Medium: Watercolors, cutouts, mirror, pipe cleaner, objects and ribbon.

This piece is inspired by the readings we did on Muhammad’s night journey and ascension to God.  I am fascinated by the esoteric interpretation of it and what it means for us on our journey to the Divine.  Rumi says the following in his piece, “The Journey into Yourself”:

“And you? When will you begin that long journey into yourself?” – Rumi

This leads me to look at the buraq, so often portrayed in Islamic artwork representing the Miraj, who went on part of the journey as well. I begin to see the buraq as each of us, with the opportunity to ascend toward the Divine.  Rumi says in his piece “Born with Wings”:

 “You were born with wings. Why prefer to crawl through life?” – Rumi

In my piece, I have depicted the seven chakras, six leopard print cut-outs and the crown chakra represented as the light above the mirror.  This represents the journey that Rumi talks about that we must make inside each one of us.  The leopard print recognizes the strength it will take, and the star above the buraq represents the dependence we must have on the Divine to begin and continue on that journey.  In a reading for Week 4, The Mevlidi Sherif on page 37, we encounter the following quote:

“You are the glass which mirrors my reflection; Your name have I inscribed with mine together.” – The Mevlidi Sherif

This was my inspiration for the mirror at the head of the buraq, so that each person who looks at this artwork can envision herself on this journey.