Sources of Wisdom and Authority (Life of Muhammad) 4 – Night Journey and Hijrah

Re-cap 10 mark homework essays handed in? (With pink sheet filled in?) Notes from last lesson (documentary) Homework – research Night Journey. What did you learn?

Night Journey The Meccan leaders and other clans were not happy with Muhammad. However, disputes were usually solved within the clan and Abu Talib (Muhammad’s uncle and leader of the Hashim) was offering him protection. As a result, the Hashim clan (and others that were in allegiance with them) was boycotted. During this time, Muhammad continued receiving revelations – mainly about the other prophets, their rejection and how God’s will triumphed.

Night Journey In 619AD, the boycott was lifted - partially due to the revelations spreading around Mecca and partially due to the damage to the trading system. However, Muhammad then suffered a double blow both personally and to his cause - his wife (and first convert) Khadijah died, followed by Abu Talib five weeks later. Muhammad’s other uncle, Abu Lahad, was made leader of the Hashim and he was opposed to Muhammad, meaning Muhammad was no longer safe.

Night Journey He tried to flee to another town (Ta’if), but they refused to accept Islam and drove him out. Muhammad returned to Mecca, under the protection of another (weaker) clan, but was forbidden from preaching. It was then (about 620AD) that the Night Journey occurred. It is mentioned in the Qur’an, but the bulk of the detail comes from the Hadith (the sayings/teachings of the Prophet).

Night Journey The Angel Jibreel came in the night and put Muhammad on a winged donkey named Buraq, which took him to Jerusalem. Muhammad then ascended up through the Heavens from the place where Ibrahim had almost sacrificed his son (also where the ancient Jewish Temple had once stood – note the links to previous messages). Muhammad was shown the torments of Hell and then guided through the seven heavens, each of which was guarded by angels.

Night Journey In each heaven, Muhammad met with previous prophets (Adam, Musa, Isa) and therefore became convinced of the continuing message from Allah (note the links to Judaism and Christianity). Finally, beneath the throne of Allah, the angel could go no further and Muhammad proceeded alone. After his return to earth, Burqa brought Muhammad back to his own bed in Mecca the same night.

Night Journey The story of the Night Journey is supremely important. Verifies links to Judaism and Christianity and Allah’s continuing message throughout history. Strengthens Muhammad’s conviction that he was doing the right thing. Lifts Muhammad’s spirits. Confirms Muhammad as a beloved prophet of Allah.

Night Journey Muslim traditions disagree about whether this was a spiritual or bodily journey. Some people understand it to be similar to an out of body experience rather than a physical trip. This doesn’t really matter.

Your Task Read through pages 84-86 of Watton. Make notes/mind-map/flow chart/storyboard (no pictures of people!) to explain: Yathrib and the Jews First and Second pledges of Aqaba Why Muhammad left Mecca Details of the Hijrah The problems of Medina

Progress Check Plenary What have you learnt this lesson? Facts – e.g Ideas/viewpoints Similarities/differences - diversity Key words/concepts Examples of how religion affects the world around us – e.g. culture What contribution to your learning did you make? Contributed to class discussion Worked in a pair/group Organised my time well Found out information for myself Answered thoroughly and thoughtfully Completed extension task Monitored my progress Peer/ self assessed work How did you learn it? Research work Discussion Questioning Pairs/ group work - collaborative Independent learning Using technology e.g video/ internet What do you need to do in order to make further progress? Do further research Background reading Develop my writing technique Contribute more in class Proof read my work Give examples to back up my ideas Make connections between different beliefs and faiths