Buraq in Islam: Buraq is a figure in Islamic tradition associated with the Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj) of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). According to Islamic beliefs, the Night Journey is a miraculous event where the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) traveled from Mecca to Jerusalem and ascended to the heavens.
Meaning of Buraq
The term “Al-Buraq” is an Arabic word (Arabic: البُراق) meaning “lightning” or “flash of lightning.” This meaning is derived from the root word “baraqa,” which refers to the sudden and intense illumination associated with lightning.
Buraq Description
Buraq is described as a heavenly creature that carried the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) on his journey. It is often depicted as a white, horse-like creature, larger than a donkey but smaller than a mule. Buraq is said to have had wings and was able to travel immense distances swiftly.
According to contemporary science, light is the element that travels the fastest. The speed of it is 700 million miles per hour. Since this fast-moving creature was moving at such a quick pace, Allah and His Messenger (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) gave it the name “al-Buraq” fourteen hundred years ago, when no scientist had even dared to imagine the speed of the light or its reality. This demonstrates the authenticity of the Islam faith and the prophetic status of Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam). In the modern world, if science attests to any truth, it is the veracity of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam).
Buraq in the Night Journey (Isra’ and Mi’raj)
During the Night Journey, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is believed to have mounted Buraq in Jerusalem and then traveled to various celestial realms, meeting with previous prophets and receiving guidance and revelations from Allah (God). The journey culminated in the divine presence of Allah, where the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) received the commandment for Muslims to observe the five daily prayers.
Is Buraq mentioned in Quran?
No, the name “Buraq” is not mentioned in the Quran. The details about the creature that carried the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) during the Night Journey are found in the Hadith literature, which consists of the sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as reported by his companions.
Buraq Hadiths
1) The Messenger of Allah SWT said,
Then a white animal which was smaller than a mule and bigger than a donkey was brought to me.” (On this Al-Jarud asked, “Was it the Buraq, O Abu Hamza?” I (i.e. Anas) replied in the affirmative). The Prophet said, “The animal’s step (was so wide that it) reached the farthest point within the reach of the animal’s sight. I was carried on it, and Gabriel set out with me till we reached the nearest heaven.
– Bukhari
2) Narrated byAnas ibn Malik:
“On the night when the Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) was taken up to Heaven, al-Buraq was brought to him, bridled and saddled, but it proved refractory (stubbornness), so Jibreel (alaihis-salaam) said to it: “Is it to Muhammad (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) you are doing this? No one more honorable in Allah’s Sight has mounted you than he.” It then poured with sweat.”
At-Tirmidhi
Conclusion
The story of Buraq and the Night Journey holds great significance in Islam, highlighting the miraculous nature of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and underscoring the importance of prayer and the connection between earthly and heavenly realms. It is celebrated as a special event in Islamic history and is a subject of spiritual contemplation and reflection for Muslims. Buraq in Islam is a heavenly creature and by his description, we can appreciate the creations of the Almighty Allah, the best creator.
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