Why the Lote Tree?
It is not a coincidence that we named our organisation Lote Tree Traditional Learning, for the Lote Tree is the farthest extent of knowledge. There is a realm beyond the Lote Tree but no-one, save the Prophet Muhammad has been through that veil.
Knowledge comes from learning and knowledge brings light and realisation. It is this light which allows us to stay on the path in times of darkness. Of course, knowledge itself is not enough, it must be acted upon, however, without knowledge in the first-place action cannot take root.
27th Rajab
As we are approaching the 27th Rajab wherein the Night Journey and Heavenly Ascension manifested some 1443 years ago we are reminded about this incredible Tree. The Tree which is mentioned in the Quran. The Tree which is a demarcation between the knowable and the unknowable, a place where Jibreel (AS) himself could not go.
No creation of Allah prior to or since the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has been to the Lote Tree which is beyond the Seventh Heaven.
Dramatic and Life Changing Event
The miraculous Night Journey and Heavenly Ascension contains some of the most dramatic and life-changing events and reminders for humanity.
To name just a few, it is in this event that:
- we receive the 5 daily prayers but with the reward of 50;
- we receive the tashahud to be recited in prayer;
- all the Prophets and Messengers are gathered for the first and last time at Masjid al-Aqsa;
- the Prophet Muhammad takes his place as the Imam of all the Prophets and Messengers;
- Abu Bakr (RA) receives his title As-Siddiq;
- we are told in graphic detail about some of the pleasures of Paradise and the tortures of Hell.
This journey, both the miraculous earthly part and the extra-terrestrial part, are mind-boggling in their nature, and that they could both occur within the space of a few hours is enough to stymie rational thought. Were the night journey not mentioned by Allah in the Quran, one may think of it as an excellent work of fiction, however, to outright dismiss the Night Journey would take one outside the fold of Islam due to the fact that Allah himself has told us about it.
We should spend time reading and learning about this pivotal moment in the seerah of the Prophet (SAW) which is a life-defining moment for him but a life-altering moment for the whole of human existence.
Learn More
A great resource is https://www.amazon.co.uk/Prophets-Night-Journey-Heavenly-Ascent/dp/0954754034/ or a video from a talk we held last year https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIweupRsHrE
Lote Tree 