Why There was Only One Mi’raj

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

The ahadits master, Hafizh ‘Imad ad-Din Abu al-Fida’ Isma’il ibn ‘Umar ibn Katsir (r.a.) said, in his history, al-Bidayah wa an-Nihayah, after noting that Shaykh Malik ibn Sa’sa’a’s (r.a.) version did not make mention of Jerusalem, “Some of the narrators would omit part of the report due to its being known, or due to forgetfulness, or because he would mention only what he considered important, or because one time he would feel eager to relate it completely, while another time he would tell his public what is of most use to them. 

He who relates every differing narration to a separate occurrence, thereby affirming several ascensions, has strayed widely, and said something indefensible, and has not fulfilled his pursuit.  The reason is that all the versions contain his meeting with the prophets, and the prescription of the prayers upon him: how then could one defend multiplying these occurrences?  This understanding is extremely far-fetched, nor was it related from any of the Salaf, whereas if this had indeed taken place several times the Prophet (s.a.w.) would have reported it to his ummah, and the people would have transmitted it often.”