Al-Buraq

Al-Buraq is the celestial mount that carried the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ during the Night Journey from Mecca to Jerusalem on the night he was then taken up to the heavens. Its name is not in the Quran — which mentioned the journey (17:1) without naming the mount. The hadiths describe it: a white animal larger than a donkey and smaller than a mule, whose stride reached the furthest limit of its sight.

The Night Journey — the Quran mentions the event without naming the mount: 'Glory to the One who took His servant on a night journey from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque... to show him some of Our signs' (17:1). This is the night of the Night Journey (Mecca-Jerusalem) then the Ascension (the ascent to the heavens).

Its description — the hadiths (Bukhari and Muslim) report the Prophet's ﷺ words: 'I was brought al-Buraq, a white animal, long, larger than a donkey but smaller than a mule, which placed its hoof at the furthest limit of its sight. I mounted it...' Its speed is extraordinary: a single step covers the entire visible horizon. Its name comes from the root 'lightning' (barq).

The route — Jibril brought the mount. The Prophet ﷺ rode it from Mecca to Jerusalem (the Farthest Mosque), where he tied it to the ring to which prophets tie their mounts. He prayed two rak'as and led the prophets in prayer. Then the Ascension through the seven heavens began.

Mount of the prophets — traditions report that al-Buraq was not exclusive to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ; it was a celestial mount for prophets before him — hence 'the ring of the prophets' in Jerusalem.

The name al-Buraq is not in the Quran: the Quran only mentions the journey (17:1). The mount and its description come from authentic hadiths (Bukhari and Muslim no. 162). Note: some artistic depictions (Persian and Indian) add to it a human face and wings; these details are not in the authentic hadiths but are additions from later art. The established texts describe simply a swift mount without a human face.

Al-Buraq, whose stride covers the horizon, symbolises the annihilation of distance by God's power: what is impossible for humans is easy for the One who created this mount. It is a reminder that the ordinary laws of the world do not constrain the Creator.

Gloire à Celui qui, de nuit, fit voyager Son serviteur de la Mosquée sacrée de la Mecque à la Mosquée éloignée de Jérusalem... afin de lui montrer certains de Ses signes.

17:1