How would you react if in a WhatsApp group chat someone drops a claim so wild it sounds like a total prank? And within seconds everyone starts spamming the “cap” emoji, the trolls are coming out of the woodwork, and the pressure to join in on the mockery is real.
In short, that’s basically what happened in Makkah the morning after Al-Isra’ Wal-Mi’raj — when the Prophet ﷺ travelled from Makkah to Jerusalem and ascended to the heavens, all in one night.
Fact-Check: ‘Hold on a second’ Moment
Back then, a trip to Jerusalem took a month by camel. Telling people you did it and back in one night was, to the skeptics, the ultimate “fake news.”
Even the Prophet’s ﷺ close circles were worried. Umm Ayman (who was like a second mother to him) said, “Maybe keep this one on the low? People aren’t going to believe you.”
But the Prophet ﷺ wasn’t about to hide the truth for the sake of “clout” or to avoid being sidelined. He was firm: “I will convey the message regardless of what people say.”
Next time you see someone attacking Islam online or feel “cringe” for following a Sunnah, ask yourself: Am I looking for approval from the crowd, or am I standing with the Truth?
The Drama begins
Enter Abu Jahl, the ultimate hater. He saw this as his chance to finally “expose” the Prophet ﷺ. He gathered the leaders of the Quraysh, thinking he was about to witness a public meltdown.
- The Scene: A crowd gathering, people whistling, clapping, and laughing in mockery.
- The Demand: “Describe the mosque in Jerusalem then!” (The ancient version of ‘Post the receipts or it didn’t happen’).
- The Miracle: Even though it was dark and he’d been there briefly, Allah swt showed the Prophet ﷺ a vision of Masjid Al-Aqsa right before his eyes. He described it stone by stone, brick by brick. The skeptics were stunned as his description was 100% accurate.
Being The “Siddeeq”
Abu Bakr (RA) wasn’t even there for the drama. Someone rushed to him, mocking: “Do you hear what your friend is claiming now? He says he went to Jerusalem and back in one night!”
Abu Bakr’s response is a masterclass in faith. He said:
“If he said it, then it is the truth.”
This response earned him the title As-Siddeeq (The Truthful One). Here is why his mindset is a total game-changer for us today:
- Verify the Source: Notice he said, “If he said it…” He didn’t just believe a random rumour. In an era of deepfakes and viral TikTok misinformation, Abu Bakr RA teaches us to fact-check first. Is this actually in the Qur’an? Is it an authentic Hadith? Don’t let a WhatsApp forward define your Deen.
- Trust the Wisdom: Once he knew the Prophet ﷺ actually said it, he was all in. He didn’t need to understand the physics behind it. He trusted the source.
Standing “Ten Toes Down” Today
Being a Muslim youth in 2026 isn’t always easy. You might get side-eyed for praying in the library or face questions about why you wear Hijab or don’t “just live a little.”
- “We Hear and Obey” mindset: When your friends say, “Just skip prayer and hang out,” a believer with Abu Bakr’s approach would say, “Allah commanded it, and I trust His timing more than my FOMO.”
- Handling the Mockery: People mocked the Prophet ﷺ then, and they mock Islam now. Standing firm doesn’t mean being aggressive; it means being unshakable in your imaan.
It’s Your Turn Now
Next time you see someone attacking Islam online or feel “cringe” for following a Sunnah, ask yourself: Am I looking for approval from the crowd, or am I standing with the Truth?
The next time you see a “fact” about Islam on social media, don’t just hit share. Spend 5 minutes verifying it through an authentic source.
May Allah swt make us from those who live by آمَنّا و صَدّقْنا — We believe and we testify to the truth!”
May Allah swt make us from the likes of Abu Bakr RA in our unwavering faith and submission!
May swt Allah make us from those who establish salah and remain steadfast on His path!
Ameen!