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Iran / Persia: The Archangel Gabriel / Jibril shows the Prophet Muhammad the holy city of Medina, from the Sarai Albums, Tabriz, early 14th century

Iran / Persia: The Archangel Gabriel / Jibril shows the Prophet Muhammad the holy city of Medina, from the Sarai Albums, Tabriz, early 14th century

A scene from the Isra and Mi'raj (Arabic: الإسراء والمعراج‎, al-’Isrā’ wal-Mi‘rāğ), the two parts of a Night Journey that, according to Islamic tradition, the Islamic prophet Muhammad took during a single night around the year 621.

It has been described as both a physical and spiritual journey. A brief sketch of the story is in sura (chapter) 17 Al-Isra of the Qur'an, and other details come from the Hadith, supplemental writings about the life of Muhammad.

In the journey, Muhammad travels on the steed Buraq to 'the farthest mosque' where he leads other prophets in prayer. He then ascends to heaven where he speaks to God, who gives Muhammad instructions to take back to the faithful on Earth about the number of times to offer prayers each day.

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