The night of Laylatul Qadr is better than a thousand months and is so special that Allah has dedicated a specific chapter in the Quran to it.
by Ustaz Muhammad Zulkarnain Bin Azman
What is special about Laylatul Qadr?
By the Will of Allah s.w.t., we are rewarded with the holy month of Ramadan; a month that is filled with immeasurable blessings, a month of purification of the hearts, minds and souls and a month when spirituality thrives and flourishes. One of the blessings that is given by Allah s.w.t. as a gift to His servants is the blessed night of Laylatul Qadr, often translated as the Night of Decree or the Night of Power. The night is so special and significant that Allah s.w.t. dedicated an entire chapter of the Quran on it.
Allah s.w.t. says in Surah Al-Qadr:
“Indeed, We sent the Quran down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.”
(Surah Al-Qadr, 97:1-5)
What makes Laylatul Qadr exceptional and special? As we cross the halfway mark in Ramadan, let us uncover the meaning of this night and its significance.
1. The Date is Unknown
The precise night on which Laylatul Qadr occurs has always been unknown but what we know is that it falls within the final ten nights of Ramadan, believed by many on the odd nights. The Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. said,
“Search for Laylatul Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan.”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Certainly, there is great wisdom on why Allah s.w.t purposely made the exact date unknown from us. Part of it is so that we may strive in seeking it, engage in extra worship and remain consistent in doing them, even towards the very end of Ramadan.
2. The Revelation of the Quran
The biggest virtue associated with Laylatul Qadr is that in this night, Allah s.w.t. bestowed the Quran upon humankind as a gift and as a source of guidance. Besides mentioning in the first verse of Surah Al-Qadr, Allah s.w.t. says in Surah Ad-Dukhan:
“Indeed, We sent it (the Quran) down during a blessed night.” (Surah Ad-Dukhan, 44:3)
The revelation of the Scripture came in 2 stages; it was primarily revealed in its entirety by Jibril a.s. from Lauh Mahfuz (The Preserved Tablet) to Baitul ‘Izzah (The Lowest Heaven) in the sky of the earth and was then gradually revealed in stages to Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. throughout 23 years of Prophethood. Against this background, we should exhibit and manifest our gratitude towards Allah’s greatest blessing by appreciating its revelation, internalising its message and meaning and connecting with Him.
3. The Reward of the Night
It is mentioned that one of the incomprehensible rewards of Laylatul Qadr is that the night is better than a thousand months. If we realise the value of it, every act of righteous deeds and worship completed on this single night are rewarded a minimum of at least 83 years of worship, which is equivalent to an entire lifetime.
Such is the unique opportunity for us when approached with sincerity, to gain grand forgiveness and mercy from Allah s.w.t.
The Prophet s.a.w. said,
“Whoever spends the night of Laylatul Qadr in prayer out of faith and in hopes for the reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari & Muslim)
4. The Acceptance of Supplications
Supplication in seeking Lailatul Qadar
One of the many nuances of the word “Qadr” is congestion and restriction. Accordingly, the earth on that night will be flooded and occupied with so many angels that it becomes congested and pressured. And because it is filled with celestial beings of light and blessings, the earth is voided of every evil and calamity and becomes exposed to a spiritual pressure. Sins are forgiven and supplications are accepted.
One of the supplications that can be made in this night is an all-encompassing forgiveness prayer that is taught by the Prophet s.a.w. to his wife Aishah r.a. It was narrated that Aishah r.a. asked the Prophet s.a.w.,
“O Messenger of Allah! If I know which night Laylatul Qadr is, what should I say in it?” And he replied:
Transliteration: Allāhumma Innaka ‘Afuwwun Karīmun Tuhibbu-l ‘Afwa Fa’fu ‘Annī
“Oh Allah, You are indeed Forgiving, Generous and love to forgive, so forgive me.”
(Sunan At-Tirmizi)
With the significance of Laylatul Qadr explained, let us enliven and maximise the last ten nights by reciting the Quran and engaging in continuous prayers and invocations. If a believing person is keen to nurture and strengthen his spiritual self and increase the good deeds in his record, he/she should strive to spend these nights in obedience and worship. If this is facilitated for him, his soul will taste sweetness unlike any other.
Ultimately, we have to comprehend and understand that it is not about seeking the night but the Master of the night, which is Allah s.w.t. He will bless and reward us as He wants and pleases. We pray to Allah s.w.t. to enable us to make the best of these nights and catch the blessed Laylatul Qadr.
And Allah knows best.
Source:/muslim.sg/articles
Celebrating Eid / Eid ul-Fitr in 2021
While the Islamic calendar celebrates two different Eid festivals throughout the year – Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha – both are celebrated for very different reasons. Eid ul-Fitr is a three-day celebration that takes place at the end of the Holy month of Ramadan, at the start of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar; Eid ul-Adha takes place following the annual Hajj pilgrimage on the 10th day of the 12th month, Dhu al-Hijjah.
While we’ve previously discussed the differences between the two Eid’s in greater detail, we will now focus on the importance of Eid ul-Fitr and why Eid is celebrated, along with Eid dates for 2021.
What Does Eid ul-Fitr Mean?
So, what is Eid? When directly translated, the Eid meaning is “the festival of breaking the fast” and commemorates the end of a month-long fast throughout Ramadan for Muslims in the UK and around the world. The festival is a very important time in Islam and allows families, loved ones and communities to come together and celebrate following a month of abstinence and dedication to Allah (SWT).
This is important because it marks the end of Ramadan, the month in which the Holy Qur’an was first revealed to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). Throughout Ramadan, Muslims around the world undertake a fast between the hours of sunset and sunrise and spend a lot of time in self-reflection while studying the Qur’an and connecting with Allah (SWT) on a spiritual level. After a full month of sacrifice and dedication, Eid ul-Fitr is a time to come together with family and loved ones to enjoy everyday blessings.
‘The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So, whoever sights the new moon of the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and wants for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that to which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.’
– Quran 2:185
Why is Eid Celebrated?
Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated following a successful month of abstaining from both food and drink during daylight hours; this takes a lot of self-control and dedication to bring oneself spiritually closer to Allah (SWT) through prayer and worship in commemoration of the month when the Qur’an was first revealed.
To celebrate a full month of fasting in this way, Eid ul-Fitr is a joining together of family, friends, and communities to feast and enjoy the food that has been provided by Allah (SWT).
Ways to Celebrate Eid
Eid-ul-Fitr festival is an important way to mark the end of Ramadan, however, before the festivities can begin, there are a number of important rituals that must first take place to give true thanks to Allah (SWT) for all he has done.
Dawn prayers – also known as Fajr – are performed with your family before the ‘ghusl’ cleansing, which purifies the whole body. After the cleansing or ablution, the family prepare for the day, by wearing the finest clothes they own, or new clothes they have bought for the occasion. Families then head over to the local mosque to wish friends, family and the local community “Eid Mubarak” which is the traditional Eid greeting. The Eid Mubarak meaning is translated to ‘blessed feast/festival’, but it is also used in the context of ‘happy Eid’ and ‘blessed celebration’. After the greetings are said, Eid prayers begin.
Zakat ul-Fitr, or Fitrana, is a charity donation which must be made before Eid prayers commence, as this is distributed amongst the neediest to ensure they can take part in Eid festivities.
It’s also traditional to exchange gifts during the Eid celebration, particularly between young children and close family members. This holiday is also known as “The Lesser Eid” or “Sweet Eid” due to the increased number of sweet snacks available, and also because this day holds less importance in the Islamic calendar than Eid ul-Adha.
‘Worship God and join none with Him in worship, and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, the poor, the neighbour who is near of kin, the neighbour who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet) … Verily, God does not like such as are proud and boastful.’ – Quran 4:36
Preparing for Eid ul-Fitr
Eid is a joyous time and many Muslim communities look forward to the celebrations with eagerness. Are you making plans for Ramadan and Eid ul-Fitr this year?
Eid charity donations are commonly made at this time of year, whether as Zakat donations or Zakat ul-Fitr.
If you’d like to pay or prepare your Zakat donation, please visit our Zakat calculator to work out the amount owed or use our Zakat ul-Fitr donation page to make your Fitrana contribution to help those in need celebrate Eid ul-Fitr this year.
‘Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular prayers and regular charity, will have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve’ Quran 2:277
Source: muslimaid.org
