Isra and Mi'raj is a significant holiday celebrated in Brunei and many other Muslim-majority countries around the world. The holiday commemorates two distinctive parts in the life of Prophet Muhammad: Isra (the night journey that Prophet Muhammad took from Mecca to Jerusalem) and Mi'raj (the ascension of Prophet Muhammad into heaven). Both events are believed to have taken place on the same night. The actual date of Isra and Mi'raj varies every year according to the Islamic lunar calendar but it generally falls in the Islamic month of Rajab.
During the Isra and Mi'raj, the citizens of Brunei observe various religious rituals and customs. Mosques across the country hold special prayer sessions and sermons focusing on the significance of the event. It is a national public holiday in Brunei, and as such, governmental offices, schools, and most businesses are closed. This holiday provides an opportunity for Muslims in Brunei to deepen their spiritual understanding and increase their devotion to their faith.
Isra and Mi'raj also highlights the importance of the Prophet Muhammad within Islam and reaffirms the tenets of the Islamic faith. It is characterized not only by prayer and reflection but also by community activities and gatherings. The traditions associated with the holiday, including listening to sermons and spending time in contemplation, are integral parts of the observance. Despite the solemnity of the occasion, the holiday also provides a time for families to gather and strengthen their ties in the context of their shared faith.