Israʾ

[ iz-ruh ]

noun

, Islam.

1. Muhammad's Night Journey from the Kaʿba at Mecca to Jerusalem.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Israʾ¹

From the Arabic word isrāʾ night journey

Example Sentences

Hamas appoints English-language spokeswoman - Isra Al-Mudallal, 23, will help improve Palestinian public diplomacy.

From The Daily Beast

More About Israʾ

What is Israʾ?

Israʾ is the Arabic name for the Night Journey—in Islam, the miraculous journey in which the Prophet Muhammad was carried from Mecca to Jerusalem and ascended into heaven.

The term for the ascension is Miʿraj, and the events are often referred to together as Israʾ and Miʿraj. The names are also used to refer to the annual commemoration of these events by Muslims.

The Night Journey is said to have begun at the site now known as the Kaaba, a cube-shaped building in Mecca that is considered Islam’s holiest site. The shrine built at what’s believed to be the site of the Prophet Muhammad’s ascension is known as the Dome of the Rock.

When is Israʾ?

Israʾ and Miʿraj are both observed on the 27th day of Rajab, the seventh month of the Islamic calendar. Because the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, the corresponding Gregorian calendar dates change each year. In 2023, Israʾ and Miʿraj will be observed on February 18 (starting at sundown on February 17). In 2024, Israʾ and Miʿraj will be observed on February 7 (starting at sundown on February 6).

More information and context on Israʾ

The name Israʾ comes from the Arabic word isrāʾ, meaning “night journey.” In Muslim belief, the miraculous journey—which would have taken months at the time—took place over a single night.

The journey came after a period of hardship and sorrow for the Prophet Muhammad, including the deaths of his wife and uncle. The journey is therefore considered a merciful gift from Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad is said to have traveled alongside the angel Jibril (Gabriel), who commanded him to stop and pray along the way at three sites now holy to Muslims, including Medina, Mount Sinai, and Bethlehem. According to Islamic tradition, Muhammad was transported by a winged creature known as Buraq.

Upon reaching the end of the journey at what is now the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, the Prophet Muhammad led other Prophets in prayer before ascending into heaven and receiving a decree from Allah to establish daily prayers. Upon his return, he instructed Muslims how to pray five times a day.

What are some terms that often get used in discussing Israʾ?

• Miʿraj
• Night Journey
• Prophet Muhammad
• Rajab
• Mecca
• Kaaba
• Medina
• Mount Sinai
• Bethlehem
• al-Aqsa
• Dome of the Rock
• Buraq
• ascension

How is Israʾ discussed in real life?

The term Israʾ is commonly used in Israʾ and Miʿraj to refer to the Prophet Muhammad’s Night Journey and his ascension, which Muslims commemorate each year.

Isra and Miraj is not only an important religious occasion, but it also highlights the values of mercy, striving, honesty and friendship.

We wish you a happy and blessed Isra and Miraj.#MercyToTheWorlds pic.twitter.com/PP9UMhzuef

— مركز صواب (@sawabcenterAR) April 12, 2018

Blessings and enlightment on the occasion of the night of #Isra and #Miraj. May it be a means for all for greater understanding, respect and empathy#mirackandili #kandil pic.twitter.com/ThcNJDo2Ww

— Emre Celik 🗽 (@emrecelikrumi) April 13, 2018

Wishing all our friends the very best on the holy occasion of Al Isra' wal Miraj, Bigetroopers! Rajab is the beginning of our preparation in welcoming the month of Ramadan, let's increase the faith in Allah in this Isra and Miraj as exemplified by the prophet Muhammad. pic.twitter.com/PKZeUUrKvd

— Bigetron Esports (@bigetronesports) March 11, 2021

 

Try using Israʾ!

True or False?

Israʾ is observed during the Islamic calendar month of Rajab.