On the Night of Israa’, did the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam (may Allaah exalt his mention), only lead the souls of other prophets in prayer in Al-Masjid Al-Aqsaa or were they present in both body and soul?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds.  I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

It was proven that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, met the prophets on the Night of Israa’ and Mi‘raaj1 in body and soul and that he led them in prayer. Many Hadeeths were reported in this regard. In one of these Hadeeths, Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said that he was with a group of prophets in Jerusalem. He saw Moosa (Moses) standing to pray and described him as a thin man with flowing hair as if he was one of the tribe of Shanoo’ah (an Arab tribe whose men were known for their strength, purity of lineage and good reputation).

He also saw ‘Eesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), may Allaah exalt their mention, standing to pray, and said that he closely resembled ‘Urwah Ibn Mas‘ood Ath-Thaqafi . He mentioned that he saw Ibraaheem (Abraham) standing to pray and said that he closely resembled himself. When the time of prayer came, he led them all in prayer. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Allaah Knows best.

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