The Night Journey and Ascension in Islam

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.