In his book Ash-Shifa, Al-Qaadhi ‘Iyaadh mentioned that the incident of Israa’ and Mi‘raaj took place a year before the Hijrah (emigration) of the Prophet, .
When he returned from his blessed journey, the Messenger of Allah, , told his people about it in a gathering that was attended by Al-Mut‘im bin ‘Addiyy, ‘Amr ibn Hishaam and Al-Waleed bin Al-Mugheerah. The Messenger of Allah, , said: “Last night, I performed the ‘Ishaa’ prayer in this Masjid. I also performed prayer in it in the early morning. Between these two times, I went to Jerusalem, and a group of prophets were raised for me, including Ibraaheem, Moosa and ‘Eesa. I led them in prayer and I spoke to them...”
In a mocking tone, ‘Amr bin Hishaam said, “Describe them to me.” The Prophet, , said: “As for ‘Eesa, he is above medium height, but less than tall. He has a broad chest, his blood is apparent [has a ruddy complexion] and wavy hair. He is hirsute and is covered by a Suhbah [whiteness that is mixed with redness] just like ‘Urwah bin Mas‘ood Ath-Thaqafi. As for Moosa, he is big, brown and tall, as if he is from the men of Shanoo’ah. His teeth overlap one another, his lips are contracted, and his gums protrude outwards. He has a stern look. As for Ibraaheem, then by Allah, both in appearance and in character he resembles me more than any other person.”
The people that were gathered said, “O Muhammad, describe Jerusalem for us.” The Prophet, , said: “I entered it at night and I left it at night.” But right then, Jibreel, may Allah exalt his mention, brought the image of the Mosque in his wing and the Prophet, , began to say: “One of its doors is like this, in such and such a place. Another of its doors is like this, in such and such a place.”
Then they asked him about their caravans, and the Prophet, , said: “I met the caravan of Banu so- and-so in Ar-Rawhaa’. They missed one of their camels and went looking for it. I came to their camp and there was no one among them there. There was a pot of water and I drank from it. You can ask them about this.” They said, “By God, this is a sign.
The Prophet, , added: “Then I came to the caravan of Banu so and so. All their camels fled from me, except a red camel carrying their belongings. It has white lines on its skin and I do not know if it is damaged or not. You can ask them about this.” They said, “By God, this is a sign.” He, , added: “Then I came to the caravan of so and so in At-Tan‘eem, in front of it is a black and white camel. It is coming to you now from the mountain pass."
Al-Waleed bin Al-Mugheerah exclaimed, “He is a magician!” They went to investigate the matter and they found it as he, , said it was. They then accused the Prophet, , of magic and said, “Al-Waleed bin Al-Mugheerah is truthful in what he said.”
This incident represented a huge trial for some people. Some of those who had believed in him and considered him truthful apostatized.
People went to Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq, may Allah be pleased with him, and said to him, “Would you stop your companion [the Prophet ]! He is claiming that he was taken tonight to Jerusalem.” He asked, “Has he said that?” They said, “Yes.” He said, “If he said that, then he has spoken the truth.” They asked, “Do you believe that he went tonight to Jerusalem and returned before morning?” He replied, “I in fact believe him concerning that which is more amazing than that. I believe him about news from the heavens, which comes in the morning or at the end of the day.” This is why he was called As-Siddeeq (the affirmer of the truth) [Al-Haakim and Ath-Thahabi]