Isra and Mi'raj in United States

Many Muslims in the United States observe Isra and Mi'raj (Al Isra' wal Miraj, Lailat al Mi’raj, or Laylat al Miraj). This event commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascent into heaven. It is observed on the 27th day of Rajab, the seventh month in the Islamic calendar.

The Prophet Mohammad (also written as Muhammad) traveled from Mecca to Jerusalem, pictured above.

©iStockphoto.com/Claudia Dewald

What do people do?

Customs and traditions that center on Isra and Mi’raj vary in the United States. Many Muslims make special prayers in the evening. Some people attend prayer services and sermons at Islamic centers or mosques while others observe Isra and Mi’raj quietly at home. Some Muslims celebrate the event over two days.

Conferences about Isra and Mi’raj were held in some parts of the United States in recent times. It has also been reported (in various media) that thousands Muslims in California, Wisconsin and other states celebrate this observance each year. This event gives people the chance to reflect on the importance of prayer. It is a time for people, particularly students, to learn more about Isra and Mi'raj, what it means in Islamic faith, and how it is applied in practice.

Public life

Isra and Mi’raj is not a federal public holiday in the United States. There may be some local congestion on roads around major mosques in the evening of the event.

Background

Isra and Mi’raj is a two-fold event that commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascent into heaven, according to Islamic belief. One night during the 10th year of Muhammad’s prophecy, the angel Gabriel woke him and traveled with him to Jerusalem. Muhammad prayed at the site of the Temple of Solomon with the prophets Abraham, Moses, Jesus and others.

The Prophet Muhammad then rose to heaven (carried by Gabriel) from the rock of the temple mount, where many people believe that the Dome of the Rock sanctuary now stands. Allah instructed Muhammad about the five daily prayers that all Muslims must observe. This day is also known as the Night Journey.

About Isra and Mi'raj in other countries

Isra and Mi'raj Observances

Other holidays in June 2013 in United States

• Statehood Day ―Saturday, June 1, 2013
• Jefferson Davis Birthday ―Monday, June 3, 2013
• Jefferson Davis Birthday ―Monday, June 3, 2013
• International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression ―Tuesday, June 4, 2013
• World Environment Day ―Wednesday, June 5, 2013
• D-Day ―Thursday, June 6, 2013
• World Oceans Day ―Saturday, June 8, 2013
• Kamehameha Day ―Tuesday, June 11, 2013
• World Day Against Child Labour ―Wednesday, June 12, 2013
• World Blood Donor Day ―Friday, June 14, 2013
• Flag Day ―Friday, June 14, 2013
• World Elder Abuse Awareness Day ―Saturday, June 15, 2013
• Father's Day ―Sunday, June 16, 2013
• Bunker Hill Day ―Monday, June 17, 2013
• World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought ―Monday, June 17, 2013
• Juneteenth ―Wednesday, June 19, 2013
• West Virginia Day ―Thursday, June 20, 2013
• World Refugee Day ―Thursday, June 20, 2013
• June Solstice ―Friday, June 21, 2013
• Public Service Day ―Sunday, June 23, 2013
• International Widows' Day ―Sunday, June 23, 2013
• Day of the Seafarer ―Tuesday, June 25, 2013
• International Day in Support of Victims of Torture ―Wednesday, June 26, 2013
• International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking ―Wednesday, June 26, 2013