For Muslims around the world, Ramadan is eagerly anticipated for its promise of spiritual rejuvenation and the chance to earn immense rewards through worship, supplications, and good deeds. Amidst this blessed month, there lies a night of extraordinary significance, a gem in the crown of Ramadan: Laylatul Qadar, also known as the Night of Decree.
Significance of Laylatul Qadar
Laylatul Qadar is a night marked by immense spiritual significance and divine mercy. It is also the night when the noble Quran was revealed and a time when the mercy and blessings of Allah are abundantly bestowed upon the faithful. The Quran states, “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” (Quran, 97:1-3). This night is a golden opportunity for Muslims to seek forgiveness for their past sins, as it is believed that prayers made during this night are answered, and the destiny for the coming year is decreed.
The Importance of the Odd Nights
Laylatul Qadar is believed to fall on one of the odd-numbered nights in the last ten days of Ramadan. This special night is deeply rooted in Islamic teachings, where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged Muslims to seek its blessings during these specific nights. Among these, the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th nights of Ramadan are considered possible dates, with many believing the 27th night to hold particular promise. However, the exact timing remains a mystery, inspiring believers to engage more intensively in worship across all these nights in the hope of experiencing this special occasion.
Focusing on the odd nights is meant to amplify devotion and worship; we are encouraged to immerse ourselves in prayer, Quranic recitation, acts of charity, and personal supplications. Let this time be an opportunity to draw nearer to Allah (SWT) with a spirit of perseverance, eagerness, and humility.
Recognizing Laylatul Qadar
While it can be difficult to know when the night of the decree is, identifying Laylatul Qadar involves observing subtle, spiritual signs that may manifest differently for each believer. However, scholars highlight several indicators of this blessed night, including:
- Peaceful Night: Characterized by its quiet, quiet atmosphere, allowing for deeper worship and reflection.
- Moderate Weather: Neither too hot nor too cold, creating a comfortable environment for prayer and remembrance.
- A Bright Dawn: The morning after Laylatul Qadar is marked by a unique, soft glow, with the sun rising gently.
- Calm Winds: A noticeable stillness in the air, without strong winds.
- Spiritual Uplift: Many report a heightened sense of spirituality and closeness to Allah, facilitating easier worship and reflection.
- Visions and Dreams: Some believers experience meaningful dreams, considered auspicious signs of Laylatul Qadar.
While these may only be indicators it is a point of reflection to encourage engagement in worship and spiritual practices throughout the last ten nights of Ramadan.
Practices During the Last Ten Nights
During the final stretch of Ramadan, the intensity of worship and devotion reaches its peak, as Muslims immerse themselves in a variety of spiritual practices to seek the blessings of Laylatul Qadar. Among the key activities we can all undertake include:
- Increased Night Prayers (Qiyamullai): Perform extra night prayers beyond five daily prayers. Lengthen our Taraweeh prayers and engage in Tahajjud prayers in the last third of the night. This can be done either at home or at the local mosques.
- Recitation and Reflection on the Quran: Given that Laylatul Qadar commemorates the revelation of the Quran, let us increase our time reading, reciting, and reflecting upon its verses. It’s a time for understanding the message and applying it to our lives.
- Making Dua (Supplication): It is a night when supplications are encouraged and are more likely to be accepted. Take the opportunity making dua for ourselves, our families, and the wider community, asking for forgiveness, guidance, and blessings.
- Charity (Sadaqah): Acts of charity and generosity are greatly emphasized during Ramadan, even more so during the last ten nights. Continue to give to those in need is a way to purify wealth and earn divine rewards.
- I’tikaf (Spiritual Retreat): Perform I’tikaf, and seclude ourselves in the mosque for the last ten nights of Ramadan with the aim to dedicate one’s time entirely to worship and closeness to Allah, away from worldly distractions.
- Seeking Forgiveness: A key part of the last ten nights is seeking Allah’s forgiveness and repenting for past sins. Let us engage in heartfelt repentance, hoping to be cleansed and forgiven for all our past sins,
Conclusion
The last ten nights of Ramadan, closing with the Laylatul Qadar, represent a peak of spiritual devotion and worship in Islam. It is a reminder of the mercy and generosity of Allah SWT, encouraging us, believers to strive for righteousness and piety. As Muslims worldwide observe these sacred nights, let us reaffirm our commitment to our faith and its values, fostering a sense of unity and purpose solely to earn the love and blessings of Allah SWT and be blessed with the Night of Decree. Insya Allah and Aamiin Ya Allah Ya Mujib.
Masjid Haji Muhammad Salleh@Habib Noh have lined up a series of events during Ramadan. This include Fiqh Ramadan before Zuhur prayers by our MRO, Ustaz Hafiz, tazkirah Ramadan by our guests asatizahs, Qiyamullail, Khatam Quran and a Terawih session with Mufti of Singapore, Insya Allah. Do look out for our posts on social media and we look forward to seeing you in this month of blessings. Insya Allah.
