Please mention how many times the chest of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) was split and on which occasions did it occur in his life?
Answer
Hafiz ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) has mentioned that the blessed chest of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) was split on four occasions.
1. In his infancy while in the care of Sayyidah Halimah (radiyallahu’anha)
2. At the age of approximately ten whilst with ‘Abdul Muttalib.
3. On the occasion of the first wahy (revelation) when Jibril (‘alayhis salam) came to him (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) in the cave of Hira.
4. Before embarking on Me’raj.
All of the above occurred in the state of wakefulness.
There is a report of a fifth occasion too, but it is not reliably established (la tathbut) according to Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah).
(Fathul Bari, Hadith: 349 and 7517. Also see Nurun Nibras, vol.1 pg.238-239)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,
Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar