Question
What is Buraq and how does it relate to the Isra wal-Miraj?
Summary
- Buraq is a real, physical animal: Buraq is a flesh-and-blood creature made from the physical substances of this world — not a spiritual or symbolic entity. It had a harness. Jibreel (AS) was holding the harness. When the Prophet ﷺ approached, Buraq reacted exactly as any animal would react to a new rider — it reared back and snorted. Jibreel gently tapped it and said: "Shame on you. No rider has ever ridden you more noble than the one about to ride you."
- Buraq's miracle: Some accounts mention Buraq having wings; the stronger opinion is that it had no wings. The miracle of Buraq is that every leap of its hoof covers as far as the eye can see — a single step spans the entire horizon. This is how the Prophet ﷺ traversed the distance from Mecca to Jerusalem and back within the span of one night.
- Buraq was only used for the Isra (earthly portion): Buraq carried the Prophet ﷺ from Mecca to the Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem (the Isra). When the Prophet arrived, Buraq was tied to a post at the mosque. After praying and leading the other prophets in salah, the Prophet came back, untied Buraq, and Buraq returned to Mecca. Buraq's role ended at Jerusalem.
- The Mi'raj (heavenly ascent) was NOT on Buraq: The Mi'raj — the ascent through the seven heavens to Sidrat al-Muntaha — used a completely different instrument. The name mi'raj literally means "a ladder" or "instrument of ascent." What exactly this instrument was, we do not know. It can be understood as a type of heavenly teleporter or ladder to the higher heavens, but its nature is beyond our knowledge.
- Common misconceptions to avoid:
- Sufi and folk art depicting the Prophet riding a winged Buraq through the clouds and stars into the heavens is theologically incorrect. Buraq did not go to the heavens.
- The ascent through the seven heavens, meeting the prophets on each level, and reaching Allah (SWT) all took place via al-mi'raj — not Buraq.
- Jibreel accompanied the Prophet through the heavens during the Mi'raj; Buraq was a separate earthly animal.
- Summary of the journey:
2. At Jerusalem — the Prophet prays and leads the prophets.
3. Mi'raj — the Prophet ascends through the seven heavens via the mi'raj instrument; Buraq remains tied at Masjid al-Aqsa.
4. The Prophet receives the revelation of the five daily prayers and other commands.
5. The Prophet descends, unties Buraq, and returns to Mecca.