Prophet's Ascension

What Is Prophet’s Ascension?

Prophet’s Ascension, widely known as Isra and Mi’raj, is a significant event in Islamic tradition. It commemorates a miraculous two-part journey undertaken by Prophet Muhammad. The first part, the Isra (Arabic for ‘night journey’), describes his journey from the Grand Mosque in Mecca to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. The second part, the Mi’raj (Arabic for ‘ascension’), recounts his ascent through the heavens, where he is said to have encountered earlier prophets and conversed with God.

This observance is not merely a historical commemoration but holds substantial theological importance within Islam. It underscores the Prophet’s unique status and the foundational elements of Islamic practice, such as the five daily prayers, which were traditionally established during the Mi’raj. For Muslims, it serves as a reminder of faith, resilience, and the vastness of divine communication.

Annually, Muslims worldwide observe this event on the 27th day of Rajab, the seventh month of the Islamic calendar. While observances vary by region and cultural practice, the core focus remains on reflection, prayer, and recounting the narrative of this extraordinary journey. In many Muslim-majority countries, including Iran, it is recognised as a public holiday, enabling broader communal participation and observance.

History and Origins of Prophet’s Ascension

The narrative of Isra and Mi’raj is recorded in the Quran and elaborated upon in the Hadith, which are collections of sayings and actions attributed to Prophet Muhammad. According to Islamic tradition, this event occurred around 621 CE, approximately one year before the Hijra (migration) of the Prophet from Mecca to Medina. This period was known as the ‘Year of Sorrow’ for Prophet Muhammad, marked by the deaths of his uncle Abu Talib and his wife Khadijah, as well as increasing persecution from the Meccan polytheists.

The Isra began when Prophet Muhammad was awoken by the angel Jibreel (Gabriel) while he was sleeping near the Kaaba in Mecca. He was then transported on a Buraq, a mythical winged creature described as larger than a donkey but smaller than a mule, to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. There, he led other prophets, including Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), and Isa (Jesus), in prayer. This act symbolised his leadership among the prophets and affirmed the continuity of the monotheistic tradition.

Following the Isra, the Mi’raj commenced from Jerusalem. Prophet Muhammad ascended through the seven heavens, encountering various prophets at each level. At the seventh heaven, he met Prophet Ibrahim. He then proceeded to the Sidrat al-Muntaha, a boundary beyond which no creation can pass. It was here, at the highest point, that he is said to have stood in the divine presence and received instructions regarding the five daily prayers for Muslims. This direct interaction with God is considered a testament to his elevated status and the central importance of prayer in Islamic life. The return journey then retraced the path back to Mecca before dawn.

How Prophet’s Ascension Is Celebrated

The observance of Prophet’s Ascension is primarily a time for contemplation and renewed commitment to Islamic principles, particularly prayer. Celebrations typically avoid elaborate festivities and focus on acts of worship and educational activities.

Common practices include:

• Special Prayers and Supplications: Muslims may perform additional voluntary prayers (Nawafil) during the night of Isra and Mi’raj. Many spend time in personal supplication, seeking closeness to God.
• Recitation of the Quran: There is often an emphasis on reading and reflecting upon verses from the Quran, particularly Surah Al-Isra (Chapter 17), which alludes to the night journey.
• Storytelling and Sermons: Mosques often host special programmes where imams or scholars deliver sermons detailing the events of Isra and Mi’raj, explaining their historical context, and highlighting their lessons for contemporary life. These sessions aim to educate the community, especially younger generations, about the significance of the event.
• Family Gatherings: Families may gather to share meals, discuss the story of the Prophet’s journey, and engage in collective worship. It is a time for reinforcing family bonds and Islamic values.

Observances in Iran

In Iran, Prophet’s Ascension (Eid-e Mab’as in Persian) is a significant national and religious public holiday. This allows a wider segment of the population to participate in observances and for communities to organise larger-scale events.

• Religious Gatherings: Mosques and religious centres across Iran hold special ceremonies, lectures, and prayer sessions throughout the day and evening. These events often feature eulogies and religious poetry recounting the Prophet’s journey.
• Cultural Demonstrations: Educational institutions and cultural organisations may host discussions or presentations on the historical and cultural aspects of the Isra and Mi’raj, underscoring its place in Iranian and Islamic heritage.
• Charitable Acts: As with many Islamic observances, some individuals and organisations engage in acts of charity, providing food or assistance to those in need, reflecting the communal spirit of the occasion.
• Family and Community Reflection: Iranian families often use the public holiday as an opportunity for collective reflection, prayer, and spending time together, often including visits to religious sites or gatherings with extended family.

While the specific cultural expressions may vary, the fundamental purpose of observing Prophet’s Ascension in Iran, as elsewhere, remains consistent: to remember and honour Prophet Muhammad’s miraculous journey and its enduring legacy in Islam.

When Is Prophet’s Ascension?

Prophet’s Ascension is observed annually on the 27th day of the Islamic month of Rajab. The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, is a lunar calendar consisting of 12 lunar months. As a purely lunar calendar, its months begin with the sighting of the crescent moon and are either 29 or 30 days long.

Because the Islamic calendar is approximately 10 to 11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar calendar, the date of Prophet’s Ascension shifts earlier each year when viewed on a Gregorian calendar. This means that the Gregorian date for Prophet’s Ascension is not fixed but changes annually. For example, if it falls in February one year, it will fall in late January or early February the following year.

The exact beginning of Rajab, and thus the 27th day, may vary by a day or two between different regions or Islamic authorities, depending on whether they rely on local moon sightings or astronomical calculations. However, the designation of the 27th of Rajab remains consistent across the Islamic world.

Prophet’s Ascension Key Facts