"The night journey (isra') and ascension to heaven (mi'raj) is a singularly auspicious event in the biography of the Prophet Muhammad, and is one of the most popular religious narratives in Islam. Amongst other things, it is seen to confirm the Prophet as the final prophet, to explain how the five daily prayers were introduced to the Muslim community as a religious duty, and to give an early explanation of the concepts of heaven and hell. Here, R.P. Buckley explores the evolution and nature of the reception of the narrative of the isra' and mi'raj within a number of central themes, including the authentication of the journey, the manner in which it was performed, Shi'i tradition pertaining to the journey and the development of Western attitudes and approaches. It thus provides vital analysis for those involved in the research of early Islam and the history of religion in the Middle East."--Publisher's website.

The tales of the mi'raj describe the prophet Muhammad's journey through the heavens, his encounters with prophets and angels, and his visit to heaven and hell. The tales are among Islam's most popular, appearing in Arabic, Persian, and Turkish literature, and in later adaptations throughout the Muslim world. Often serving as narratives designed to promote the worldview of particular Muslim groups, the tales were also a means for communities to construct rules of normative behavior and ritual practices, and were used to assert the superiority of Islam over other religions. The essays in this collection discuss the formation of this narrative, the mi'raj as a missionary text, its various adaptations, its application to esoteric thought, and its use in performance and ritual. -- Book jacket.

"The night journey (isra') and ascension to heaven (mi'raj) is a singularly auspicious event in the biography of the Prophet Muhammad, and is one of the most popular religious narratives in Islam. Amongst other things, it is seen to confirm the Prophet as the final prophet, to explain how the five daily prayers were introduced to the Muslim community as a religious duty, and to give an early explanation of the concepts of heaven and hell. Here, R.P. Buckley explores the evolution and nature of the reception of the narrative of the isra' and mi'raj within a number of central themes, including the authentication of the journey, the manner in which it was performed, Shi'i tradition pertaining to the journey and the development of Western attitudes and approaches. It thus provides vital analysis for those involved in the research of early Islam and the history of religion in the Middle East."--Publisher's website.

Discusses the historical development of the well-loved story of the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey to the divine realm and back again.

The Prophet (peace upon him) is awoken from his sleep and led by the Chieftain of angels to a riding mount like never seen before! They travel at lightning speed and embark on an unimaginable journey that, as it unfolds, becomes ever more miraculous. The first destination is the sacred city of Jerusalem for an unimaginable meeting and prayer with angels and thousands of prophets. In a state of wonderment and anticipation, the Prophet (pbuh) discovers that his journey is just beginning, as he begins to ascend into the heavens. As he travels to each heavenly dimension he is personally greeted and welcomed by the former prophets. The Prophet (pbuh) is then shown the frequented house with its ceaseless angel pilgrims and the Lote Tree in all its glory. The journey culminates at the pinnacle, which the Prophet (pbuh) learns to be the ultimate reason for the journey; he is brought into Divine presence to be gifted a special command. When he is returned to Mecca where he recounts the miraculous happenings, he is met with ridicule by the disbelievers, and sincere belief by those who believe. This book describes the Prophet's experiences along the way, the miraculous nature of this journey, and emphasizes the lessons learnt from it.

From a professor of Islamic studies comes this look at the prophet of Islam who stands as the role model for millions of modern Muslims.

Shaykh Muhammad 'Alawi al-Maliki delivers an absorbing account of the Isra' wal-Mi'raj that brings the reader almost into the story. Indeed it is a detailed narrative spiced with a simple commentary that attempts to reconcile various accounts or reports of the event that transpired. This provides a comprehensive reading that takes the reader on an experiential ride to feel the magic of Rasulullah's journey. In short, it is very inspiring; exhilarating to the spiritual core. Praise be to Allah Who chose His praiseworth servant Muhammad (saw) for the Message, distinguished him with the night journey on the lightening-mount Buraq, and caused him to ascend the ladders of perfection to the high heavens to show him of the greatest signs of his Lord. He raised him until he reached the Lote-tree of the Farthest Boundary where ends the science of every Messenger-Prophet and every Angel Brought Near, where lies the Garden of Retreat, to the point that he heard the sound of the pens that write what has befallen and what is to befall.