Encounters during the Mi’raj: Counsel from Abraham (a.s.)

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

During the Mi’raj, the Prophet (s.a.w.) met Ibrahim (a.s.).  He said, “I stepped forth and greeted him, whereupon he honoured me, and received me well.  Then he spoke to me, saying, ‘Welcome to you, O virtuous son and righteous Prophet.  Tonight, you are to be honoured in that you will witness the splendour of the Lord of the Universe, and you will be admitted to behold all manner of sacred displays.  As for your nation, it is the last of all nations, and it will be a very weak nation, so do not neglect to intercede with your Lord on their behalf.’ 

And he continued, ‘O Muhammad, give salam to your nation from me and convey to them my advice: the world is of a passing nature and rapid in its decline.  In the eyes of the Eternal Lord, it is but base and contemptible matter.  He attributes to it not even the value of a fly’s wing.  Tell them not to waste their lives in the pursuit of its vain beauties, its pomp and palaces; not to be deceived by its many and varied tastes, by promises of grandeur and large followings.  For it is the world to come, which is lasting, and eternal.  Therefore, let them busy themselves in following the pure ways of the shari’ah by night and by day, and the guidance contained in your Sunnah and thereby gain the Good Pleasure of the Almighty Lord.  The Gardens of Paradise are vast, so let them plant there many, many trees.’ 

I asked him then, ‘How does one plant a tree in Jannah?’ 

He replied, ‘Through the recital of this tasbih: 

سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ وَلاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ 

Subhaana Allahi wa al-Hamdulillahi,

Wa laa ilaha illa Allahu wa Allahu Akbar,

Wa laa hawla wa laa quwwata illa billah al-‘aliyy al-a‘azhiim.’” 

“Glory be to Allah and Praise;

None is worthy of worship but Allah alone, and Allah is Most Great.

There is no Might and no Power save with Allah, the Exalted, Majestic.” 

Ibrahim (q.s.) continued, “Tell them to recite this du’a, for each time they recite it, a tree is planted in Paradise.’”