BBC HomeExplore the BBC

26 November 2009
Accessibility help
Text only
banner Religion & Ethics Islam

BBC Homepage
Religion Homepage

Contact Us

Like this page?
Send it to a friend!

 

Lailat al Miraj

Lailat al Miraj (27 Rajab)

Find this year's date in the multifaith calendar

Muslims performing mid-day prayer to Mecca in the streets of Istanbul, Turkey

The revelation of Salat took place on Lailat al Miraj ©

The night journey and ascent of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and the revelation of Salat.

The festival is celebrated by telling the story of how the Prophet Muhammad was visited by two archangels while he was asleep, who purified his heart and filled him with knowledge and faith.

The Prophet travelled from Mecca to Jerusalem in a single night on a strange winged creature called Buraq. From Jerusalem he ascended into heaven, where he met the earlier prophets, and eventually God.

During his time in heaven Muhammad was told of the duty of Muslims to recite Salat (ritual prayer) five times a day.

About this article

This page was last updated 2009-09-07

More religions and beliefs »



About the BBC | Help | Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookies Policy