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| Laylat al-Qadr prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem (AP Photo/Muhammed Muheisen) |
“Whoever stands (in prayer) in
Laylat al-Qadr while nourishing his faith with self-evaluation, expecting
reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven.”
[Abu
Huraira, Sahih Bukhari]
Today, Ramadan 23, 1433, the Holy Month is into its last few days. Muslims
pray that the time they devoted to fasting, prayer, renewal and reflection, as
well as the lessons learned will carry them through the year.
The last 10 days of the month anticipate Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Destiny or Night of Power) that is
described in the Qur’an, Surat al-Qadr
(Chapter 97):
In the
Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
We have
indeed revealed this message in the Night of Power.
And what
will explain what the Night of Power is?
The
Night of Power is better than a thousand months.
Therein
come down the angels and the spirit, by Allah's permission, on every errand.
Peace!
Until the rising of the morn!
Tradition holds Laylat
al-Qadr is the night the first revelation of the Qur'an was sent down to
the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
Muslims seek Laylat al-Qadr
during the last 10 days of Ramadan, particularly on the odd nights -- the 23rd,
25th and 27th.
The Prophet said, "Whoever
stays up (in prayer and remembrance of Allah) on the Night of Qadr, fully
believing (in Allah's promise of reward) and hoping to seek reward, he shall be
forgiven for his past sins." [Bukhari and Muslim]
Muslims worldwide spend these last nights in devotion, retreating
to the mosque to read the Qur'an (Itikaf),
reciting special supplications (du’a),
and reflecting on the meaning of God's message to them. It is believed to be a
time of intense spirituality, when angels surround the believers, the gates of
heaven are open, and God's blessings and mercy are abundant.
Aisha (RA),
the wife of the Prophet, narrates that He said:
“Look for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last 10 nights of the month
of Ramadan.” [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 32, Number 237]
Aisha adds: “I asked the Messenger of Allah: 'O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of
Qadr, what should I say during it?' He said: 'Say: O Allah, You are Forgiving and
Generous and You love to Forgive, so forgive me.'”
It is believed the
revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Mohammad occurred in two phases, the
first phase being its revelation in full on Laylat
al-Qadr to the Angel Gabriel (Jibreel) in the lowest heaven, and the second
being its verse-by-verse revelation to the Prophet by the Angel. The revelation
started in 610 CE at the Hijra cave on Mount Nur in Mecca. The first Sura to be revealed was Surat al-Alaq or Surat Iqra. This night is also believed to be the night when God
decides everyone’s destiny.
Those who can afford to
devote their time stay in the mosque for the final 10 days of Ramadan. This
worship is called Itikaf (retreat).
They observe a fast during the day and occupy themselves with the remembrance
of God, performing voluntary prayers and studying the Qur’an, day and night,
apart from the obligatory prayers, which they perform with the congregation.
Food and other necessities of life are provided for them during their stay in
the mosque.
The faithful will now
be awaiting Laylat al-Qadr today Ramadan 23 (Saturday 11 August), on Ramadan 25 (Monday 13 August) or the most likely on Ramadan 27
(Wednesday15 August) -- the last odd nights of the Holy Month.
The Qur'an describes Laylat al-Qadr as a night that is more
valuable than a thousand months.
According to Sahih Bukhari (Volume
3, Book 32, Number 233), as narrated by Abu Salama:
I asked Abu Sa'id, and he was
a friend of mine, (about Laylat al-Qadr) and he said, "We practiced Itikaf (seclusion in the mosque) in the
middle third of the month of Ramadan with the Prophet. In the morning of the
20th of Ramadan, the Prophet came and addressed us and said, ‘I was informed of
(the date of the Night of Qadr) but I
was caused to forget it; so search for it in the odd nights of the last 10
nights of the month of Ramadan. (In the dream) I saw myself prostrating in mud
and water (as a sign). So, whoever was in ltikaf
with me should return to it with me (for another 10-day period),’ and we
returned. At that time there was no sign of clouds in the sky but suddenly a
cloud came and it rained till rainwater started leaking through the roof of the
mosque, which was made of date-palm leaf stalks. Then the prayer was
established and I saw Allah's Apostle prostrating in mud and water and I saw
the traces of mud on his forehead."
May all your prayers be heard and answered. Happy Eid.
