"The Mi'raj or The Night Flight of Muhammad on his Steed Buraq", Folio 3v from a Bustan of Sa`di

Sultan Muhammad Nur

ca. 1525–35 · Ink, gold, and colors on paper · Islamic Art

The heavenly journey of the Prophet forms a centerpiece of Muslim piety. Persian poets from the thirteenth century onward prefaced their epics with a colorful description of the mi'raj, the heavenly journey that brought the Prophet into the immediate presence of God. This miniature is particularly interesting as the Prophet is shown with his face unveiled, riding on the mysterious mount Buraq. Later pictures of Muhammad generally show him with a veil covering his face, and in more recent times even his entire body is usually symbolized by a white cloud or a rose.

Artist

Sultan Muhammad Nur

Date

ca. 1525–35

Medium

Ink, gold, and colors on paper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Louis V. Bell Fund and The Vincent Astor Foundation Gift, 1974