Miraj Nameh
The Miraj Nameh (Mirâj Nâmeh), held in the National Library of France under “supplément turc 190,” is a remarkable 15th-century Islamic manuscript. This manuscript, created in the workshops of Herat, Khorasan (modern Afghanistan), at the behest of Shahrukh Mirza, the son of Timur (Tamerlane), is an exquisite example of Islamic art and literature.
Written in Eastern Turkic, the text dates back to 1436-1437 CE (840 in the Islamic calendar) and stands as a testament to the vibrant cultural and artistic endeavors of the Timurid era.
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The Miraj Nameh reflects the integration of mystical and theological ideas into Islamic art and literature during the Timurid period. It is a cultural artifact that showcases the intellectual, artistic, and spiritual achievements of the Islamic Golden Age. Image: The Prophet Muhammad’s Night Journey (Mi’raj) on the Buraq, accompanied by the archangel Gabriel and the Prophets Noah and Idris.
The Story of the Miraj
The Miraj Nameh recounts the Isra and Mi’raj, the miraculous night journey and heavenly Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad. These events, foundational to Islamic belief, describe how the Prophet, under the guidance of the angel Gabriel, was transported from Mecca to the “Farthest Mosque” in Jerusalem (identified as Al-Aqsa Mosque). From there, he ascended through the heavens, culminating in an intimate encounter with the divine presence.
The narrative is inspired by the Quranic verse from Surah Al-Isra (17:1), which states:
Glory to Him Who carried His servant by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Remote Mosque, whose precincts We blessed, that We might show him of Our signs! Surely He is the Hearing, the Seeing.
This verse served as the foundation for centuries of theological, mystical, and literary elaboration, shaping the cultural and spiritual landscape of the Islamic world. Over time, the story of the Mi’raj evolved into a popular motif in Islamic storytelling, influencing both devotional and artistic expressions.
Creation and Artistic Elements
The Miraj Nameh manuscript was composed by the poet Mir Haydar in Eastern Turkic. The calligraphy was masterfully executed by Malik Bakhshi of Herat, using the Uighur script. Herat, during the Timurid period, was a hub of intellectual and artistic activity, and this manuscript reflects the sophistication of that era.
The manuscript is particularly renowned for its illustrations, featuring sixty-one Persian miniatures that depict the various stages of Muhammad’s journey. These miniatures are celebrated for their vivid colors, intricate details, and imaginative representations of celestial and earthly realms.
Notably, the Mi’raj Nameh includes depictions of the Prophet Muhammad, a feature that has sparked both admiration and debate within Islamic art history. The manuscript has been described as “one of the most extraordinary of all Islamic illustrated manuscripts.”
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Mystical and Theological Context
The Mi’raj, or ascension, represents not only a miraculous event in Muhammad’s life but also a profound spiritual allegory. Within Islamic mysticism (Sufism), it symbolizes the soul’s journey toward divine union. Each stage of Muhammad’s ascent—from Jerusalem to the Seventh Heaven—mirrors the spiritual progress of the believer, guided by divine revelation and illuminated by contemplation.
The Miraj Nameh is thus more than a narrative; it serves as a theological and mystical text, blending doctrine with poetic and artistic expression. The manuscript reflects the integration of mysticism into mainstream Islamic beliefs, highlighting the narrative’s influence on both personal devotion and collective faith.
Historical Provenance
The manuscript has a storied history of ownership and preservation. In 1673, it was acquired in Constantinople by Antoine Galland, a French orientalist and the translator of The Thousand and One Nights. Galland transported the manuscript to France, where it became part of the private library of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, a prominent minister of Louis XIV. It eventually found its way into the collections of the National Library of France, ensuring its preservation and scholarly accessibility.
Legacy
The Miraj Nameh stands as a masterpiece of Islamic art, literature, and spirituality. Its text and illustrations offer profound insights into the theological and artistic achievements of the Timurid period.
By blending mystical themes, Quranic inspiration, and extraordinary craftsmanship, the manuscript continues to captivate scholars, art historians, and admirers of Islamic culture worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Miraj Nameh
Who commissioned the Miraj Nameh?
The manuscript was commissioned by Shahrukh Mirza, the son of Timur (Tamerlane), in the workshops of Herat, Khorasan (modern Afghanistan), during the Timurid dynasty.
When was the Miraj Nameh created?
The manuscript was created between 1436 and 1437 CE (840 in the Islamic calendar).
What language is the Miraj Nameh written in?
The text is written in Eastern Turkic, with calligraphy in the Uighur script, reflecting the linguistic and cultural richness of the Timurid period.
What is the significance of the Isra and Mi’raj in Islam?
The Isra and Mi’raj represent pivotal events in Islamic tradition. The Isra refers to Muhammad’s night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem, while the Mi’raj describes his ascension to the heavens, where he encountered divine revelations and experienced the presence of Allah.
Who contributed to the creation of the manuscript?
The Miraj Nameh was composed by the poet Mir Haydar and calligraphed by Malik Bakhshi of Herat, with 61 Persian miniatures illustrating the story.
Muhammad, accompanied by archangel Gabriel, visits Hell.
What makes the Miraj Nameh a significant manuscript?
The manuscript is renowned for its exquisite Persian miniatures, detailed calligraphy, and the spiritual depth of its narrative. It has been described as “one of the most extraordinary of all Islamic illustrated manuscripts.”
What themes are explored in the Miraj Nameh?
The manuscript explores themes of divine revelation, the soul’s journey toward enlightenment, the interaction between the physical and metaphysical realms, and the spiritual symbolism of Muhammad’s ascension.
Where is the Miraj Nameh currently housed?
The manuscript is part of the National Library of France’s collection, under the designation “supplément turc 190.”
