qur’an and hence rejected.

This explanation makes it clear that the term al-ru’ya serves as definitive evidence. It decisively refutes all the arguments that are commonly used as a basis in this matter, and which have been mentioned earlier in references such as Fath al-Bari, Tafsir Ibn Kathir, and other sources. Similarly, it is also sufficient to counter the arguments related to language and expression that are often presented in this discussion and have been adopted by the majority of scholars, both past and present.

With this being established, the argumentation of the esteemed teacher becomes complete in its entirety. After this, there is no need to scrutinize the mentioned arguments of the scholars individually and to demonstrate how they contradict the texts of the Qur’an and hadith, and the established facts of language and expression. However, since the early generations of Muslims (salaf) have presented these, the later generations have insisted upon them, and the general masses have accepted them, it seems necessary to comment on them. This commentary is included in the following pages. It should be regarded as a secondary consideration, and while reviewing it, the aforementioned primary argument should not be overlooked.