The Prophet’s Night Journey and Ascent, known as Lailat-ul-Isra wa’l-Mi‘raj (The Night of Isra and Mi‘raj), is one of the most spiritually profound events in the Islamic tradition. Celebrated on the 27th night of the month of Rajab, it commemorates the miraculous two-part journey undertaken by the Prophet Muhammad—first from Mecca to Jerusalem (Isra), and then through the heavens (Mi‘raj)—in a single night, by divine will.
More than a historical event, Lailat-ul-Isra wa’l-Mi‘raj is a deeply metaphysical and mystical moment, rich with layers of meaning. It symbolises the nearness of the human soul to the Divine, the infinite expanses of spiritual reality, and the exalted place of the Prophet as the seal of revelation and guide for humankind.
In the first part of the journey, Isra, the Prophet is transported by the celestial steed Buraq from the Kaaba in Mecca to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. There, he leads all the previous prophets in prayer, affirming his role in the lineage of divine messengers and the unity of all prophetic wisdom. This convergence is symbolic of Islam’s connection with the Abrahamic traditions and its continuation of a sacred trust.
The second part, Mi‘raj, is a mystical ascent through the seven heavens, where the Prophet encounters Adam, Jesus, Moses, Abraham, and other prophets, as well as the angelic realms. At the summit of this celestial journey, he enters the Divine Presence, beyond the realm even of the Archangel Jibril (Gabriel). It is here that the five daily prayers (salat) are established—not as a burden, but as a gift, a way for the soul to ascend, just as the Prophet did.
Spiritually, the Night Journey is a reflection of the soul’s inner mi‘raj—the ascent of the heart through layers of self, ego, and illusion toward truth and intimacy with the Divine. It represents the possibility of transcendence within the structure of daily life, showing that the Divine is not remote but reachable through devotion, sincerity, and love.
Philosophically, the event affirms the interconnectedness of time, space, and spirit. It invites the believer to view life not just as linear, but as layered with unseen realities. The boundaries between earth and heaven, body and soul, dissolve in the luminous moment of divine encounter.
In many Muslim communities, the night is observed with prayer, storytelling, dhikr (remembrance of God), and readings of the Mi‘raj narrative. Mosques are illuminated, and families may gather to reflect on the journey, its meanings, and its lessons for daily living. Some view the night as an occasion for spiritual retreat, introspection, and heartfelt supplication.
Artistically, Lailat-ul-Mi‘raj has inspired centuries of Persian, Ottoman, and Mughal miniature painting, often depicting the Prophet surrounded by celestial light, ascending on Buraq through cosmic landscapes of stars, angels, and heavenly gardens. While Islamic tradition avoids figurative images of the Prophet, the visual language of Mi‘raj is filled with rich symbolism and spiritual geometry.
Lailat-ul-Isra wa’l-Mi‘raj is ultimately a celebration of spiritual nearness, divine mercy, and the soul’s capacity for ascent. It reminds the believer that the heavens are not closed, and that in every sincere act of prayer, remembrance, or love, there lies a path to the Divine. The journey of the Prophet becomes the journey of each soul—calling us upward, inward, and home.
