The blessed month of Ramadan has been singled out for ‘Ibādah - special worship - and exclusive favours from the Lord of the Worlds, Heaven and Earth. It is a month, unlike other months. One major event that took place during Ramadan is that The Qur’an – the sacred book of Allah’s words – was sent down. It is believed that the Angel Jibril revealed The Qur’an to our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on Laylatul-Qadr. Indeed, the final guidance was revealed to mankind with clear signs of guidance and distinctions, therefore, making Laylatul-Qadr a special night.
Called by several other names such as ‘The Night of Power’, ‘The Night of Decree’, ‘The Night of Measures’, ‘The Night of Value’ and ‘The Night of Destiny’, the exact date of this night is unknown, although it is sought, by Muslims around the world, in the last ten days of Ramadan, on the odd nights.
On the night of Laylatul-Qadr, Allah shows great mercy to His creation and decrees one’s fate. Man’s destiny is written for the remaining year. Consequently, all Muslims should take advantage of this sacred night by gaining as much reward as possible. Believers are encouraged to stay awake the entire night and pray for blessings and forgiveness. It is the holiest night of the year, and it would be unwise to be heedless of the tremendous benefits of this night.
Ibn Abbas reported that The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said regarding the Night of Decree, “It is a calm night, neither hot nor cold, and the sun arises on it red and feeble.” [Ṣaḥiiḥ Ibn Khuzaymah 2049]
“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.” [Qur’an: 97:3-5]
Many believing Muslims go into solitude – called Iʿtikāf – during the last ten days of Ramadan to reconnect with Allah while disconnecting themselves from the material world and increasing their ‘Ibādah – divine worship – as well as reflecting on their actions and how to improve their behaviour and way of living.
Important things to do on Laylatul-Qadr
1. Offer lots of duas or supplications and immerse in prayers to earn the favour of Allah.
2. Ask for forgiveness from your Lord. All your past sins will be forgiven on Laylatul-Qadr.
3. Pray for dreams to come true, ask for anything and everything you want from your Lord, for, on this blessed night, all the prayers are answered.
4. Help the needy and offer Sadaqah - voluntary charity - to someone who will genuinely benefit from it. Even offering a glass of water to someone who needs it earns immense blessings.
5. Recite and reflect upon the chapters of the Holy Qur’an. Read the Surahs – the chapters – with translations to understand the meaning of the verses so you may enlighten your heart.
6. Offer Laylatul-Qadr prayers.
7. Follow Islamic guidance and learn how to make the most of Laylatul-Qadr and benefit from its huge and lasting rewards.
The last 10 days of Ramadan are related to ‘Najat’ – (Freedom from the fire). Therefore, the following powerful dua must be read by believers.
O Allah! You are Most Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me.
It is said that the reward of a righteous deed during this special night is the same as performing it continuously for over 83 years. So, this is a great opportunity to dedicate yourself to your Lord through good actions which will benefit you and your close ones. Indeed, this is our chance to invest in and beautify our Akhirat – The Hereafter.
Writer: Maariyah Toorawa
Editor: Khisha Callicharrun