LAYLATUL QADR

 

It is known by many names and allusions; many are its seekers and adherents. It is LaytalulQadr, a night that is greater than a thousand months.Allaah has called it Laylat al-Qadr because of its great value and high status with Allaah, and because so many sins are forgiven and so many faults are concealed during this night. For it is the night of forgiveness, as it was reported in al-Saheehayn from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“Whoever stays up during Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of earning reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven”(Al-Bukhaari, 1910; Muslim, 760).

Also, it is the night  on which the Qur’aan was sent down. Ibn ‘Abbaas and others said:

”Allaah sent down the Qur’aan at one time from al-Lawh al-Mahfooz to Bayt al-‘izzah in the first heaven, then it was revealed to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in stages according to evemts over twenty three years”. (Tafseer Ibn Katheer 52/4)

On this night, the affairs of every individual for the next coming year is despatched from al-Lawlal-Mahfooz to the angels who record the decree.

It is known that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would intensify his worship in the last 10 days of Ramadan and spend longer time in his worship by night, and would wake up the members of his household to do the same. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and his companions would even withdraw themselves to the mosque in these days away from the worldly life engaging in the fervent worship of The All Mighty, just so that they do not miss this one precious night.

It is justly expected of every Muslim to seek out this night in the last 10 days of Ramadan, particularly on the odd nights (of the 21st, 23rd, 25th,27th and 29th) as no one but Allaah knows the exact night. He has concealed it in the IlmalGayb, the Knowledge of the Unknown.

LaylatulQadr is described as a night that is neither hot nor cold, and the following day the sun rises red and weak (Saheeh ibn Khuzaymah; 2912, Musnaad al-Tayaalisi)

One of the best du’aa’s that may be recited on Laylat al-Qadr is that which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) taught to ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her). Al-Tirmidhi narrated, and classed the report as saheeh, that ‘Aa’ishah said:

“I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, if I know which night is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say on that night?’ He said, ‘Say: Allaahummainnaka ‘afuwwuntuhibb al-‘afwafa’ffu ‘anni (O Allaah, You are forgiving and You love forgiveness, so forgive me).” 

We should therefore put aside sources of distraction that threaten to steal the blessings of thisGlorious Nightfrom us. May Allaah accept our worship and forgiveness.

Aameen.

Abdulmalik Ayodele