Some months after the prophet (peace be upon him) came back with Halima, he and his foster brother were in the fields, his brother came running and said to Halima, “Two men clothed in white have seized that Qurayshi brother of mine and thrown him down and opened up his belly, and are stirring it up.” Halima ran towards him and found him standing up with a livid face. She took hold of him and asked him what the matter was. He said, “Two men in white raiment came and threw me down and opened up my stomach and searched therein for I know not what”’ Halima was very worried by this incident and took the prophet (peace be upon him) home instantly.

This incident has been narrated by many Sahabas and muhaditheen like Ibn Abbas, Anas bin malik and Abu Zarr (may Allah be pleased with them).

In the life time of the prophet (peace be upon him), the splitting of the prophets heart took place on four occasions:

• When the prophet was about four years old and was with Halima. (as mentioned above)
• When the prophet was ten years old.
• When the prophet was forty, at the time of prophet hood.
• At the time of Miraaj.(Night journey to the heavens)

The above four occasions have been proven through correct and strong narrations. According to some narrations when the prophet was at the age of twenty another incident took place in which the prophets heart was opened, but this fifth occasion has not been narrated in any strong narration.

The above occasions are classified as miracles of the prophet (peace be upon him).

Allah opened the chest of His Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in order to fill it (his heart) with wisdom, knowledge and faith. According to some narrations the prophets heart was washed in cold water and ice, so that no traces or desire of disobedience would remain in the heart of the prophet (peace be upon him)

[1] سيرة ابن هشام

[2] بيهقي

[3] طبقات ابن سعد

[4] مسند بزار و دارمي

[5] صحيح ابن حبان عن ابي هريره و صحيح مسلم عن انس بن مالك

[6] مسند ابي داود طيالسي عن عائشة

[7] صحيح بخاري و صحيح مسلم