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Laylat al-Miʿrāj
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Laylat al-Miʿrāj

Islam
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Quick Summary

The term "Laylat al-Miʿrāj" refers to the Islamic tradition of the Prophet Muhammad's ascension into heaven. This event is often combined with the story of his night journey, known as the Isra.12

The narrative begins with Muhammad being prepared for his celestial journey by the archangels Jibrīl (Gabriel) and Mīkāl (Michael). His heart is purified, and he is then transported from Mecca to Jerusalem on a mythical winged creature called Burāq. From Jerusalem, he ascends through the seven heavens, encountering various prophets such as Adam, Jesus, and Moses.1

The journey culminates in Muhammad's appearance before God, where he is instructed to perform ritual prayers fifty times daily. Following the advice of Moses, Muhammad pleads for a reduction, and the obligation is eventually set at five daily prayers.1

While some interpretations suggest the ascension was a dream or a spiritual experience, orthodox belief maintains its physical and miraculous nature. The Laylat al-Miʿrāj is popularly celebrated on the 27th day of Rajab. It is important to distinguish this from Laylat al-Qadr, which commemorates the first revelation of the Qurʾān to Muhammad.123

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. Miʿrāj
  2. Laylat al-Qadr
  3. Isrāʾ

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