Jordan marks Israa wal Miraj anniversary on Monday

AMMAN — Jordan, alongside other world countries, on Monday will mark the anniversary of Israa wal Miraj, Prophet Mohammad’s nocturnal journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascension to heaven according to Islamic beliefs.  

The Israa, followed by Miraj, was one of the miracles in the life of Prophet Mohammad. It happened on Rajab 27, in the seventh month of the Hijri lunar calendar, in the 10th year of Mohammad’s prophethood. 

Islamic sources say the prophet was carried from the Holy Mosque in Mecca to the Farthest Mosque (Al Aqsa Mosque) in Jerusalem on a creature called Al Buraq, and in the company of the archangel Gabriel (known in Arabic as Jibril). 

There he led a congregational prayer of the prophets of God. 

After that, Gabriel took him to the heavens where he met prophets Adam, John, Jesus, Idris, Aaron and Moses. In the seventh heaven, he met Abraham, according to Islam Online, an authoritative Islamic web portal. 

During the divine journey, Allah ordered five daily prayers for the Muslim nation. The prophet then returned to Mecca on the same night.

Marking the occasion, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs will hold a ceremony on Monday at King Abdullah I Mosque, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Speakers will highlight the lessons learned from this miracle and the sacrifices of Prophet Mohammad.

Customs around Israa wal Miraj vary between different Islamic communities. Some Muslims spend the evening or night listening to or studying the story of the occasion in a mosque or at home.

They may also decorate their homes with candles or small electric lights and share food, particularly sweets, with each other, or prepare a communal meal. 

Muslims in some communities make a special effort to include children in the celebrations and explain the story of the prophet’s journey.