Question

Please mention how many times the chest of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was split and on which occasions did it occur in his life?

 

Answer

Hafiz ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) has mentioned that the blessed chest of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was split on four occasions.

1. In his infancy while in the care of Sayyidah Halimah (radiyallahu ‘anha)

2. At the age of approximately ten whilst with ‘Abdul Muttalib.

3. On the occasion of the first wahy (revelation) when Jibril (‘alayhis salam) came to him (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) in the cave of Hira.

4. Before embarking on Me’raj.

All of the above occurred in the state of wakefulness.

There is a report of a fifth occasion too, but it is not reliably established (la tathbut) according to Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah).

(Fathul Bari, Hadith: 349 and 7517. Also see Nurun Nibras, vol. 1, pg. 238-239)

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

Answered by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar