Isra

Isra refers to the night journey described in Islamic tradition, known as Isra and Mi'raj. The term al-Isra means “the night journey” in Arabic, and the event is considered a single night ascent in which Prophet Muhammad is said to have traveled from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca to al-Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem and then ascended through the heavens.

In the traditional narrative, Muhammad is accompanied by the angel Gabriel and is believed to have prayed with previous prophets at the Farthest Mosque before a celestial ascent to the heavens. Many sources describe the ascent as both a physical and spiritual experience. One outcome frequently highlighted is the command to establish the five daily prayers, a practice later adopted for Muslims worldwide. Some scholars stress a literal interpretation, while others emphasize a symbolic or visionary understanding.

The Isra is referenced in the Qur’an, most notably in Surah Al-Isra (17:1), which describes the night journey as a sign from God. Hadith literature expands on the event, providing details about its sequence and its implications for Islamic belief and practice. The event is culturally and theologically significant, reinforcing the sanctity of Jerusalem in Islamic tradition and contributing to the emphasis on regular prayer in daily life. Dates of the event vary among sources, with most traditions placing it in the early 7th century, around the time before or during the Hijra.

Note: Isra is also used as a given name in some Muslim communities. It is thus encountered in various historical and contemporary contexts beyond the religious narrative.