Eman Sakina

As we live today in an era of digital distractions and materialistic heedlessness, often acts of worship are squeezed into brief moments in our daily routine, which does not furnish one with a complete transformative spiritual experience. Serious worship requires not just taking a brief moment to pray, but allowing our prayers to define our direction in life.

Friday Musings

Thus, Islam offers opportunities for intense spiritual experiences, experiences that involve setting aside the dunya (worldly life) and its distractions. Of the greatest of such opportunities are the blessed nights of Ramzan.

Prophet Muhammad said, “Whoever spends the nights of Ramzan in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, he will be forgiven his previous sins.”

The foremost of these opportunities are the last ten nights of Ramzan. Laylatul Qadr, often called the Night of decree, power, or destiny, is the most sacred night in Islam. It falls in the last ten nights of Ramzan, and its exact date remains unknown, though it is widely believed to be on the 27th night.

This night carries exceptional spiritual significance as it marks the revelation of the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad and is described in the Quran as being better than a thousand months.

Muslims across the world spend this night in prayer, supplication, recitation of the Quran, and seeking forgiveness. Laylatul Qadr is not just about performing acts of worship but about transforming one’s life, strengthening faith, and seeking divine mercy. Just as a person awaiting the decree of a judge in the courtroom prays most intensely when that decree is about to be decided, likewise Laylatul-Qadr may signal that final opportunity to change one’s fate (taqdeer).

Muslims offering namaz inside Jama masjid, Delhi on second Frioday of Ramzan

After that, a person’s taqdeer in the record of the angels is only changed if it was written before that it would be changed.

The importance of Laylatul Qadr is highlighted in the Quran in Surah Al-Qadr (Chapter 97, Verses 1-5): "Indeed, We sent the Quran down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit (Jibreel) descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn."

These verses emphasize the immeasurable blessings of this night, as worship during Laylatul Qadr is more valuable than worship done over 83 years (1,000 months).

Additionally, Prophet Muhammad advised his companions to search for Laylatul Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramzan, particularly on the odd-numbered nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th).

In a Hadith, the Prophet said: "Whoever stands (in prayer) during Laylatul Qadr with faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven." (Bukhari, Muslim)

This Hadith highlights the power of sincere worship, as it offers forgiveness from past sins and a fresh start.

Muslims offering namaz at the Shahi masjid of Sambhal in UP during Ramzan

Laylatul Qadris a special day because of the following factors:

The Night of the Quran’s Revelation

The greatest gift to humanity, the Quran, was revealed on Laylatul Qadr. This moment marked the beginning of Allah’s divine guidance, bringing light to a world filled with darkness. Every year, this night reminds Muslims of the power of divine revelation and the importance of following the teachings of the Quran.

 A Night Better Than a Thousand Months

One of the unique blessings of Laylatul Qadr is that worship during this night is equivalent to worshiping continuously for more than 83 years. This is an opportunity for Muslims to multiply their rewards within a single night, making it a once-in-a-lifetime chance every year.

 The Descent of Angels

Laylatul Qadr is a night of peace and mercy, as the angels, led by Angel Jibreel (Gabriel), descend to Earth. Their presence fills the night with divine tranquility, blessings, and protection for those who seek Allah’s mercy.

Decree of Fate for the Coming Year

Many Islamic scholars believe that on this night, Allah determines the destiny of every person for the upcoming year. Matters such as life, death, sustenance, and opportunities are decreed on this night. This belief encourages Muslims to pray for their well-being and the well-being of their loved ones.

A Night of Unlimited Forgiveness

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

"On this night, whoever asks for forgiveness with sincerity will have their past sins forgiven."

Allah’s mercy and forgiveness are at their peak during Laylatul Qadr. No matter how many sins a person has committed, sincere repentance can erase them and provide a fresh start.

How to Make the Most ofLaylatul Qadr?

Since the exact night is unknown, Muslims are encouraged to engage in increased acts of worship during the last ten nights of Ramzan. Here are some of the best ways to maximize this sacred night:

Perform Extra Prayers (Tahajjud andTaraweeh)

Tahajjud(late-night prayer) is one of the most powerful ways to connect with Allah.

Taraweeh(Ramzan night prayers) should be performed with sincerity and devotion.

Recite and Reflect on the Quran

Since Laylatul Qadr is the night of the Quran’s revelation, reciting and reflecting on its meaning brings immense rewards.

Make Abundant Duas (Supplications)

Prophet Muhammad recommended this powerful dua:

(Allahummainnaka ‘afuwwuntuhibbul ‘afwafa’fu ‘anni)

(O Allah, You are Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.)

Make personal duas for yourself, your family, and the entire Ummah.

Engage in Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)

Repeat words of remembrance frequently: SubhanAllah(Glory be to Allah); Alhamdulillah(All praise is due to Allah) Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) La ilahaillallah(There is no god but Allah)

Give Charity (Sadaqah)

Giving to the poor, orphans, and those in need brings multiple blessings. Sadaqah on Laylatul Qadr multiplies your rewards significantly.

Seek Forgiveness and Repentance

Sincerely ask for forgiveness for past sins. Repent from bad habits and promise to improve your relationship with Allah.

Maintain Gratitude and Patience

Thank Allah for all the blessings He has given. Be patient and consistent in your worship, as rewards are multiplied.

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By sincerely worshiping Allah and seeking His mercy, one can attain divine peace, forgiveness, and countless blessings. As Ramzan comes to an end, Laylatul Qadr serves to remind us of the mercy and love of Allah, urging us to become better believers and stronger in our faith.