Isra And Mi’raj

Isra and Mi’raj Night marks the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and ascent into heaven, sometime around the year 621, according to Islamic belief. The details come from the Quran and other teachings from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The Night Journey starts with the appearance of the angel Gabriel who takes the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to Jerusalem on a winged horse. In Jerusalem, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) met and prayed with many prophets including Moses, Abraham, and Jesus. This part of the journey is known as 'Isra'. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was then carried by Gabriel to heaven, ascending through the seven heavenly realms until he reached paradise where he spoke to God. This second part of the journey is known as the Mi'raj, which means ladder in Arabic.

The celebrations of Isra and Mi'raj include prayers during the night and many Muslim cities will keep their lights on all night. During this festival, there will be no sale of alcohol in bars or restaurants from 6 pm on the day before until 7:00 PM on the day of the festival. Most shops will be open. Muslims mark Isra’a Wal Mi’raj as one of the most important Islamic histories to commemorate. That is why it is considered the day as one of the national holidays in some Muslim countries so they can take a day off to commemorate it. To celebrate it, every Muslim community has different traditions and customs for it.

In Oman, Isra’a Wal Mi’raj is commemorated in several ways. Some Muslims celebrate it by reciting Quran verses at their home or the mosque. There would also decorate the mosque in the neighborhood with dazzling lights that help to enlighten the mood of all Muslims who celebrate it. Some of them would also come to the mosque nearby their house to gather with the other Muslims and listen to the stories about the backstory of how Isra’a Wal Mi’raj happened and how it became one of the most important celebrations in Islamic history.