Page 23 - World Religions I - Islam

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o Muhammad is transported via Buraq along with Gabriel to each of the levels of heaven where he meets
various prophets. Some biographical accounts claim that Muhammad ascended from Jerusalem to Heaven
by a ladder.129
 The traditions differ as to which prophets Muhammad met in heaven and in which levels they
reside. Each prophet that Muhammad met in heaven greeted him as a prophet and
acknowledged his goodness.

het

el of heaven
Idris is a prophet mentioned in the Qur'an of unknown origin, sometimes identified with the biblical Enoch.

In only one tradition is Moses listed on the seventh level of heaven, as he has the privilege of talking to Allah directly.
o Gabriel ascended with Muhammad higher than the seventh level of heaven until they reached a Lote Tree
which none may pass.
o Allah approached them and prescribed the ritual prayer requirements: all Muslims were to participate in
prayer fifty times per day.
• Upon returning to Moses (in the sixth or seventh level of heaven), Muhammad is persuaded that
fifty prayers is too great a burden and is urged to return to Allah and bargain on behalf of his people.
• Muhammad bargained with Allah five times, each time resulting in a reduction of prayers and with
Moses being convinced that it is still too much.
• After the fifth bargaining session, Muhammad managed to get the amount of prayers down to
five.
o Moses claimed that this is still too much, but Muhammad is too embarrassed to ask for

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