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Ramadan is the most blessed month in Islam, which Muslims yearn for throughout the year. Aside from fasting (dawn to sunset), it is a time for reflection, contemplation, prayer, worship, and spiritual upliftment.
During this month, the reward for acts of obedience and worship increase manifold compared to other months. [1]
The last 10 nights of Ramadan, however, hold more importance over the rest of the month. One of the reasons for this is that the entire Quran was revealed to the lower portion of the heavens in one of these nights, namely, Laylah al Qadr (the Night of Power).
The Night of Power is the holiest night of the year wherein Muslims try to spend the whole night in worship for the attainment of blessing and reward.
Seeking the Night of Power
It is recommended to maximize acts of worship in the last 10 days of Ramadan, for it is said in the Quran, “The Night of Power is better than a thousand months” (Qur’an, 97:3).
The Night of Power is said to occur on the odd nights in the last 10 days of Ramadan, which can be either the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or the 29th. Some traditions insist that Laylatul Qadr takes place on the 27th night of Ramadan.
The Prophet of Allah (pbuh) said, “Search for the Night of Power in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.” [2]
There are three telltale signs mentioned in the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) that indicate the Night of Power. [3]
- The Prophet (pbuh) said: “The night of Qadr is a calm, serene and peaceful night. It is neither hot nor or cold…” (Bukhari)
- The Prophet (pbuh) said: “On the morning following Laylah al Qadr the sun rises not having any rays, as if it were a brass dish, until it rises up.” (Muslim, Abu Dawud)
- The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Laylah al Qadr is calm and pleasant, neither hot nor cold, the sun rises feeble and red on the morning following it.” (Ibn Khuzaimah, al Bazzaar)
Once Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) wished to inform the people about the date of Laylah al Qadr, however (the unpropitious effects resulting from) a quarrel between two men led to the withdrawal of the specificity of the Night. He informed the people about this ordeal and stated that maybe it was better for them (withdrawal of its specificity). [4]
Indeed, there is tremendous wisdom in it as not knowing the exact date would encourage people to continuously engage in acts of worship throughout the last ten nights of Ramadan in pursuit of the reward that the Night of Power offers.
Maximizing Reward
As the rewards for any act of worship is increased manifold during the Night of Power, every moment of this night becomes precious. Every person should strive to maximize the acts of worship during the last ten days of Ramadan while avoiding wasting their time in worldly affairs.
Here are some acts of worship that we can perform to utilize the benefits of this night fully:
Seek Forgiveness
It is narrated that Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Prophet (pbuh), “O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night Laylah al Qadr is, what should I supplicate with?” He replied (with the following words): اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ كَرِيمٌ تُحِبُّ العَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
“Allāhumma Innaka ‘Afuwwun Karīmun Tuhibbu-l ‘Afwa Fa’fu ‘Annī”
“O Allah, indeed You are Pardoning and Generous; You love to pardon, so pardon us.” (Tirmidhi)
Perform Tahajjud
Tahajjud is a voluntary (yet highly emphasised) night prayer with the recommended time being between in the last portion of the night.
The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Whoever stands in the night for prayer during Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, then all of their previous sins would be forgiven.”
(Muslim, Bukhari)
Perform I’tikaf
I’tikaf (seclusion) is where an individual focuses on worshipping Allah for extended periods while they refrain from delving into worldly affairs. Usually, people perform I’tikaf in mosques, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be performed in a secluded space in your home free from worldly distractions.
Give in charity
Laylah al Qadr is equivalent to more than 83 years. Therefore all noble acts performed during this night increases in reward to that degree. The same applies to giving in charity.
Avoid Wasting Time
We must resolve not to waste any time during these precious nights. Abandon all time-wasting activities that does not benefit you in any way, and minimise all worldly activities too as such blessed nights do not come often. If the temptation to engage in frivolous activities overcomes, say to yourself that it is only a matter of ten nights! It will be a great and eternal loss if such rare and invaluable opportunity is missed.
References
- Islamqa.info. 2021. What is the factor by which the reward for righteous deeds in Ramadan is multiplied? – Islam Question & Answer. [online] Available at: <https://islamqa.info/en/answers/221733/what-is-the-factor-by-which-the-reward-for-righteous-deeds-in-ramadan-is-multiplied> [Accessed 28 April 2021].
- Sunnah.com. 2021. Musnad Ahmad 298 – Musnad `Umar b. al-Khattab (ra) – مُسْنَدِ عُمَرَ بْنِ الْخَطَّابِ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ – Sunnah.com – Sayings and Teachings of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم). [online] Available at: <https://sunnah.com/ahmad:298> [Accessed 28 April 2021].
- Khan, Inamullah. (2017). Bright Night (Laylat al-Qadr) and its Signs. 10.13140/RG.2.2.25552.61442.
- Ahadith.co.uk. 2021. Hadith No. 47, Belief Sahih Bukhari. [online] Available at: <https://ahadith.co.uk/permalink-hadith-47> [Accessed 28 April 2021].
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