Isra and Mi'raj

The Isra and Mi'raj (, transl. ), are the two parts of a Night Journey that, according to Islamic tradition, the Islamic prophet Muhammad took during a single night around the year 621. It has been described as both a physical and spiritual journey. A brief sketch of the story is in sura (chapter) 17 Al-Isra of the Qur'an, and other details come from the Hadith, supplemental writings about the life of Muhammad. In the journey, Muhammad travels on the cherub called Al-Buraq to "the farthest temple" (Holy Temple of Jerusalem) where he leads other prophets in prayer. He then ascends through the seven heavens where he speaks to God, who gives Muhammad instructions to take back to the faithful on Earth about the number of times to offer prayers each day.

According to traditions, the Journey is associated with the Lailat al Miraj, as one of the most significant events in the Islamic calendar.

Religious belief

The Isra begins with Muhammad's sleeping in the Al Haram (the area where the Kaaba is situated) in Mecca, when the archangel Jibrail (Gabriel) and Mikhail(Michael) comes to him, and brings him the Buraq, the traditional cherub of the prophets. Buraq carries Muhammad to Masjid Al Aqsa, the "Farthest Mosque" (see separate heading). Muhammad alights, tethers Buraq to the Western Wall and leads other prophets including Adem (Adam), Musa (Moses), and `Īsā......
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