Reflections by the Scholars on the Setting and Beginning of Israa'
The narration of al-Israa started with, "While I was near the House [al-Ka'bah]". This indicates that the Prophet was not expecting the journey and that it was a surprise to him. Ibn al-Muneer indicates that the surprise element is to save the Prophet the pain of waiting for an appointment. On the other hand, Musaa was given a fixed appointment for his 40 night meeting with His Lord.
One narration mentions that "the roof of my house was opened up". Ibn Dihyah Abul-Khattab tried to answer why they [Angels Jibreel and Mikaeel, and al-Buraaq] did not enter from the door. He said that the fact that the Prophet saw how the sealing opened up then closed right away gave him certainty that when the angles would open his chest that it was going to be closed and healed right away. So this was to prepare him for Shaqq as-Sadr [the opening of the chest] incident. Ibn Hajar added that opening of the roof was to give the Prophet the indication about al-Mi'raaj [ascention to heaven] which was going to happen later on his journey. In addition, coming from the roof adds to the element of surprise mentioned above.
The narration that "he [the Prophet] was sleeping between two men [Hamza and Ja'far]" is an indication of the humility of the Prophet, remarks ibn Abi Jamrah al-Andalusi. He said this is a proof that the Prophet used to mix with the people unlike the kings [and presidents these days] who keep away from people [and hire security to ward people off when they are in public places]. This also indicates that it's permissible to sleep in a group as long as each individual covers himself with his own clothing or his own blanket or sheet.
Ibn Abi Jamrah reflects further on the Opening of the Chest incident [which took place at the beginning of al-Israa']. He said that Allah was fully capable of filling the heart of the Prophet with wisdom and knowledge without having to open his chest. But one wisdom of physically opening the chest of the Prophet is to increase his courage, his strength, and his certainty. First, the Prophet witnessed a miracle right in front of his eyes and on his own body. He saw how his chest was opened then closed without the least harm. This will lead him to believe with certainty that he will not be affected by other common fears. In fact, narrations that the Prophet was utmost in courage and strength are well known. In particular, this was to prepare him for his night journey where he was going to see what no one had seen before, and which was going to require extreme strength in his eyesight, his soul, and his body.
One narration mentions that "the roof of my house was opened up". Ibn Dihyah Abul-Khattab tried to answer why they [Angels Jibreel and Mikaeel, and al-Buraaq] did not enter from the door. He said that the fact that the Prophet saw how the sealing opened up then closed right away gave him certainty that when the angles would open his chest that it was going to be closed and healed right away. So this was to prepare him for Shaqq as-Sadr [the opening of the chest] incident. Ibn Hajar added that opening of the roof was to give the Prophet the indication about al-Mi'raaj [ascention to heaven] which was going to happen later on his journey. In addition, coming from the roof adds to the element of surprise mentioned above.
The narration that "he [the Prophet] was sleeping between two men [Hamza and Ja'far]" is an indication of the humility of the Prophet, remarks ibn Abi Jamrah al-Andalusi. He said this is a proof that the Prophet used to mix with the people unlike the kings [and presidents these days] who keep away from people [and hire security to ward people off when they are in public places]. This also indicates that it's permissible to sleep in a group as long as each individual covers himself with his own clothing or his own blanket or sheet.
Ibn Abi Jamrah reflects further on the Opening of the Chest incident [which took place at the beginning of al-Israa']. He said that Allah was fully capable of filling the heart of the Prophet with wisdom and knowledge without having to open his chest. But one wisdom of physically opening the chest of the Prophet is to increase his courage, his strength, and his certainty. First, the Prophet witnessed a miracle right in front of his eyes and on his own body. He saw how his chest was opened then closed without the least harm. This will lead him to believe with certainty that he will not be affected by other common fears. In fact, narrations that the Prophet was utmost in courage and strength are well known. In particular, this was to prepare him for his night journey where he was going to see what no one had seen before, and which was going to require extreme strength in his eyesight, his soul, and his body.