[al-Najm 5–9]

Continuing up to His words, Most High:

“He certainly saw him descend another time (13), at the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary (14), near which is the Garden of Refuge (15), when the Lote Tree was covered by whatever covered it (16). His sight neither swerved nor exceeded its bounds (17). He certainly saw some of the greatest signs of his Lord (18).” [al-Najm 13–18]

The precision, exactness and clarity of this account—which rule out Gabriel’s being within the Prophet himself—would take a long time to describe. Yet this is what many philosophers suppose, as do those who have joined them from among the Sufis, claiming profound insight and spiritual unveiling, and claiming to know more than the prophets.

Some of these people suppose that Pharaoh died as a believer and will not be punished in the Hereafter. Others say that his drowning was so that he could perform the ritual bath upon embracing Islam. They cite His words, Most High:

“So he led them into the Fire.” [Hūd 98]

They say, “He led them into it, but did not enter it himself.”

This verse has confused both these people and others. Indeed, when we went to Egypt, some of their shaykhs held this view and had gained influence. One of those in authority asked the chief judge about it, and he replied, “There is nothing in the Quran indicating that he was an unbeliever.”