Concept of Sidratul Muntaha

 That's an insightful question about a profound concept in Islamic cosmology. The concept of Sidratul Muntaha (سِدْرَة ٱلْمُنْتَهَىٰ) is derived from a specific passage in the Qur'an, though its full meaning is often elaborated upon in the broader Islamic tradition (Hadith and Tafsir/Exegesis).

The primary verses from which the concept is inferred are found in Surah An-Najm (The Star):

🌟 Qur'anic Reference

The term is mentioned directly in a description of the Prophet Muhammad's extraordinary journey, known as the Mi'raj (Ascension):

 * Surah An-Najm (53:13-18):

   > "And indeed he saw him at a second descent, near Sidratul Muntaha (the Lote-tree of the utmost boundary). Near it is the Garden of Abode. When that which enveloped the Lote-tree did envelop it. The sight [of the Prophet] did not swerve, nor did it transgress [the limit]. Indeed, he saw of the greatest signs of his Lord."

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🌳 The Concept of Sidratul Muntaha

Based on the Qur'anic term itself, Sidratul Muntaha literally translates to:

 * Sidrah: Lote-tree (a type of tree, often associated with a symbol of blessing or heavenly abode).

 * Al-Muntaha: The utmost limit, the extremity, or the final boundary.

1. The Utmost Boundary

The most definitive inference from the Qur'an is its name: the "Lote-tree of the Utmost Boundary." This signifies a location that marks a limit in the created universe.

 * Limit of Ascent: It is understood to be the point where the knowledge and the journeys of all created beings, including angels (like the Archangel Gabriel), cease to pass without special divine permission.

 * Terminal Point: It is where things ascending from the Earth, and things descending from God (like wahy or divine inspiration), meet their designated terminal point, or muntaha.

2. Near the Garden of Abode

The Qur'an places this location in relation to Paradise:

 * "Near it is the Garden of Abode (Jannatul Ma'wa)."

   This proximity suggests a place of immense sanctity, located at the extremity of the heavens and near the ultimate destination of the righteous.

3. Enveloped in Glory

The verse also describes its magnificent nature:

 * "When that which enveloped the Lote-tree did envelop it."

   This refers to the overwhelming, magnificent light, glory, or divine covering (ghashi) that descended upon or surrounded the tree, a sight of incredible majesty. The exact nature of this enveloping cover is often left ambiguous, pointing to a reality beyond human comprehension.

In essence, the Qur'an establishes Sidratul Muntaha as a concrete, sacred landmark at the farthest extent of the heavenly realms, witnessed by the Prophet Muhammad during his miraculous ascension, and intrinsically linked to the presence of one of God's greatest signs.

Would you like to know more about the accounts of the Isra' and Mi'raj (the Night Journey and Ascension) which further detail the Prophet's experience at the Sidratul Muntaha?