Events in the Islamic Calendar

Israk Mikraj

The 27th of Rajab (the 7th month of the Islamic calendar) commemorates the night of Prophet Muhammad's ascent to heaven, also called Israk Mikraj in Singapore. According to tradition, Prophet Muhammad rode to heaven on a winged horse known as a buraq. It flew from Mecca to Jerusalem, then carried the Prophet through the seven levels of heaven where he met some earlier prophets of Islam, and brought him home before the night was over. After this momentous night, the five daily prayers were established.

To honour this event, special lectures or sermons are held at mosques on this day, as well as readings from the Qur'an, especially from Surat al-Isra' - the chapter on the Night Journey.

Exhibition is on at the Asian Civilisations Museum till 31 December 2002. This document is part of a joint project of the Asian Civilisations Museum and the University Scholars Programme, National University of Singapore. The text appears here with the kind permission of the Asian Civilisations Museum.

Last updated: February 2002