Lailatul Qadr

“Verily! We have sent it (Al-Quran) 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. Therein descend the angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] by Allah's Permission with all Decrees, Peace! (All that night, there is Peace and Goodness from Allah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn.”

(Al-Qadr 97:1 - 5)

Therefore, worshipping Allah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months! Which is about 83 years and 4 months! This is probably longer then most of us will even live! So which of us will be crazy enough to waste this opportunity?


When is the Night?

Narrated Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her): Allah's Apostle (peace be upon him) said,

"Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan."

[Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 3, Book 32, Number 234]

Therefore, it could be 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th. Some narrations indicate its on the last seven days and others say 27th. However, its best to seek it on all the odd nights (only 5 days!) and perhaps you will be rewarded for a lifetime!
One thing to note, we start our nights at maghrib. So, say today is the 20th fast. However, the prayer of tonite is the 21st. If you recall, we startd taraweeh the night before fasting. Also, when the moon is sighted at the end, we dont pray taraweeh the night before Eid.

Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said,

"Whoever fasted the month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith (i.e. belief) and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven, and whoever stood for the prayers in the night of Qadr out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven ."

[Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 3, Book 32, Number 231]

Make Dua

Remember, ask for whatever you wish, but dont forget to say for forgiveness, because the last place we all want to end up is in Hell.  Just in case you're not sure what to ask for:

• Forgiveness for yourself, your family and the whole muslim nation (ummah)

• Guidance to the straight path

• Purification of mind, body and soul

• Knowledge of the religion

• Wisdom

• The best of the world and the next

• A righteous spouse

• Paradise

Dont ask for worldly things like long life, more money, job promotion, etc because all of this has already been apportioned for you and it cannot be changed.

As for those of who you may not be able to pray, you should recite Quran instead. Quran can be recited in any state, according to the strongest opinion, so don't follow the views of those who dont know! Allah would not restrict the Quran to certain people and certain times only!! So recite Quran, perhaps recite a soorah that you love and read its translation. Or you can read other stuff like islamic articles, or some of the stories of the Prophets, or even ahadeeth. The point is to do something good. and after that, make your Dua sincerely.



Be consistent

Its only 5 nights, don't waste them. Repeat the same thing every night. Anyone and everyone who trys to distract you in these nights, are no doubt soldiers of shaytaan. Any friends who ask you to go out on this night, are the ones that will lead you to Hell. So take heed of your actions and Fear Allah in all you do.

Remember..this might be your last Ramadaan! The last thing you want is to be in your grave, regretting not being a better Muslim in this life. Once you die, your judgment starts and there is no returning back!

JazakAllahu khairan kathira to Imran Ayub for sharing this with me.