Allah Ta'ala has given a special gift to the Muslims in the form of Lailatul Qadr. Ya Allah bless us all with thisLaylat ul Qadr night
Laylat ul Qadr 2023 - 27th Ramadan 1444
As we all know Laylat al Qadr is one of the odd nights of the last 10 days of Ramadan. This year, Laylat al Qadr 2023 is expected to be observed on the night of Tuesday, 18th April 2023. However, exact date is subject to the sighting of the moon of Ramadan, 1444.
Laylat al Qadr (لیلة القدر) is an Arabic word that means Night of Power / Night of Decree in English. It is also known as Laylat al Qadr, Laylatul Qadr, Lailatul Qadr / Lailatul Qadar and (شب قدر) in different parts of the world.
Ramadan is the holiest month for all Muslims around the world and Laylat Al Qadr is the holiest night of Ramadan which signifies the importance of this night. As mentioned in the beginning, this night is better than a thousand months, and worshiping on this night is better than eighty-three years of worship. This reason alone should encourage a true Muslim to spend this night in prayer, Dua & Dhikr, seeking forgiveness and asking Allah for all the blessings of this world and hereafter.
This night is so valuable that the Quran dedicates a special Surah to it i-e Surah Al-Qadr (97).
WHEN LAYLATUL QADR IS OBSERVED?
Although the exact night on which Laylatul Qadr occurs has not been mentioned anywhere, Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) has directed us to seek Laylat Al Qadr during the odd nights of the last 10 days of Ramadan. The same is also evident from the following Hadith:
Narrated by Aishah (R.A.) the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said:
“Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.”
So Laylat Al Qadr falls on either the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th night of Ramadan. However, it has been emphasized that it is most likely to be the 27th night of Ramadan.
SIGNIFICANCE OF LAILATUL QADAR
There are many Quranic Ayahs and Hadiths about the importance and significance of this blessed night.
Quran was Descended on this night
The Holy Quran was first sent down from heaven on this night. The same is also evident from the following Ayahs of the HOLLY Quran:
“Verily, We have sent it (this Qur’an) down on the night of Al-Qadr (Decree).”
“Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night.”
"Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Quran, as a guide to mankind, also clear (signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong)."
The Revelation of the Holy Quran; is a sign of Mercy, a guide, and a blessing of Allah to mankind. Anyone who is interested in finding the best guide, he/she should look into the teachings of Quran Kareem.
This Night is Better than Thousand Months
Allah says in Quran:
“The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months.”
This means worshipping Allah in Laylatul Qadr is better, in reward, than worshipping Him a thousand months, which is equal to 83 years and 4 months.
All your past sins will be forgiven
“Whoever established prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven."
How Prophet (S.A.W.) observed this night
Praying on this night is also a Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (S.A.W.). Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) would engage himself in devotion during the last ten nights of Ramadan more than he did in any other time of the year. The same is also evident from the following Hadith:
It is narrated by Aishah (R.A.):
“When the last ten nights began (of Ramadan), Allah's Messenger (S.A.W.) kept awake at night (for prayer and devotion), wakened his family, and prepared himself to observe prayer (with more vigor).”
Purpose of Itikaaf
As narrated by Aishah (R.A.), who said:
‘Allah's Messenger (S.A.W.) used to practice Itikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan and used to say, "Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan."’
Prophet (S.A.W.) used to pray so much during Itakaaf that his forehead would darken due to continuous prostration before Allah.
As reported by Abu Sa'id al-Khudri (R.A.):
“Prophet (S.A.W.) adhered to his place of Itikaf and his forehead was besmeared with mud and water."
[Sahih Muslim: 1167 (b)]
Angels come down to Earth with Goodness
Allah Says in Quran:
“The angels and the spirit descend therein by the command of their Lord with His decrees for every affair.”
According to Ibn Kathir, the angels descend in abundance, under the leadership of Hazrat Jibrail (A.S.), during the Night of Al-Qadr. The angels descend with the descending of blessings and mercy of Allah, just as they descend when the Quran is recited. The angles then surround the circles of Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and they lower their wings with true respect for the student of knowledge. The angels continue giving the greetings of peace during the whole Night of Al-Qadr to the people who are busy with Supplications, Prayers, Quran Recitation, Dhikr of Allah, or any remembrance of Allah until the time of Fajr (dawn) comes.
DUA FOR LAYLATUL QADR
It was narrated from Aishah (R.A.) that she said:
"O Messenger of Allah, what do you think I should say in my supplication, if I come upon Laylatul Qadr?" He said: "Say:
Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwan tuhibbul-‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni
(O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me)."
THINGS TO DO ON LAILATUL QADR
If you are interested in living the Night of Power, let us remind you of some of the things that you might have to do.
On the nights (odd nights of the last 10 days of Ramadan) one may spend the time collectively and/or individually observing the following activities:
2) Praying Nafl after Taraweeh Prayer.
3) Remember Allah (also known as Dhikr).
4) Making Dua (supplication) for yourself, your loved ones, and the Muslim Ummah.
5) Reading books of Hadeeth to learn about the Sunnahs of Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.).
6) Reading Tafseer of the Quran.
7) Giving charity to others if you can afford it.
8) Sharing your knowledge about Islam with those next to you so they benefit and learn from you.
CONCLUSION
All in all, the Night of Power is a very important occasion in Islam. This Night is a night of Mercy, a night of Blessing, a night of Peace and a night of Guidance. It is a night of Unification between our finite world of ours and the Infinite Universe of the Unseen. Anyone who is interested in attaining the Mercy of Allah will strive very hard to look for the Night of Power. Anyone who is interested in receiving the blessings of Allah on the Blessed Night will work very hard to make the most of the Night of Power. Anyone who is interested in attaining peace of mind, peace of body, and peace in society; he/she has to look for this Night and live it.
May Allah give us the strength, power, courage, and effort to do our best to obey Allah and follow His teachings. May Allah guide us and strengthen our Iman. We pray that Allah helps us live another year with sincerity and devotion. May Allah make us realize that one year of our life is over and we are one year closer to our graves. Let us wake up and do our best to please Allah in our daily life. Let us ask Allah for forgiveness.
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