Shab e Qadar
For Muslims, Ramadan is a time of spiritual purification and cleaning during which we strive to increase our acts of worship, good actions, and charitable giving. Given that Allah extends enormous mercy to His creation, the last 10 days and nights have even greater significance. They offer an opportunity to take advantage of Ramadan’s numerous advantages and seek salvation before the month is over.
Significance in Islamic History
The Night of Power, also known as the Night of Decree and famously known in Arabic as “Laylatul Qadar,” is a significant night for Muslims around the world during the month of Ramadan. As a mercy and a light for guidance, the Qur’an was revealed more than 1400 years ago on this wonderful night.
Understanding the Sacred Night :
The Night of Power, when the Qur’an was first revealed, is described in Surah Al-Qadr (Surah 97 – The Power).
“We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power:
And what will explain to thee what the night of power is?
The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.
Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by God’s permission, on every errand: Peace!. This until the rise of morn! (Surah Al-Qadr 97:1-5)”
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) proved genuine concern for the Muslim Ummah in a number of ways throughout his lifetime. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was disappointed to learn that the people of his Ummah had shorter lives than those who came before him, according to a narration by Mutawwa Malik. Allah SWT provided the Muslim Ummah with Laylatul Qadr to enable the Muslim Ummah to benefit from enormous blessings in response to the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) worry.
Nightfall of Shab e Qadar:
It is unknown what day and exactly when Laylatul Qadr occurred. However, Muslims are instructed to look for it on the odd-numbered nights during the final 10 days of Ramadan, as per the hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and narrations of Islamic scholars. Shabe-Qadr is believed to have occurred on either the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th of Ramadan.
Signs of Sab e Qadar:
According to Ibn Abbas, when describing the signs of Laylatul Qadr, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “It is a calm night, neither hot nor cold, and the sun rises on it red and feeble.” Ibn Khuzaymah, (20 ai49)
According to Islamic literature, on the eve of Laylatul Qadr, angels come down to earth at Allah SWT’s command to greet the believers and respond “Ameen” to their prayers.
One of the clear signs of Laylatul Qadr is that even though the sun will be brighter and clearer the next day after the Night of Power, you won’t be able to feel its rays. This is due to the angels’ wings, which will be used to block the sunlight.
The night of Laylatul Qadr, sometimes referred to as “the Night of Decree,” is said to determine our fate for the upcoming year. A muslim should therefore devote as much time as possible to praising Allah SWT and praying for His mercy.
Dua for Shab e Qadar:
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was reportedly questioned by Aisha (RA), “O Messenger of Allah, if it is Laylatul Qadr, then what should I ask with? The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) replied:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa’fu annee
“O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me”
Muslims Ritual Performance on Odd Nights
The majority of mosques around the globe plan to finish reciting the Holy Quran on an odd night, preferably on the 27th of Ramadan. The Imam performs dua for the entire Muslim Ummah when the Quran completes. Followed by Performing Nawafills, Reciting Quran and seeking forgiveness.
Muslims should request Allah SWT’s pardon for all of their deeds and actions which they’ve done. In addition, Muslims are obligated to pay zakat to those in need as atonement for their misconducts.
According to Abu Hurairah (RA), the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said the following about Laylatul Qadr:
“Whoever stands (during the optional Ramadan night of prayer) in the hope of receiving reward will have his prior sins pardoned,” the Quran states. The prior misdeeds of anyone who spends the night of Lailatul Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the expectation of receiving recompense will be pardoned”. (Sunan an-Nasa’i)
