and returned from it in a single night, while we beat our camels’ flanks for a month to get there and another month to come back! They were gauging the Creator’s power by the creature’s power. Thus the Night Journey and Ascension served as a test from Allah for humankind: the idolaters only increased in mockery, malice, and belittlement of the Messenger, whereas the believers only grew stronger in faith.

For that reason, when the polytheists said to Abu Bakr al-Ṣiddīq, “Look at what your companion is saying,” he asked, “And what is he saying?” They replied, “He claims that he was taken to Bayt al-Maqdis, raised up to the heavens, and returned in a single night.” Abu Bakr al-Ṣiddīq responded, “If he said it, then it is exactly as he said; he has spoken the truth.” They asked, “How can that be?” He answered, “I believe him in matters far greater than this—I believe him when revelation from heaven descends upon him—so how could I not believe him concerning a journey to Bayt al-Maqdis?”

This occurred by Allah’s power, not by the Messenger’s power; it was entirely through Allah’s might. It is one of the miracles granted to this Messenger and a mark of the honor bestowed on him by his Lord.