Isra' Mikraj

This holiday is a commemoration of a two-part journey that Allah took Muhammad on around A.D. 620. It is said that Muhammad was taken from his bedroom in Makkah to “the furthest mosque”, which many believe at the time was the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. That part of the journey is called “Israk”.

The second phase, “Mikraj”, is said to have been a transport to heaven and to hell. Muhammad is said to have met with many prophets of old, such as Moses and Jesus. It is believed that Muhammad received instructions on proper prayer practices from Allah at this time, which he then passed on to others. This is why there is an emphasis on prayer during Israk and Mikraj in Brunei and elsewhere.