among Mahometans, a fabulous animal, supposed to be of the middle kind between an ass and a mule, wherewith their prophet was carried in his nocturnal flight from Jerusalem into the heavens. This animal the Arabians call *Al-Borak*, q.d. shining. The night when the journey was performed is called *Lailat al-Miraj*, i.e. the night of ascension; and the flight itself *Al-Meṣra*; concerning which there are a multitude of traditions.