Lailat al Miraj

This is a Muslim festival that commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s journey from Mecca to the ‘Farthest Mosque’ in Jerusalem when he ascended to heaven, was purified and given the instruction for Muslims to pray five times daily.

Who celebrates?

Muslims around the world.

How do people celebrate?

• People gather to pray at local mosques and tell stories of Muhammad’s journey
• After prayer family and friends will celebrate over food
• Some worshippers consider it a time of fasting

What should I know?

• Lailat al Miraj is observed as one of the most important events in the history of Islam and many Muslims attend special prayer services
• It is one of only 2 annual celebrations that Muslims must take part in, other events in the Islamic calendar are not compulsory
• However because of some debate over it’s exact date, some Muslims do not celebrate it
• 4.8% of the UK identified as Muslim in the 2011 census

How can I support others?

• Ask people if they or their families will be celebrating
• Do not assume that if someone’s family is Muslim that they will be celebrating or fasting
• Encourage celebrations internally and externally
• Talk to your team about the religious representation among your volunteer, employee and service user population and if it’s representative of your area

BBC: Lailat al Miraj: https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/holydays/lailatalmiraj.shtml

Islamic History Podcast: https://islamichistorypodcast.com/

Brisith Muslim magazine: Lailat al miraj: https://www.britishmuslim-magazine.com/2016/01/17/lailat-al-miraj/