Isra and Mi'raj Festival in China

The Isra and Mi'raj Festival (登霄节 / 米尔拉吉节, Isra wa al-Mi'raj) is a deeply revered Islamic religious observance celebrated primarily by China’s Hui (回族, Hui Zu), Dongxiang (东乡族, Dongxiang Zu), Salar (撒拉族, Sala Zu), and Bonan (保安族, Bao’an Zu) communities. Unlike secular holidays, this solemn festival commemorates the miraculous night journey and ascension of Prophet Muhammad (穆罕默德, Muhammad), emphasizing devout prayers, spiritual reflection, and religious tradition, rather than festive celebrations or carnivals.

The festival is observed on the 27th day of Rajab in the Islamic lunar calendar, which usually falls 10–11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. The central celebrations take place in mosques (清真寺, Qingzhen Si), forming the hub of communal and religious activities.

Origins and Religious Significance

The Isra and Mi'raj (Night Journey and Ascension) is among Islam’s most sacred events. Its story is recorded in Surah Al-Isra (Chapter 17 of the Qur’an, 古兰经, Gǔlánjīng) and is regarded as a divine miracle demonstrating God’s power and confirming Prophet Muhammad’s mission.

The Miraculous Journey

In approximately 621 CE, while preaching in Mecca (麦加, Mecca), Prophet Muhammad, accompanied by the archangel Gabriel (吉卜利勒, Jibril/Gabriel), embarked on a celestial journey:

• Isra (Night Journey): The Prophet rode the celestial steed al-Buraq (布拉格, Buraq) from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca (禁寺, Masjid al-Haram) to the Al-Aqsa Mosque (阿克萨清真寺, Al-Masjid al-Aqsa) in Jerusalem (耶路撒冷, Jerusalem), where he prayed with earlier prophets including Moses (穆萨, Musa), Jesus (尔撒, Isa), and Abraham (易卜拉欣, Ibrahim).
• Mi’raj (Ascension): From Al-Aqsa Mosque, Prophet Muhammad ascended through seven heavens, witnessing paradise, hell, and divine wisdom, before returning to Mecca at dawn.

During this ascension, God established the five daily prayers (五番天命拜, Salat) for Muslims, which remain central to Islamic practice.

Interpretations of the Miracle

Islamic scholars in China and globally have offered three interpretations of the Isra and Mi’raj:

1. Spiritual Night Journey: The Prophet’s soul traveled, while his body remained in Mecca. This view is supported by accounts from Umm Hani (乌姆·海妮, Umm Hani), Prophet Muhammad’s cousin, and Aisha (艾莎, Aisha).
2. Mixed Body-Soul Experience: The night journey was partially in body, partially spiritual. The Prophet’s descriptions of Jerusalem and return via Syrian trade routes provide evidence.
3. Physical Ascension: Both body and soul participated, demonstrating divine power, spiritual elevation, and the sanctity of Jerusalem as a holy site for Muslims.

Chinese Muslim communities commemorate this night with prayers, Qur’an recitation, and reflection, honoring the miracle and reinforcing their faith.

Religious Core and Local Adaptation in China

For Chinese Hui communities, Isra and Mi’raj carries both religious and cultural significance:

• Faith Affirmation: Reinforces belief in God’s omnipotence and the Prophet’s divine mission.
• Daily Worship Reminder: Emphasizes devotion to the five daily prayers (晨礼, 晌礼, 晡礼, 昏礼, 宵礼).
• Spiritual Purification: Encourages repentance, ethical behavior, and social responsibility.
• Community Cohesion: Collective mosque activities strengthen Hui unity and preserve religious and cultural heritage.

Traditional Customs and Practices

National Core Rituals

Preparatory Purification and Fasting:

• Observers cleanse themselves, wear clean attire, and some fast partially, showing devotion and reverence.

Collective Mosque Prayers:

• Timing: Evening of the festival (after Maghrib to Isha).
• Activities: Group prayers, Taraweeh-style special prayers (特拜, Special Salat), high-volume praise (赞圣词, Durood recitation), and Qur’an recitation.
• Sermon: The Imam (阿訇, Ahong) recounts the Prophet’s journey and the origin of the five daily prayers, encouraging worship and good deeds.

Overnight Vigil:

• In Northwest China, it is traditional to stay awake all night in mosques or at home, reading the Qur’an, meditating, and praying, symbolizing following the Prophet’s sacred night journey.

Charity and Family Gathering:

• Mosques distribute halal snacks, nuts, and sweet porridge (甜粥, Tian Zhou), prioritizing the elderly, the poor, and migrant workers.
• Families gather to share night meals, younger members offer blessings to elders, maintaining family traditions and passing down faith.

Regional Variations in China

Northwest Core Areas (Most Elaborate):

• Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (宁夏, Yinchuan, 吴忠, Guyuan, Shizuishan), Gansu Linxia (甘肃临夏, Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture), Qinghai Hualong and Xunhua (化隆回族自治县 / 循化撒拉族自治县), Xinjiang Changji (昌吉回族自治州, Yanqi County)
• Large-scale mosque prayers, overnight Qur’an recitation, communal meals; solemn and participatory atmosphere.

North & East China (Smaller, Family-Centric):

• Beijing Niujie (北京牛街), Henan (河南, 周口, 商丘), Shandong (德州, 济南), Hebei (沧州, Mengcun, Dachang Hui Autonomous County)
• Small mosque gatherings, home-based night vigil, neighborly sharing of halal food; spiritual commemoration is emphasized.

Southwest Areas (Ethnic Integration):

• Yunnan Weishan (巍山彝族回族自治县), Xundian (寻甸回族彝族自治县)
• Blend of Hui customs and local ethnic traditions; balance between charity, family meals, and ceremonial observance.

Major Regions Celebrating Isra and Mi’raj in China

Core Regions (Largest, Most Ritualized)

• Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region: Yinchuan (银川), Wuzhong (吴忠), Guyuan (固原), Shizuishan (石嘴山)
• Gansu: Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture (临夏回族自治州), Zhangjiachuan Hui Autonomous County (张家川回族自治县), Pingliang (平凉)
• Qinghai: Hualong Hui Autonomous County (化隆回族自治县), Xunhua Salar Autonomous County (循化撒拉族自治县)
• Xinjiang: Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture (昌吉回族自治州), Yanqi Hui Autonomous County (焉耆回族自治县)
• Yunnan: Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County (巍山彝族回族自治县), Xundian Hui and Yi Autonomous County (寻甸回族彝族自治县)

Important Regions (Ritual Complete, Smaller Scale)

• Shaanxi: Xi’an Lianhu District (西安莲湖区, near Muslim Quarter 清真街)
• Beijing: Niujie (牛街), Changying (常营), Xihongmen (西红门)
• Henan: Zhoukou (周口), Shangqiu (商丘), Zhengzhou (郑州), Kaifeng (开封)
• Shandong: Dezhou (德州), Jinan (济南), Jining (济宁)
• Hebei: Cangzhou (沧州), Mengcun and Dachang Hui Autonomous Counties
• Inner Mongolia: Hohhot (呼和浩特), Baotou (包头)

General Regions

• Nationwide Hui Villages and Communities: Smaller-scale mosque-centered recitations, prayers, and charity activities; voluntary participation.

Common Misconceptions

1. Isra and Mi’raj is a festive carnival:
   • Correct: It is solemn, reflective, and religious; no music, dance, or carnival activities.
2. Only Hui celebrate:
   • Correct: Dongxiang, Salar, Bonan, and other Chinese Muslim ethnic groups also observe it with similar customs.
3. It is Shi’a-specific:
   • Correct: It is observed by all Muslims; Chinese Sunni communities emphasize devotion and spiritual reflection.