Al-Baitul Ma’mur (البيت المعمور)
Definition
Al-Baitul Ma’mur (البيت المعمور), often translated as “The Inhabited House,” is a celestial house visited by Prophet Muhammad during the Mi’raj, or the Night Journey. This house is described to be in the seventh heaven, positioned directly above the Ka’bah in Makkah.
Etymology
- Arabic: البيت المعمور (Al-Bayt Al-Ma’mur)
- Turkish: Mamur Ev
The term “Al-Baitul Ma’mur” combines two words:
- Al-Bait (البيت): Meaning “the house.”
- Al-Ma’mur (المعمور): Denoting “inhabited” or “frequented.”
Quranic and Hadith References
There is no direct mention of Al-Baitul Ma’mur in the Quran, but it is referred to in Hadith literature, particularly in references to the Mi’raj. A notable hadith states:
- “Then I was taken up to the Frequented House (al-Bayt al-Ma’mur).” (Bukhari)
Significance in Islam
Al-Baitul Ma’mur holds significant spiritual importance as:
- A mirror to the Ka’bah: It is considered the heavenly counterpart to the Ka’bah, symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth.
- Spiritual visitation: Angels visit and worship here just as Muslims perform pilgrimage to the Ka’bah.
Relation to Mi’raj
During the Mi’raj, Prophet Muhammad is said to have visited the various heavens. In the seventh heaven, he witnessed Al-Baitul Ma’mur, a place frequented by seventy thousand angels who perform prayer and never return, signifying the continuity and constancy of worship.
Further Studies
For those interested in delving deeper into the subject, the following books are highly recommended:
- “The Miraculous Night Journey and the Ascension in Islam” by Maher Jarrar
- “Revelation in Islam: Qur’anic, Sunni, and Shi’i Approaches to the Dilemma of Divine” by Heba Raouf Ezzat
- “The Stories of the Prophets” by Ibn Kathir
Takeaways
- Al-Baitul Ma’mur is a significant spiritual site in Islamic tradition situated in the seventh heaven.
- It serves as a heavenly counterpart to the Ka’bah in Makkah.
- Its reference in the Mi’raj symbolizes the deep spiritual and heavenly connections within Islamic theology.
Conclusion
Al-Baitul Ma’mur holds a revered place in Islamic cosmology, emphasizing the inviolability and perpetual nature of worship in the heavens, much akin to the earthly practices centered around the Ka’bah. Understanding its significance offers a more profound insight into Muslim beliefs regarding the celestial realms and the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey.
