I heard Anas bin Malik telling us about the night when the Prophet (ﷺ) was made to travel from the Ka`ba Mosque. Three persons (i.e. angels) came to the Prophet (ﷺ) before he was divinely inspired was an Aspostle), while he was sleeping in Al Masjid-ul-Haram. The first (of the three angels) said, "Which of them is he?" The second said, "He is the best of them." That was all that happened then, and he did not see them till they came at another night and he perceived their presence with his heart, for the eyes of the Prophet (ﷺ) were closed when he was asleep, but his heart was not asleep (not unconscious). This is characteristic of all the prophets: Their eyes sleep but their hearts do not sleep. Then Gabriel took charge of the Prophet (ﷺ) and ascended along with him to the Heaven.
Virtues and Merits of the Prophet (pbuh) and his Companions
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 3570
The Night Journey (Isra) and Prophetic Characteristics
This narration describes the commencement of the Prophet's miraculous night journey from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca. The three angels who approached were examining the best among mankind, confirming Muhammad's (pbuh) superior status even before his prophethood was formally established.
The Unique Sleep of Prophets
A profound distinction of all prophets is that while their eyes sleep, their hearts remain awake and conscious. This spiritual vigilance allows divine communication even during physical rest, demonstrating the extraordinary nature of prophetic consciousness that remains connected to the divine realm.
Angelic Recognition and Divine Selection
The angels' questioning - "Which of them is he?" followed by "He is the best of them" - signifies the divine knowledge of Muhammad's (pbuh) chosen status. This celestial confirmation occurred before the formal beginning of revelation, indicating his pre-ordained role as the final messenger.
Spiritual Perception Beyond Physical Sight
The Prophet perceived the angels' presence with his heart when they returned, illustrating that true spiritual perception transcends physical vision. This heart-based awareness represents the highest form of consciousness, enabling direct experience of the unseen world.
Gabriel's Role in the Heavenly Ascent
Angel Gabriel's specific responsibility in accompanying the Prophet (pbuh) during the Mi'raj (ascension) highlights his unique role as the divine messenger entrusted with guiding prophets through spiritual realms and delivering revelation.