Encounters during the Mi'raj: The Prophet (s.a.w.) in the 5th Heaven

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

During the night of the Mi’raj, the Prophet (s.a.w.) and Jibril (a.s.) ascended to the Fifth Heaven.  Jibril (a.s.) asked for the gate to be opened.  Someone asked, “Who is this?” 

“Jibril.” 

“Who is with you?” 

“Muhammad.” 

“Has he been Sent for?” 

“Yes.” 

“Welcome to him, from his family!  May Allah Grant him long life, a brother of ours and a Deputy of Allah, and what an excellent brother and deputy!  What an excellent visit is this!”  The gate was opened.  When they came in, they saw Harun (a.s.).  Half of his beard was white, and the other half was black.  It almost reached his navel due to its length.  Surrounding him were a company of the Children of Israel listening to him as he was telling them a story.  The Prophet (s.a.w.) greeted him, and he returned his greeting and said, “Welcome to the righteous brother and the righteous prophet!”  Then he invoked for goodness on his behalf. 

The Prophet (s.a.w.) asked, “Who is this, O Jibril?” 

He replied, “This is the man who is beloved among his people, Harun ibn ‘Imran.”