Source: Fatāwā ‘Ilmiyyah (Tawḍīḥ al-Aḥkām), Vol. 2, p. 38
Christians ask: At the time of the Mi‘rāj, the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ had his chest opened, whereas Jesus عليه السلام did not. Does this not indicate some defect in the Prophet ﷺ which Jesus عليه السلام did not have?
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ‘alā Rasūlillāh. Ammā ba‘d:
When preparing for a long and exalted journey, special preparations are made. The Prophet’s ﷺ journey of Mi‘rāj was a magnificent journey beyond the seven heavens to Sidrat al-Muntahā. Prophet Jesus عليه السلام, in comparison, remained on the lower heavens.
For such a supreme journey, a special spiritual preparation was required.
References:
Wisdom:
Conclusion from this:
If a person’s heart is divinely purified in childhood and then again before an unparalleled spiritual journey, this is a sign of excellence, not defect.
In contrast, the Bible—accepted by Pauline Christians—attributes grave sins to Prophets, contradicting infallibility:
Example 1: Prophet Sulaymān عليه السلام accused of shirk
“When Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart after other gods… he went after Ashtoreth the goddess… and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.”
(1 Kings, p. 340)
Example 2: Prophet Hārūn عليه السلام depicted as making an idol
“…Aaron… fashioned it with a graving tool, and made a molten calf… And they said: ‘These be thy gods, O Israel…’”
(Exodus 32:1–6, p. 84)
Example 3: Prophet Dāwūd عليه السلام accused of adultery
“…and David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her… And the woman conceived…”
(2 Samuel 11:2–5, p. 303)
ھذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
❖ The Question
Christians ask: At the time of the Mi‘rāj, the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ had his chest opened, whereas Jesus عليه السلام did not. Does this not indicate some defect in the Prophet ﷺ which Jesus عليه السلام did not have?
Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ‘alā Rasūlillāh. Ammā ba‘d:
When preparing for a long and exalted journey, special preparations are made. The Prophet’s ﷺ journey of Mi‘rāj was a magnificent journey beyond the seven heavens to Sidrat al-Muntahā. Prophet Jesus عليه السلام, in comparison, remained on the lower heavens.
For such a supreme journey, a special spiritual preparation was required.
The Earlier Chest Opening in Childhood
- The Prophet’s ﷺ chest was first opened during his childhood.
- His blessed heart was washed with Zamzam water.
- The Seal of Prophethood was placed.
References:
- Musnad Aḥmad, 4/184, ḥadīth 17648 — ḥasan
- Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, 163
Wisdom:
- Being the “Mercy to the worlds” and “Seal of the Prophets,” his heart was cleansed so that it would never hold malice or hatred toward any righteous person.
- Before Mi‘rāj, this cleansing was renewed to prepare for direct divine experiences.
Conclusion from this:
If a person’s heart is divinely purified in childhood and then again before an unparalleled spiritual journey, this is a sign of excellence, not defect.
Islamic Belief in Prophetic Infallibility (‘Iṣmah)
- All Prophets are protected from sins.
- They do not commit acts that lead to disbelief or major sin.
- Even an ijtihādī (interpretive) slip brings them reward, not sin.
Christian & Jewish Depictions of Prophets
In contrast, the Bible—accepted by Pauline Christians—attributes grave sins to Prophets, contradicting infallibility:
Example 1: Prophet Sulaymān عليه السلام accused of shirk
“When Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart after other gods… he went after Ashtoreth the goddess… and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.”
(1 Kings, p. 340)
Example 2: Prophet Hārūn عليه السلام depicted as making an idol
“…Aaron… fashioned it with a graving tool, and made a molten calf… And they said: ‘These be thy gods, O Israel…’”
(Exodus 32:1–6, p. 84)
Example 3: Prophet Dāwūd عليه السلام accused of adultery
“…and David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her… And the woman conceived…”
(2 Samuel 11:2–5, p. 303)
Final Point
- Islamic belief preserves the honor of all Prophets as sinless and pure.
- The Prophet’s ﷺ chest opening was an honor and preparation for divine presence, not a flaw.
- By contrast, the Bible’s depiction of Prophets contains accusations of idolatry, adultery, and other sins—completely unbefitting of Prophets.
ھذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
