LAYLATUL QADR

“ *Verily, We have sent it (this Qur’an) down in the night of al-Qadr (Decree)

*And what will make you know what the night of al-Qadr (Decree) is?

*The night of al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e worshipping Him in a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4months)

*Therein descend the angels and the Ruh [Jibril] by Allah’s permission with all Decrees,

*(All that night), there is Peace (and Goodness from Allah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn.” (Q97:1-5)

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“Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments. (i.e. matters ofdeaths, births, provisions, calamities for the whole coming year as decreed by Allah).” (Q44:4)

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Narrated ‘Aishah (ra):Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said, “ Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadhaan.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol 3, Hadith No. 234)

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Narrated by ‘Aishah (ra): I asked, “O Messenger of Allah! If I realize Laylatul Qadr (Night of Decree) what should I supplicate in it?” He (peace be upon him) said, “You should supplicate : Allahuma innaka ‘afuwwun, tuhibbul –‘afwa, fa’fu’ani. – O ALLAH, You are most forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.””

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Maximizing the last ten days is top on the agenda of Muslims the world over. Many have started Ihtikaaf as the Night may well be this one! Please do not be deceived, make the best of it.

Avoid all distractions, cut out all the needless activities, it is for ten days akhi wa ukhti!

Double up on Qiyaamul Layl, Qira’atul Qur’an, dhikr, dua and shukr.

Do more good deeds and eschew all evil. You do not want to be insulting anyone or bearing grudges on this night!

Give more to charity and overall be humble as the arrogant act like they are in no need of Allah(subhanahu wa ta ala).

It will be like doing these things for eighty-three years. What a great loss if missed! Imagining the reward alone is mind-boggling. This is when we observe this night according to the Sunnah. It does not involve arbitrarily fixing one night like we know more than the Prophet and Companions. It most definitely does not include singing and dancing. Let us try our best to do it right for the sake of Allah.

Indeed it is the highlight of this noble month- getting to witness the Night of Decree, the night of majesty and power. May we all be favoured with this blessing. Amiin.