Did the Prophet Muhammad (S) Meet the Other Prophets with Both Body and Soul During Mi'raj, or Only with the Soul?

Firstly, it is important to understand that the Mi'raj was a miraculous and awe-inspiring event in the life of the Prophet Muhammad (S). On this night, he traveled from Bayt al-Maqdis to Sidrat al-Muntaha. During this journey, he met various prophets at different levels of the heavens, including Adam (A.S.), Isa (A.S.), Musa (A.S.), Ibrahim (A.S.), and others.

The question arises: Was this meeting with the prophets in their real bodies or was it only a spiritual or dream-like encounter?

Proof 1: The Prophet (S) himself said that he went on the Mi'raj while being fully awake. If it were purely spiritual, the disbelievers would not have asked, "How could you travel such a distance in such a short time?" They challenged the very claim of a real journey.

Proof 2: The Mi'raj of the Prophet (S) was both bodily and spiritual. Therefore, his encounters with the other prophets were also real and bodily.

Proof 3: The Prophet (S) said: “The prophets are alive in their graves and they are praying.”

(Sunan Abu Dawood) This shows that Allah has granted them an honored and radiant life in which they can appear with both body and soul.

Proof 4: In the hadiths, it is mentioned in detail that the prophets greet (Salam), ask questions, and make du'a (prayers)—things that would be impossible to do in a purely spiritual state.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani (رحمه الله) states:

Some have raised the question: How did the Prophet (S) meet the other prophets in the heavens during Mi'raj when their bodies were still in their graves? The answer provided is that their souls appeared in the shape of their bodies, or that their physical bodies were specially brought up to honor the Prophet (S) and meet with him.

(Fath al-Bari, 7/210)

Ibn Rajab (رحمه الله) states:

The prophets that the Prophet Muhammad (S) saw in the heavens were, in most cases, their souls, except for Isa (A.S.), who is considered an exception, as he was raised with his body to the heavens.

(Fath al-Bari, 2/113)

Ibn Hajar (رحمه الله) further clarifies:

There is a difference of opinion about the status of the prophets during Mi'raj. Some scholars say that their bodies were taken to the heavens, while others claim it was only their souls, which appeared in the form of their bodies. The second opinion, held by Abu al-Awfa Ibn Aqil, is considered more acceptable.

(Fath al-Bari, 7/212)

Summary:

According to the scholars and most hadith scholars (Muhaddithun), the Prophet (S) encountered the other prophets during Mi'raj with both their bodies and souls. This is proven through the Qur'an, hadith, and logical reasoning.

May Allah keep us all firm in the correct belief and faith. Ameen.