The Heavenly Journey of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW): PodSeerah, #2

By ShaykhPod Books

Success and salvation in both worlds have been placed in following the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Chapter 3 Alee Imran, verse 31:

 

"Say, [Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him], "If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins...""

 

But this is not possible to achieve without learning and acting on the teachings found within the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Therefore, this book will discuss a miraculous journey which the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, undertook namely, the Heavenly Journey. Chapter 17 Al Isra, verse 1:

 

"Exalted is He who took His Servant [i.e., Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him] by night from al-Masjid al-Ḥaram to al-Masjid al-Aqṣa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs…"

 

Learning and acting on the teachings of this great event will help Muslims Achieve Noble Character.

 

According to the Hadith found in Jami At Tirmidhi, number 2003, the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, has advised that the heaviest thing in the Scales of Judgment Day will be Noble Character. It is one of qualities of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, which Allah, the Exalted, complimented in Chapter 68 Al Qalam, Verse 4 of the Holy Quran:

 

"And indeed, you are of a great moral character."

 

Therefore, it is a duty on all Muslims to gain and act on the teachings of the Holy Quran and the traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, in order to Achieve Noble Character.

• Language: English
• Publisher: ShaykhPod Books
• Release date: Apr 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201948108

Book preview

The Heavenly Journey

ShaykhPod Books

Published by ShaykhPod Books, 2023

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

The Heavenly Journey

First edition. May 6, 2023.

Copyright © 2023 ShaykhPod Books.

Written by ShaykhPod Books.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Compiler’s Notes

Introduction

The Heavenly Journey

A Unique Miracle

Overcoming Difficulties

Purifying the Spiritual Heart

Certainty of Faith

True Wisdom

A Fine Ride

The Most Honourable

The Place of Migration

Divine Speech

A Blessed Birth

A Blessed Grave

Best and Worse Places

Standing Firm on the Truth

Unity

The Congregational Prayer

Craving Leadership

Role Model

Spreading Peace

A Good Guest

Company of the Greats

Your State

Rights of Parents

Under Your Care

Easy Path to Paradise

Ambassadors of Islam

Greatness in Difficulties

The Bestower of Blessings

A Home in Paradise

The Celestial Pool

The Greatest Rank

Sincerity to the Holy Quran

Sincerity to the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him

Receiving Blessings

Obligatory Charity

Steadfast on Obedience

Avoid Darkness

A Peaceful Death

True Knowledge

Better than Worship

Gaining the Love of Allah, the Exalted

A Sound Heart

Fearing Allah, the Exalted

True Beauty

Remaining Steadfast

No Compromising on Faith

Persistent on Good

Forgiving Others

Honesty

Fulfilling Trusts

Overlooking

Justice in Authority

Joining the Righteous

Avoiding Ignorance

The Truth

Company of Allah, the Exalted

True Patience

Supporting Others

Justice for All

United Group

Obtaining Peace

Sincerity to People

Sincerity in Deeds

Humility

Balanced Mental State

Supplicating Correctly

A Way Out

Seeking Knowledge

Trusting in Allah, the Exalted

True Gratitude to Allah, Exalted

Companionship

Adhere to True Guidance

True Belief Involves Actions

The Guardian

The Guide

True Sincerity

Drawing Near

Gaining Peace

Divine Support

Correct Speech

Levels of Remembrance

Purpose of Mankind

Being Gentle

Hasten to Good Actions

Remain Straight

A Good Intention

What You Get

The Real Pilgrimage

Peace for All

Sign of Love

Lead by Example

Devotion

The Great Fire

Strong Faith

The Great Sacrifice

The Kaaba

True Submission

Those Allah, the Exalted, Loves

Strengthen Faith

Forbearing

Soft and Merciful

Avoid Lies

Total Purification

A Strong Believer

Being Observant

Means Not End

The Superior Ones

Perfecting Faith

One Body

Dealing with Trials

The Natural Course

Judging Actions

Times of Ease

Addressing More Important Issues

Patience and Contentment

Giving Advice

Consulting Others

Make Things Easy

Ease and Glad Tidings

Hope vs Wishful Thinking

Use Your Means

No Excuses

Quality Over Quantity

True Modesty

Establishing the Prayers

Moulding Life

Ultimate Aim

Fulfilling the Aspects of the Holy Quran

The Testification of Faith

Commanding Correctly

Trust and Using Means

Doing Business

The Independent

Garden or Pit

Quality is Important

Furthest from Mercy

Spiritual Incantations

Omens

Building Trust in Allah, the Exalted

Paranoia

Backbiting and Slander

In the Name of Allah, the Exalted

Strengthen Your Faith

Not a Controller

Conclusion

Over 400 Free eBooks on Good Character

Other ShaykhPod Media

Acknowledgements

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All praises are for Allah, the Exalted, Lord of the worlds, who has given us the inspiration, opportunity and strength to complete this volume. Blessings and peace be upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad whose path has been chosen by Allah, the Exalted, for the salvation of mankind.

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We would like to express our deepest appreciation to the entire ShaykhPod family, especially our little star, Yusuf, whose continued support and advice has inspired the development of ShaykhPod Books.

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We pray that Allah, the Exalted, completes His favour on us and accepts each letter of this book in His august court and allows it to testify on our behalf on the Last Day.

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All praise to Allah, the Exalted, Lord of the worlds and endless blessings and peace by upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad, on his blessed Household and Companions, may Allah be pleased with them all.

Compiler’s Notes

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We have tried diligently to do justice in this volume however if there are any short falls found then the compiler is personally and solely responsible for them.

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We accept the possibility of faults and shortcomings in an effort to complete such a difficult task. We might have unconsciously stumbled and committed errors for which we ask for indulgence and forgiveness of our readers and the drawing of our attention thereto will be appreciated. We earnestly invite constructive suggestions which can be made to [e-mail].

Introduction

––––––––

Success and salvation in both worlds have been placed in following the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Chapter 3 Alee Imran, verse 31:

––––––––

Say, [Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him], If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins...

––––––––

But this is not possible to achieve without learning and acting on the teachings found within the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Therefore, this book will discuss a miraculous journey which the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, undertook namely, the Heavenly Journey. Chapter 17 Al Isra, verse 1:

––––––––

Exaltedis He who took His Servant [i.e., Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him] by night from al-Masjid al-Ḥaram to al-Masjid al-Aqṣa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs...

––––––––

Learning and acting on the teachings of this great event will help Muslims Achieve Noble Character.

––––––––

According to the Hadith found in Jami At Tirmidhi, number 2003, the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, has advised that the heaviest thing in the Scales of Judgment Day will be Noble Character. It is one of qualities of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, which Allah, the Exalted, complimented in Chapter 68 Al Qalam, Verse 4 of the Holy Quran:

––––––––

And indeed, you are of a great moral character.

––––––––

Therefore, it is a duty on all Muslims to gain and act on the teachings of the Holy Quran and the traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, in order to Achieve Noble Character.

The Heavenly Journey

A Unique Miracle

––––––––

The Heavenly Journey occurred in the final years before the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, migrated to Medina. During this time he and his Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, were persecuted relentlessly by the non-Muslim leaders of Mecca. To give the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, solace during these difficult times and to strengthen the faith of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, and all Muslims till the end of time he was blessed with the unique Heavenly Journey. He was taken first to Masjid Al Aqsa in Jerusalem and then up to the seven Heavens during a small part of the night. Chapter 17 Al Isra, verse 1:

––––––––

Exalted is He who took His Servant [i.e., Prophet Muḥammad (peace and blessings be upon him)] by night from al-Masjid al-Ḥarām to al-Masjid al-Aqṣā, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs...

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This has been discussed in Imam Ibn Kathir’s, the Life of the Prophet, Volume 2, Page 63.

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From this a Muslim can understand the importance of remembering that with difficulties comes ease.

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In a Hadith found in Musnad Ahmad, number 2803, the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, advised the importance of understanding that every difficulty a person faces will be followed by ease. This reality has also been mentioned in the Holy Quran for example, chapter 65 At Talaq, verse 7:

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...Allah will bring about, after hardship, ease [i.e., relief].

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It is important for Muslims to understand this reality as it gives rise to patience and even contentment. Being uncertain over the changes in circumstances can lead one to impatience, ingratitude and even towards unlawful things, such as unlawful provision. But the one who firmly believes all difficulties will eventually be replaced with ease will patiently wait for this change fully trusting in the teachings of Islam. This patience is much loved by Allah, the Exalted, and greatly rewarded. Chapter 3 Alee Imran, verse 146:

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...And Allah loves the steadfast.

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This is the reason Allah, the Exalted, has mentioned numerous examples within the Holy Quran when difficult situations were followed by ease and blessings. For example, the following verse of the Holy Quran mentions the great difficulty the Holy Prophet Nuh, peace be upon him, faced from his people and how Allah, the Exalted, saved him from the great flood. Chapter 21 Al Anbiya, verse 76:

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And [mention] Noah, when he called [to Allah] before [that time], so We responded to him and saved him and his family from the great affliction [i.e., the flood].

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Another example is found in chapter 21 Al Anbiya, verse 69:

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We [i.e., Allah] said, O fire, be coolness and safety upon Abraham."

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The Holy Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, faced a great difficulty in the form of a great fire but Allah, the Exalted, made it cool and peaceful for him.

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These examples and many more have been mentioned in the Holy Quran and the Hadiths of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, so that Muslims understand that a moment of difficulty will eventually be followed by ease for those who obey Allah, the Exalted, by fulfilling His commands, refraining from His prohibitions and by facing destiny with patience.

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Therefore, it is important for Muslims to study these Islamic teachings in order to observe the countless cases where Allah, the Exalted, granted ease to His obedient servants after they faced difficulties. If Allah, the Exalted, has saved His obedient servants from great difficulties mentioned in the divine teachings then He can and will save the obedient Muslims facing smaller difficulties also.

Overcoming Difficulties

––––––––

The Heavenly Journey occurred in the final years before the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, migrated to Medina. During this time he and his Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, were persecuted relentlessly by the non-Muslim leaders of Mecca. To give the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, solace during these difficult times and to strengthen the faith of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, and all Muslims till the end of time he was blessed with the unique Heavenly Journey. He was taken first to Masjid Aqsa in Palestine and then up to the seven Heavens during a small part of the night. Chapter 17 Al Isra, verse 1:

––––––––

Exalted is He who took His Servant [i.e., Prophet Muḥammad (peace and blessings be upon him)] by night from al-Masjid al-Ḥarām to al-Masjid al-Aqṣā, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs...

––––––––

This has been discussed in Imam Ibn Kathir’s, the Life of the Prophet, Volume 2, Page 63.

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The first thing to note is that Muslims should never doubt the power of Allah, the Exalted, in respect to solving their problems and granting them a way out of difficulties. This Heavenly Journey sounds impossible yet it occurred as nothing is beyond the infinite power of Allah, the Exalted. The condition for being granted a way out of all difficulties is sincere obedience to Allah, the Exalted, which involves fulfilling His commands, refraining from His prohibitions and facing destiny with patience. Chapter 65 At Talaq, verse 2:

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...And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out

Purifying the Spiritual Heart

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According to the Hadith found in Sahih Bukhari, number 1636, the roof of the house of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was split open and the Angel Jibrael, peace be upon him, descended. He took the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, near the well of Zamzam which is located close to the House of Allah, the Exalted, the Kaaba. The Angel Jibrael, peace be upon him, then cut open the chest of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and washed and cleansed the inside of his body with Zamzam water. This has been mentioned in a Hadith found in Sahih Bukhari, number 7517.

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In a Hadith found in Sahih Bukhari, number 52, the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, advised that if one’s spiritual heart is sound the whole body will become sound but if their spiritual heart is corrupt then the whole body will become corrupt.

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First of all, this Hadith refutes the foolish belief where one claims to have a purified heart even though their speech and actions are bad. This is because what is inside will eventually manifest outwardly.

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The purification of the spiritual heart is only possible when one eliminates evil characteristics from themself and replaces them with good characteristics discussed in Islamic teachings. This is only possible when one learns and acts on Islamic teachings so that they can sincerely fulfill the commands of Allah, the Exalted, refrain from His prohibitions and face destiny with patience according to the traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Behaving in this manner will lead to a purified spiritual heart. This purification will then reflect in the outward limbs of the body, such as one's tongue and eyes. Meaning, they will only use their organs in ways pleasing to Allah, the Exalted. This is in fact a sign showing the love Allah, the Exalted, has for His righteous servant according to a Hadith found in Sahih Bukhari, number 6502.

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It is important to note, that this purification will guide one through all worldly difficulties successfully so that they achieve both worldly and religious success.

Certainty of Faith

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After the Angel Jibrael, peace be upon him, took the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, near the well of Zamzam which is located close to the House of Allah, the Exalted, the Kaaba, he cut open the chest of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and washed and cleansed the inside of his body with Zamzam water. Then a gold tray carrying a gold bowl full of belief and wisdom was poured into the open chest of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. His chest was then sealed. This has been mentioned in a Hadith found in Sahih Bukhari, number 7517.

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All Muslims have faith in Islam but the strength of their faith varies from person to person. For example, the one who follows the teachings of Islam because their family told them to is not the same as the one who believes in it through evidence. A person who has heard about something will not believe in it in the same way as the one who has witnessed the thing with their own eyes.

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As confirmed in a Hadith found in Sunan Ibn Majah, number 224, gaining useful knowledge is a duty on all Muslims. One of the reasons for this is that it is the best way a Muslim can strengthen their faith in Islam. This is important to pursue as the stronger one’s certainty of faith the greater the chance they will remain steadfast on the correct path, especially when facing difficulties. In addition, having certainty of faith has been described as one of the best things one can possess in a Hadith found in Sunan Ibn Majah, number 3849.  This knowledge should be obtained by studying the Holy Quran and the Hadith of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, through a reliable source.

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Allah, the Exalted, did not only declare a truth in the Holy Quran but He also provided evidence for it through examples. Not only examples which are to be found in the past nations but examples which have been placed in one's very own life. For example, in the Holy Quran Allah, the Exalted, advises that sometimes a person loves a thing even though it will cause them trouble if they obtained it. Similarly, they might hate a thing while there is much hidden good in it for them. Chapter 2 Al Baqarah, verse 216:

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...But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

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There are many examples of this truth in history such as the Pact of Hudaiba. Some Muslims believed this pact, which was made with the non-Muslims of Mecca, would completely favour the latter group. Yet, history clearly shows that it favoured Islam and the Muslims. This event is discussed in the Hadiths found in Sahih Bukhari, numbers 2731 and 2732.

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If one reflects on their own life they will find many examples when they believed something was good when it was actually bad for them and vice versa. These examples prove the authenticity of this verse and help one's faith strengthen.

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Another example is found in chapter 79 An Naziat, verse 46:

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It will be, on the Day they see it (Judgement Day) as though they had not remained [in the world] except for an afternoon or a morning thereof.

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If one turns the pages of history they will clearly observe how great empires came and went. But when they left they passed away in such a way as if they were only on Earth for a moment. All but a few of their signs have faded away as if they were never present on Earth in the first place. Similarly, when one reflects on their own life they will realise that no matter how old they are and no matter how slow certain days might have felt overall their life so far has passed in a flash. Understanding the truthfulness of this verse strengthens one's certainty of faith and this inspires them to prepare for the hereafter before their time runs out.

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The Holy Quran and the Hadith of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, are full of such examples. Therefore, one should strive to learn and act on these divine teachings so that they adopt certainty of faith. The one who achieves this will not be shaken by any difficulty they face and will remain steadfast on the path which leads to the gates of Paradise. Chapter 41 Fussilat, verse 53:

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We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth...

True Wisdom

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After the Angel Jibrael, peace be upon him, took the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, near the well of Zamzam which is located close to the House of Allah, the Exalted, the Kaaba, he cut open the chest of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and washed and cleansed the inside of his body with Zamzam water. Then a gold tray carrying a gold bowl full of wisdom and belief was poured into the open chest of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. His chest was then sealed. This has been mentioned in a Hadith found in Sahih Bukhari, number 7517.

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The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, advised in a Hadith found in Jami At Tirmidhi, number 2645, that when Allah, the Exalted, desires to give someone good He provides them with Islamic knowledge.

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There is no doubt that every Muslim irrespective of the strength of their faith desires good in both worlds. Even though many Muslims incorrectly believe that this good which they desire lies in fame, wealth, authority, companionship and their career this Hadith makes it crystal clear that true lasting good lies in gaining and acting on Islamic knowledge. It is important to note a branch of religious knowledge is useful worldly knowledge whereby one earns lawful provision in order to fulfil their necessities and the necessities of their dependents. Even though the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, has pointed out where good lies yet it is a shame how many Muslims do not place much value in this. They in most cases only strive to obtain the bare minimum of Islamic knowledge in order to fulfil their obligatory duties and fail to acquire and act on more such as the traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Instead they dedicate their efforts on worldly things believing true good is found there. Many Muslims fail to appreciate that the righteous predecessors had to journey for weeks on end just to learn a single verse or Hadith of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, whereas today one can study Islamic teachings without leaving their home. Yet, many fail to make use of this blessing given to the modern day Muslims. Out of His infinite mercy Allah, the Exalted, through his Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, has not only pointed out where true good lies but He has also placed this good at one's finger tips. Allah, the Exalted, has informed mankind of where an eternal buried treasure is located which can solve all the problems they may encounter in both worlds. But Muslims will only obtain this good once they struggle to acquire and act on it. This is in fact the wisdom which has been indicated in this event.

A Fine Ride

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After the chest of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was filled with belief and wisdom a white beast called Al Buraq, bigger than a donkey and smaller than a mule, was brought to the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, to ride on. Its stride was as long as they eye could reach. This has been mentioned in a Hadith found in Sahih Muslim, number 416.

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The same way the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was given a mount which took him to the Heavens and the proximity of Allah, the Exalted, a Muslim must likewise have a mount to take them to the proximity of Allah, the Exalted. This mount is made up of good deeds.

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In a divine Hadith of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, found in Sahih Bukhari, number 6502, Allah, the Exalted, declares that a Muslim can only draw close to Him through fulfilling their obligatory duties. And they can achieve the love of Allah, the Exalted, through voluntary righteous deeds.

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This description splits the servants of Allah, the Exalted, into two categories. The first group draws near to Allah, the Exalted, by fulfilling their obligatory duties in respect to Allah, the Exalted, such as the obligatory prayer, and in respect to people, such as the obligatory charity. This can be summed up by fulfilling the commands of Allah, the Exalted, refraining from His prohibitions and being patient with destiny.

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The second category of those who are brought near to Allah, the Exalted, are superior to the first group as they not only fulfil their obligatory duties but strive in voluntary righteous deeds. This clearly shows that this is the only path to the proximity of Allah, the Exalted. Whoever takes a path other than this will not achieve this vital goal. This completely rejects the concept of obtaining sainthood without striving in obedience to Allah, the Exalted. The person who claims this is simply a liar. The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, has confirmed in a Hadith found in Sahih Muslim, number 4094, that when the spiritual heart is pure the rest of the body becomes pure. This leads to righteous deeds. So if a person does not perform righteous deeds, such as their obligatory duties, then their body is impure which means their spiritual heart is impure as well. This person can never reach the proximity of Allah, the Exalted.

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It is important to note, the greatest voluntary righteous deeds one can perform are those based on the traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Anyone who chooses to perform voluntary righteous deeds not based on his traditions has been fooled by the Devil as no path will take one close to Allah, the Exalted, except the path and actions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Chapter 3 Alee Imran, verse 31:

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Say, [O Muhammad], If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins...."

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The pious Muslims who belong in the second higher group are also those who avoid unnecessary things of this