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Among such virtues is Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Decree). Allah
sent down the Qur’an on this Night.
Let’s shed a little light on the significance of Laylatul Qadr.
Significance of Laylatul Qadr
Abdullah Ibn Abbas said, “Allah sent down the Qur’an at one time
from Al-Lawh Al-Mahfooth (the Preserved Tablet in the Seventh
Heaven) to Bayt Al-‘Izzah (House of Pride) in the first Heaven, then
it was revealed to the Messenger of Allah (SAW) in stages according
to events over 23 years.”
About this Night, Allah, The Most Exalted, says in Suratul Dukhan
(44:1-6)
“Ha, Meem.
By the clear Book,
Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were
to warn mankind.
On that night is made distinct every precise matter -
Every matter proceeding from Us. Indeed, We were to send [a
messenger]
As mercy from your Lord. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the
Knowing”.
The statement, “On that night is made distinct every precise
matter” has been interpreted to mean that on this night, the destiny
of all creatures for the coming year is decreed. On this night, it is
written who will live, who will die, who will be destined for
Paradise, who will be destined for Hell, who will be honoured, who
will be humiliated, where and when disasters will occur, and
everything else that Allah wills in that year.
To further show its significance, Allah (SWT) Himself described
Laylatul Qadr in clear terms in Suratul Qadr.
“Indeed, We sent the Qur'an 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”.
Suratul Qadr (97:1-5)
This night is described as peace, i.e., it is safe, for the devils cannot
do any evil or cause any harm on this night.
Dos for Laylatul Qadr
Muslims are urged to increase worship in last ten days of Ramadhan.
Aisha reported: “With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work harder) and used to pray the whole night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers.” [Bukhari]
Observing Nawafil
The most traditional practice in the last ten days of Ramadhan is the
observance of the night prayers (tahajjud or qiyammul layl) and
rightly so.
Abu Hurayrah relates that the Prophet (SAW) said, “Whoever stands
(in the voluntary night prayer of) Ramadan out of faith and in the
hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven. And whoever
spends the night of Lailat Al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the
hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”
Recitation of Qur’an
We are urged to do whatever we can to earn as much reward as
possible. Among the most rewarding acts is the recitation of the
Qur’an.
The Prophet (SAW) said: “Verily the one who recites the Quran
beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, he will be in the company of the
noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with
difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will
have twice that reward.”
Making Dhikr
This is a nice time for us to dust our books of supplication, a good
one is Hisnul Muslim (Fortress of a believer).
The Prophet (SAW) recommended a du’a for Laylatul Qadr.
Aishah narrated that she asked the Prophet (SAW), “O Messenger of
Allah, what do you think I should say in my supplication, if I come
upon Laylatul-Qadr?” He said: “Say: ‘Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun
tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni (O Allah, You are Forgiving and love
forgiveness, so forgive me).’
Don’t for Laylatul Qadr
Some Muslims tend to get overzealous in this period. This pushes
them to do a number of irrational things in their bid to please Allah.
Reciting
Over the Loud speakers
A community will likely be made up of Muslims and non-Muslims.
Even in a community with a 100% Muslim population, people will
choose different times to observe tahajjud (night prayer). It is wrong
to recite over the loud speakers in the middle of the night. Not
everyone will be willing to observe tahajjud at the exact same time
as you and your congregation; be considerate.
Making it compulsory to complete recite the whole of the
Qur’an in Tahajjud
There is no evidence to show that Muslims in the time of
Muhammad (SAW) compelled themselves to recite the whole of the
Qur’an either in tarawih or tahajjud. We should not torture ourselves
and others for reasons that have no basis.
Insisting on reciting the whole of the Qur’an in tarawih or tahajjud
has led to the bastardization of Qur’an recitation.
In order to meet the target, imams recite the Qur’an with so much
pace that make the recitation more or less useless because no one is
able to make any sense of what is being recited.
However, for those who are more comfortable with Salah for
Tahajjud, we could increase the number of raka'at and reduce the
number of ayat recited in each raka'a.
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said: "The people disputed as to
whether it is better to stand for a long time or to do a lot of bowing
and prostrating, or are they both equal? There are three views, the
soundest of which is that they are both equal."
May Allah make us among those who obtain maximum benefits from
this Glorious month.
