Muslim Festival Slows Airstrikes
At the Pentagon, Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said airstrikes in Afghanistan were not planned during the day Friday because of weekly prayers.
British Undersecretary of Defense Lewis Moonie suggested that the slowdown could last several days because of a Muslim festival commemorating the journey of the prophet Muhammad to heaven.
Celebrations vary among countries, with some marking the holiday Friday or today and others not until Monday. The holiday is observed Monday in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Laylat al-Isra wa al-Miraj (“The Night Journey and Ascension”) commemorates the journey of Muhammad from Mecca to Jerusalem, his ascension into the seven heavens and his return the same night.
On that night, Muslims believe, the prophet was instructed to establish Islam’s five daily prayers in their current form. They also believe that Muhammad prayed together with Abraham, Moses and Jesus in the area of Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa mosque.
The rock from which he is believed to have ascended to heaven to speak with God is the one seen inside the Dome of the Rock.
Isra wa al-Miraj, as it is sometimes called, is celebrated on the 27th of Rajab on the Islamic calendar.
Sources: ThinkQuest, Associated Press
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