(regarding the Verse) "And We granted the vision (Ascension to the heavens "Miraj") which We showed you (O Muhammad as an actual eye witness) but as a trial for mankind.' (17.60): Allah's Apostle actually saw with his own eyes the vision (all the things which were shown to him) on the night of his Night Journey to Jerusalem (and then to the heavens). The cursed tree which is mentioned in the Qur'an is the tree of Az-Zaqqum.
Divine Will (Al-Qadar)
Sahih al-Bukhari 6613
Exegesis of the Verse
The verse "And We granted the vision which We showed you but as a trial for mankind" (17:60) refers to the miraculous Night Journey (al-Isrā') and Ascension (al-Miʿrāj) of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This was not merely a spiritual experience but an actual physical journey where the Prophet witnessed the signs of his Lord with his own eyes, as confirmed by this authentic narration.
The Nature of the Vision
The phrase "with his own eyes" emphasizes the physical reality of the Prophet's vision, distinguishing it from dreams or spiritual visions. This miraculous event served as both a honor for the Prophet and a test for humanity - believers accepted it while disbelievers rejected it, thus separating truth from falsehood.
The Cursed Tree of Zaqqum
The narration clarifies that the tree mentioned in the Quran as "the tree of Zaqqum" (37:62, 44:43, 56:52) is indeed the cursed tree that grows in the depths of Hellfire. Its bitter fruit serves as punishment for the wrongdoers, and its mention here connects to what the Prophet witnessed during his journey through the heavens.
Scholarly Insights
Classical scholars note that this event demonstrates Allah's absolute power over creation and serves as evidence of prophethood. The trial mentioned in the verse manifests in people's varied responses - some strengthen in faith while others fall into disbelief, thus fulfilling divine wisdom in testing human hearts through miraculous signs.