Allah Ta’ala in His infinite Mercy has favoured us in so many ways. Such blessings that we cannot possibly enumerate nor show sufficient gratitude to the Almighty. Amongst the many blessings include a very special GIFT..Laylatul Qadr- The Night of Decree.
It is an opportunity to gain closeness to our Creator, forgiveness of our sins and an elevated position in Jannah (Paradise). The Night of Power is better that a 1000 months (83 years, 4 months)!
Allah, Most Wise, says:
"The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” (Quran 97:3 )
The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) is reported to have said:
“Whosoever stands in "Ibaadah" (worship) on this night, with sincere faith and with genuine hopes of gaining reward, his previous sins will be forgiven." (Hadith-Bukhari and Muslim)
WHEN IS IT?
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said:
"Seek it (laylatul qadr) in Ramadan in the last ten nights. For verily, it is during the odd nights, 21st 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th orthe last night of Ramadhan." (Sahih Hadith Ahmad 5:318)
From traditions we learn that among the signs of this night is that it is a serene, quiet, shining night, neither hot, nor cold but temperate as if a moon is shining clear, and no meteors are shot at the "Shayateen" on that night; it lasts until the break of the dawn. Another sign is that at morn, the Sun rises without any radiant beams of light, appearing rather like the moon in it's fullness. On that day, Allah prohibits th e"Shayateen" from rising up with the Sun.
WHAT TO DO ON THIS NIGHT?
Worship during this night can take on many forms. Here are a few suggestions to help you through Laylatul Qadr:
· Take a vacation for Allah! If possible, take a vacation for the last 10 days of Ramadan.Plan ahead if you are working.
· Discuss the importance of this night with your friends and family and Islamic Scholars(Ulama). Create an atmosphere for ibadah(worship).
· Perform Itikaaf (seclusion in a Masjid for worship) –Try to spend full ten days in I’tikaf. If you cannot spend all 10 days in Itikaaf, then do as many days as you can - even if it is only one day. According to the Messenger of Allah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) “whosoever performs "I'tikaaf" for a day thereby seeking the pleasure of Allah, Allah will spread three trenches between him andthe fire of Hell, the width of each trench being greater than the distance between Heaven and the Earth."
· Increase the recitation of the Qur'an- Try to recite as much Qur’an as possible. There is great virtue in recitation. (reflect onthe meaning of the verses, especially the verses used in Salah. This will help you concentrate)
· Increase Salah (prayer).Read as many Nawaafil (optional)Prayers as possible. Eg Tahajjud Salaah, Salatul Tasbih etc
· Make abundant Zikr (i.e remembering Allah, sending salawaat on our beloved Rasulullah(salallaho alaihe wassallam) and making Istigfaar(seeking forgiveness from Allah)
· Dua (Asking from Allah)- Spend lots of time begging from Allah to fulfil your needs and the needs of the Ummah both in this world and the hereafter. Ramadaan is replete with moments when duas are accepted. Aaisha (Radhiallaho anha) reports: "I said: 'O Messenger of Allah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), should I find myselfthe "Laylatul Qadr", what shall I pray. The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) replied: say,
Allaahumma innaka afuwwun tohibbul'afwa fa'fu anna
"O Allah, Thou art the One who grants pardon for sins. Thou lovest to pardon, so pardon me." (Hadith- Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and at-Tirmithi)
· Make list of Things you need from Allah-Ask yourself what you really want from Allah. Make a list of each and everything, no matter how small or how big it is, whether it deals with this world or the hereafter. Allah loves to hear from us and wants us to beg of Him. Once this list is ready then use it in your prayers.
· Best time for dua- Make sincere and all-embracing Duas. One of the best times to do this is during the last part of the night especially at the time of suhoor (sehri). Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, related that Rasulullah (salallaho alaihe wassallam) said: When the last one-third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One descends towards the heaven of the earth and proclaims: Who is that who supplicates for Me, and I grant his supplication? Who is that who begs Me for anything and I grant it to him? And who is that who seeks My forgiveness, and I forgive him? (Hadith-Bukhari, Muslim).
· Take regular breaks during the night to avoid getting over-exhausted. Try switching between different forms of worship.
May Allah accept our prayers and allow us to take full benefit of this Mubarak Night and let us not forget our brothers and sisters all over the world who are being oppressed and facing extreme hardships.
