Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Ramadhan Reflection -- Finding Laylat'ul-Qadr (The Night of Power)

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

Assalaamu alaykum

The scholars have affirmed that Laylat'ul-Qadr is the best of nights because of Allah Most High’s words,
إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ فِى لَيْلَةِ ٱلْقَدْرِ ﴿١﴾ وَمَآ أَدْرَىٰكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ ﴿٢﴾ لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ ﴿٣﴾ تَنَزَّلُ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ وَٱلرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ ﴿٤﴾ سَلَـٰمٌ هِىَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ ٱلْفَجْرِ ﴿٥

Indeed, We sent the Qur'an down during the Night of Decree. (1) And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? (2) The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. (3) The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. (4) Peace it is until the emergence of dawn. (5)
[Quran, Al-Qadr 97:1-5]

Imam Nawawi and others explain that the verse, ‘The Night of Power is better than a thousand months,’ means that it is better than a thousand months without it.

Abu Hurayrah (Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Whoever prays on Laylat'ul Qadr out of faith and sincerity, shall have all their past sins forgiven.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

Abu Sa`id al-Khudri (Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) also said, “Seek it in the last ten days, on the odd nights.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

Given the tremendousness of this night, it is recommended to seek it out, and to worship Allah in it, with prayer (solat), supplications (du`a), remembrance of Allah (dhikr), and other acts of worship. Because obligatory acts are more beloved to Allah than supererogatory ones, the most important thing for men is to pray both Isha and Fajr at the masjid. We should strive to do i'tikaf (spiritual retreat) in these last days of Ramadhan. When you enter the masjid, make the intention of i'tikaf.

When is Laylat al-Qadr?

There is a long standing difference of opinion about when Laylat'ul Qadr is, because it is of those matters whose certain knowledge has been lifted by Allah Most High from this Ummah, for the wisdom that people strive to seek it.

Imam Al-Haddad insights on Laylat'ul-Qadr

“In brief, the sagacious believer should be ready for Laylat’ul-Qadr every Ramadhan night. He must remain watchful and constantly engaged in good works. The important thing is that when it does come it finds him absorbed in his good works, remembering God the Exalted, neither distracted, heedless, nor absorbed in frivolity.

It is unimportant whether he actually witness Laylat’ul-Qadr or not, for the works of he who is absorbed in devotions during it will be equivalent to the works of a thousand months, whether he is aware or not which specific night it is.

We say: He should watch for it and be prepared every night of the month, because much disagreement exists between scholars as to which night it is. Some have gone so far as to say that it is hidden and can be any night in the month; also that it shifts and is not the same night every year. I am inclined to accept this opinion. I believe it can occur in other than that last ten nights, but more frequently does in them. This is the opinion of the majority of scholars.”

May Allah enable us to witness laylat'ul Qadr and bless us with His generosity and increase us in His worship. May Allah accept our worship, charity and good deeds, and forgive all our sins. Ameen.
 
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.

And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.

Wassalaam

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