The Significance of Miracles in Islam
Miracles, or “mu’jizat” as it is called in Arabic, hold a significant place in Islam as divine signs that validate the prophethood of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). The miracles of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) are extraordinary events that are beyond human capability.
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was able to perform them with Allah’s permission to let the people know Allah’s power and reinforce the truth of His messenger’s mission. They serve not just as proof of Muhammad’s (PBUH) prophethood but also as a means to strengthen the faith of believers and challenge the doubt of non-believers.
These miracles are documented in the Quran and Hadith and continue to inspire we Muslims worldwide, forming an integral part of our Islamic tradition and belief. Let’s take a look at some of the miracles of Prophet Muhammad.
The Splitting of the Moon
One of the most well-known miracles of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the splitting of the moon. This event, witnessed by many, was a direct response to the disbelievers’ challenge for a sign.
Narrated Anas bin Malik: “The people of Mecca asked Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) to show them a miracle. So he showed them the splitting of the moon.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Narrated `Abdullah:
“The moon was split (into two pieces) while we were with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in Mina. He said, ‘Be witnesses.’ Then a piece of the moon went towards the mountain.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was in Mecca when the Kuffar (disbelievers) challenged him to perform a miracle to prove himself as a messenger. In response, he pointed towards the moon, and it split into two distinct halves, with one part appearing on either side of the mountain. This astonishing event was witnessed by all.
The Quran refers to this miracle in Surah Al-Qamar:
“The Hour has come near, and the moon has split [in two]. And if they see a sign, they turn away and say, ‘Passing magic.'” (Quran 54:1-2)
Despite the clear and undeniable nature of this miracle, many disbelievers still disregarded it and said that it was only magic or sorcery. However, for the believers, this was a powerful sign of the Prophet’s authenticity and Allah’s power. This miracle, among many others, strengthened the faith of the companions and showcased the undeniable truth of Islam.
The Night Journey and Ascension (Isra and Mi’raj)
The Isra and Mi’raj is a miraculous night journey where the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) traveled from Mecca to Jerusalem and then ascended to the heavens. This event, detailed in Surah Al-Isra, highlights the spiritual elevation and divine connection of the Prophet:
“Glory to (Allah) Who did take His servant for a journey by night from the Sacred Mosque to the farthest Mosque, whose precincts We did bless, in order that We might show him some of Our signs: for He is the One Who hears and sees (all things).” (Quran 17:1)
In this incredible journey, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was taken by the angel Jibreel on the heavenly horse Buraq. They traveled from the Kaaba in Mecca to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, a journey that would normally take weeks, completed in a single night.
Upon reaching Jerusalem, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) led all the previous prophets in prayer, signifying his leadership and the completion of the prophetic line. The journey didn’t end there. From Jerusalem, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) ascended through the seven heavens. In each heaven, he met different prophets:
Adam in the first heaven, Prophet Issa and Yahya in the second, Yusuf in the third, Idris in the fourth, Harun in the fifth, Musa in the sixth, and Prophet Ibrahim in the seventh (peace be upon them all). At the highest point, Sidrat al-Muntaha, the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was in the Divine Presence.
Here, Allah directly communicated with him, giving him the command of the fifty daily prayers before it was reduced to five after following the advice of Prophet Musa to ask Allah to reduce it. Read the full Hadith here
The Multiplication of Water: The Miracle at the Treaty of Hudaibiya
During the Treaty of Hudaibiya, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) performed the miracle of water gushing out from his fingers, one of the many miracles of Prophet Muhammad that authenticated him as a true messenger of Allah.
Jabir bin `Abdullah said, “The people became very thirsty on the day of Al-Hudaibiya (Treaty). A small pot containing some water was in front of the Prophet (ﷺ) and when he had finished the ablution, the people rushed towards him. He asked, ‘What is wrong with you?’ They replied, ‘We have no water either for performing ablution or for drinking except what is present in front of you.’
So he (Prophet Muhammad) placed his hand in that pot and the water started flowing among his fingers like springs. We all drank and performed ablution (from it).” I asked Jabir, “How many were you?” he replied, “Even if we had been one-hundred-thousand, it would have been sufficient for us, but we were fifteen-hundred.” (Sahih Bukhari)
This miracle not only relieved the companions of thirst but also strengthened their faith. It was a striking demonstration of Allah’s power and mercy, that happened through His Prophet.
The companions’ trust in the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and their commitment to the cause of Islam were strengthened, reminding them that Allah’s support was always with them, especially through the miracles of Prophet Muhammad.
The Multiplication of Food
Similar to the miracle of water multiplication, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) increased the quantity of food on several occasions, showcasing one of the remarkable miracles of Prophet Muhammad.
One notable instance occurred when the host was worried about the small amount of food he had, which couldn’t suffice for all the guests. However, with a small dish of food, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) prayed, and miraculously, the food multiplied and continued to do so until every person present had eaten their fill.
Narrated Anas bin Malik:
Abu Talha said to Um Sulaim, “I have noticed feebleness in the voice of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) which I think, is caused by hunger. Have you got any food?” She said, “Yes.” She brought out some loaves of barley and took out a veil belonging to her, and wrapped the bread in part of it and put it under my arm and wrapped part of the veil round me and sent me to Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) .
I went carrying it and found Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) in the Mosque sitting with some people. When I stood there, Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) asked, “Has Abu Talha sent you?” I said, “Yes”. He asked, “With some food? I said, “Yes” Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) then said to the men around him, “Get up!” He set out (accompanied by them) and I went ahead of them till I reached Abu Talha and told him (of the Prophet’s visit).
Abu Talha said, “O Um Sulaim! Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) is coming with the people and we have no food to feed them.” She said, “Allah and His Messenger know better.” So Abu Talha went out to receive Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) . Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) came along with Abu Talha. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “O Um Sulaim! Bring whatever you have.” She brought the bread which Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) ordered to be broken into pieces. Um Sulaim poured on them some butter from an oilskin.
Then Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) recited what Allah wished him to recite, and then said, “Let ten persons come (to share the meal).” Ten persons were admitted, ate their fill and went out. Then he again said, “Let another ten do the same.” They were admitted, ate their fill and went out. Then he again said, ‘”‘Let another ten persons (do the same.)” They were admitted, ate their fill and went out. Then he said, “Let another ten persons come.” In short, all of them ate their fill, and they were seventy or eighty men. (Sahih Bukhari)
Everyone there witnessed this miraculous multiplication, reinforcing the people’s belief in Allah’s infinite mercy and the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) role as His blessed messenger.
The Healing Miracles of Prophet Muhammad
The healing miracles of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) are another great evidence of his prophethood. Throughout his life, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) performed numerous acts of healing, often through his touch or prayers, providing relief and also strengthening the faith of those around him.
One of the most famous healing miracles involved Ali ibn Abi Talib suffering from an eye infection on the day before the Battle of Khaybar. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), upon hearing of Ali’s condition, called for him. He then applied his blessed saliva to Ali’s eyes and prayed for his recovery. Miraculously, Ali’s eyes were healed instantly, and he regained perfect vision.
Narrated Sahl bin Sa`d
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Tomorrow I will give the flag to a man with whose leadership Allah will grant (the Muslim) victory.” So the people kept on thinking the whole night as to who would be given the flag. The next morning the people went to Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and every one of them hoped that he would be given the flag.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Where is `Ali bin Abi Talib?” The people replied, “He is suffering from eye trouble, O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) .” He said, “Send for him and bring him to me.” So when `Ali came, the Prophet (ﷺ) spat in his eyes and invoked good on him, and be became alright as if he had no ailment. The Prophet (ﷺ) then gave him the flag. `Ali said, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) ! Shall I fight them (i.e. enemy) till they become like us?”
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Proceed to them steadily till you approach near to them and then invite them to Islam and inform them of their duties towards Allah which Islam prescribes for them, for by Allah, if one man is guided on the right path (i.e. converted to Islam) through you, it would be better for you than (a great number of) red camels.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 3701)
The Crying of the Tree Trunk
A wonderful miracle was the crying of the tree trunk that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was using in delivering the sermon before. This event vividly showcased the extension of the extraordinary nature of his prophethood to all creations. The incident occurred when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) switched from using the tree trunk to a specially constructed pulpit for delivering his sermons.
The tree trunk he had previously leaned on cried out in yearning for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) until he comforted it.
Narrated Jabir bin `Abdullah:
The Prophet (ﷺ) used to stand by a tree or a date-palm on Friday. Then an Ansari woman or man said. “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) ! Shall we make a pulpit for you?” He replied, “If you wish.” So they made a pulpit for him and when it was Friday, he proceeded towards the pulpit (for delivering the sermon).
The datepalm cried like a child! The Prophet (ﷺ) descended (the pulpit) and embraced it while it continued moaning like a child being quietened. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “It was crying for (missing) what it used to hear of religious knowledge given near to it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 3584)
Significance of this Miracle (The Crying Trunk)
This miracle is one of the many miracles of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) that expresses great significance for several reasons:
- Recognition of his Prophethood by all creation even the tree: This miracle of the crying of the tree trunk shows that not only believing human beings testified to his prophethood but the tree also. It signifies that even inanimate objects recognized and yearned for his sacred presence.
- Validation of Prophethood: Such a supernatural occurrence serves as a testament to the authenticity of Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessings be upon him) prophethood. As witnessed by numerous companions, it strengthened their faith and trust in his divine mission.
- Symbol of Compassion: The Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) act of comforting the crying trunk shows that his compassion is not just for humans but for all of Allah’s creations. It is a reminder of the loving and merciful nature of his character.
These are some of the numerous miracles performed by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). The miracles of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) are evidence of his prophethood and the divine guidance he received from Allah.
These extraordinary events are not just historical events but miraculous signs that further validate his role as Allah’s final messenger. These miracles continue to inspire and strengthen the faith of all Muslims around the world. The legacy of these miracles remains a beacon of faith, drawing people closer to the true religion, Islam.
We ask Allah to continue to bless our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him). Assalaamu Alaikum.
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