Night Journey

A 7th-Century Text

This passage is from the Qurʾan, which according to Muslim tradition preserves the direct word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al- Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing. [Q17:1]

A 14th-century Manuscript Illustration

This image shows the Prophet Muhammad along with other Abrahamic prophets, from a 14th-century Iranian Mirajnameh.

A 14th-century Manuscript Illustration

This image shows the Prophet Muhammad on his mount, Buraq, from a 14th-century manuscript of Rashid al-Din’s history, made in Iran.

15th-century Manuscript Illustrations

These images are from a 15th-century manuscript written in Chagatai Turkish from Central Asia.

A 19th-Century Illustration

If you’re interested in Muhammad’s ride, check out this article. This image is from a 19th-century Judeo-Persian manuscript (Persian language written in Hebrew script).