Isra and Mi'raj in United States
Quick Facts
Isra and Mi'raj (Isra Me'raj, Israa and Mi'raaj, Laylat Al-Isra wa Al-Miraj, Lailat al Miraj, Night Journey and Ascension to Heaven) marks the night when the Prophet Mohammad traveled from Mecca to Jerusalem, ascended to heaven and returned.Local names
| Name | Language |
|---|---|
| Isra and Mi'raj | English |
| Isra and Mi'raj | Spanish |
Isra and Mi'raj 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009Isra and Mi'raj 2010
Friday, July 9, 2010Note: Regional customs or moon sightings may cause a variation of the date for Islamic holidays, which begin at sundown the day before the date specified for the holiday. The Islamic calendar is lunar and the days begin at sunset, so there may be one-day error depending on when the New Moon is first seen.
See list of observations below
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
Read more about Isra and Mi'raj.Isra and Mi'raj Observances
Note: Regional customs or moon sightings may cause a variation of the date for Islamic holidays, which begin at sundown the day before the date specified for the holiday. The Islamic calendar is lunar and the days begin at sunset, so there may be one-day error depending on when the New Moon is first seen.| Weekday | Date | Year | Name | Holiday type | Where it is observed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed | Jun 11 | 1980 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Sun | May 31 | 1981 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Fri | May 21 | 1982 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Tue | May 10 | 1983 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Sat | Apr 28 | 1984 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Thu | Apr 18 | 1985 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Mon | Apr 7 | 1986 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Sat | Mar 28 | 1987 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Wed | Mar 16 | 1988 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Sun | Mar 5 | 1989 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Fri | Feb 23 | 1990 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Tue | Feb 12 | 1991 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Sat | Feb 1 | 1992 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Thu | Jan 21 | 1993 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Mon | Jan 10 | 1994 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Fri | Dec 30 | 1994 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Wed | Dec 20 | 1995 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Sun | Dec 8 | 1996 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Fri | Nov 28 | 1997 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Tue | Nov 17 | 1998 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Sat | Nov 6 | 1999 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Thu | Oct 26 | 2000 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Mon | Oct 15 | 2001 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Fri | Oct 4 | 2002 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Wed | Sep 24 | 2003 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Sun | Sep 12 | 2004 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Thu | Sep 1 | 2005 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Tue | Aug 22 | 2006 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Sat | Aug 11 | 2007 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Thu | Jul 31 | 2008 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Mon | Jul 20 | 2009 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Fri | Jul 9 | 2010 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Wed | Jun 29 | 2011 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Sun | Jun 17 | 2012 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Thu | Jun 6 | 2013 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Tue | May 27 | 2014 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim | |
| Sat | May 16 | 2015 | Isra and Mi'raj | Muslim |
Other holidays in July 2009 in United States
- Independence Day (Friday, July 3, 2009)
- Independence Day (Saturday, July 4, 2009)
- International Day of Cooperatives (Saturday, July 4, 2009)
- World Population Day (Saturday, July 11, 2009)
- Pioneer Day (Friday, July 24, 2009)
- Parents' Day (Sunday, July 26, 2009)
- Tisha B'Av (Thursday, July 30, 2009)
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