Ascension awareness (Sufism)

Muhammad the Prophet's ascension to heaven represents modes of awareness in a number of stages and contains diverse symbolic elements. The initial elements include: the preparation of Muhammad's body by the purification of the heart (performed by an angel); the place of ascent beginning at the centre of the world (i.e. Mecca or Jerusalem) and the nocturnal journey there; and the mystic ladder (miradj) provided for the climb. However, a variant legend has the instrument of ascent to be not a ladder, but the beast, Burak (Lightening-flash). The power symbolized by this beast is also characterized as feminine, and since the beast itself is usually typified as a large ass, Burak becomes a winged mare in the traditions. She is represented also with a human face to signify that she is fact is an accessible force - her name connects phonetically with the spiritual power known as Baraka.

The additional symbolic elements are comprised in the ascent of Muhammad's awareness through hell, paradise and all the seven heavens. Eventually he converses with Allah, although perhaps through a veil. For mystics, the Miradj in a prototypal ascent.