Is there a refutation to the specious argument claiming that the Prophet’s description of Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem) when questioned by the Quraysh was not detailed in the books of Sirah (Prophetic biography), which led to the apostasy of some Muslims?
The story of the Isra' (Night Journey) to Jerusalem is affirmed by divine revelation in the words of Allah Almighty: (Exalted is He who carried His Servant by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing). The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, described Jerusalem to the Quraysh when they disbelieved him, and this is confirmed. Al-Bukhari and Muslim narrated from Jabir ibn Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with them both, that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "When the Quraysh disbelieved me, I stood in the Hijr, and Allah unveiled Jerusalem for me, so I began to inform them about its signs - while I was looking at it -." The narrators did not mention a specific description of Jerusalem because no particular outcome depended on it. The most important aspect was what the Prophet saw along the way, and what they verified. One should not pursue doubts, for the doubts that are raised are flimsy, and someone who lacks religious knowledge might be deceived by them. However, if they are referred to people of knowledge, the truth will become clear.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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