More than 7,000 guests and citizens were present at the Istana Nurul Iman to celebrate the Israk Mikraj.

Present to grace the event were Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hjh Saleha, HRH Pengiran Isteri Azrinaz Mazhar, HRH Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah and members of the Royal Family.

The highlight of the event was a special religious talk by the State Mufti Pehin Dato Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Hj Abd Aziz bin Juned, who spoke on the history of Israk Mikraj and the importance of women in Islam. Part of his talk covered the Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) journey from Mecca to Baitul Maqdis and then to heaven on the winged creature Buraq in just one night, and how not all those - particularly the non-believers - who witness a miracle with their own eyes will accept the truth behind the occurrence. He said that non-believers would do anything in their power to deny the truth, even though the Prophet himself has proven his faith.

The State Mufti included examples of other miracles performed by prophets prior to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), such as Prophet Salleh's miracle of making a camel come out of rocks and Prophet Musa's staff parting the Red Sea, and how although each was witnessed by hundreds of people, they still chose not to believe in the faith of the prophets.

The State Mufti said that this continuous ignorance of truth has led Allah to allow only Prophet Muhammad and the angel Gabriel to witness the event of Israk Mikraj - done completely in just one night - because it was the most special miracle of all.

Also discussed during the talk was the importance of women in Islam, particularly those who stay true to their religion and husbands. - Borneo Bulletin (31st July 2008)