The virtue of the last ten days of Ramadaan and Laylat al-Qadr
Praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings be upon the Trustworthy Prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and companions.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to strive hard (in worship) during the last ten days of Ramadaan in a way that he did not strive at any other times.
(Muslim, 1175, from ‘Aa’ishah). Among the things he did were secluding himself in I’tikaaf and seeking Laylat al-Qadr during this time. (Al-Bukhaari, 1913; Muslim, 1169). In al-Saheehayn it is reported from the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) that when the last ten days of Ramadaan came, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would stay up at night, wake his family and gird his loins. (al-Bukhaari, 1920; Muslim, 1174). Muslim added: he strove hard and girded his loins.Her phrase “girded his loins” is a metaphor for his preparing himself to worship and strive hard in worship, more than usual. It has the meaning of “rolling up one's sleeves” to worship (i.e. getting ready to make a great deal of effort).
It was also said that it was a metaphor for keeping away from women and abstaining from sexual relations.
The phrase “stay up at night” means that he would stay awake, spending the night in prayer, etc. It was reported in another hadeeth that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: “I never saw the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) recite the entire Qur’aan in one night, or spend a whole night in prayer until the morning, or fast an entire month, except in Ramadaan.”
(Sunan al-Nasaa’i, 1641). The words “stay up at night” may mean that he spent most of the night in worship, or that he did not stay up for the entire night, but he did that at the times of ‘Ishaa and Suhoor, and other times, in which case it would mean that he stayed up for most of the night.The phrase “and wake his family” means that he would wake his wives to pray qiyaam. It is known that he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to wake his wives all year round, but he used to wake them to spend part of the night in qiyaam. In Saheeh al-Bukhaari it is reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) woke up one night and said, “Subhaan Allaah! What tribulations have come down tonight! What treasure has come down tonight! Who will wake up the dwellers of the apartments? There may be women who are clothed in this world and naked in the Hereafter.”
(al-Bukhaari, 1074). It was also reported (in Saheeh al-Bukhaari) that he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to wake ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) when he wanted to pray Witr. (al-Bukhaari, 952). But when he woke his wives during the last ten nights of Ramadaan, this was more persistent than at other times of the year.The fact that he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did this indicates the importance he attached to worshipping his Lord and making the most of this special time.
The Muslim should follow the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), for he is the best example, and he should strive hard in worshipping Allaah. He should not waste the hours of these days and nights. For we do not know, perhaps this time will never come again, for the spoiler of pleasures, i.e., death, which must come to all men, may come and snatch him and his life will end; then he will feel regret at the time when regret will be of no avail.
Among the unique virtues of these special nights is that Laylat al-Qadr is among them. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Haa-Meem. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur’aan and none but Allaah (Alone) knows their meanings.]
By the manifest Book (this Qur’aan) that makes things clear.
We sent it (this Qur’aan) down on a blessed night [(i.e. the Night of Al-Qadr) in the month of Ramadaan]. Verily, We are ever warning [mankind that Our Torment will reach those who disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness of worship].
Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments.
As a Command (or this Qur’aan or the Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messengers),
(As) a mercy from your Lord. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.” [al-Dukhaan 44:1-6]
Allaah sent down the Qur’aan on this night which the Lord of the Worlds has described as blessed. It was reported from a group of the Salaf – including Ibn ‘Abbaas, Qutaadah, Sa’eed ibn Jubayr, ‘Ikrimah, Mujaahid and others – that the night on which the Qur’aan was sent down was Laylat al-Qadr.
The phrase Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments means, on that night the destiny of all creatures for the coming year is decreed. On that night it is written who will live, who will die, who will be saved, who will be doomed, who will be destined for Paradise, who will be destined for Hell, who will be granted honour, who will be humiliated, where drought and famine will occur, and everything else that Allaah wills in that year.
What is meant by the idea that the destiny of all creatures is written on Laylat al-Qadr is – and Allaah knows best – that on Laylat al-Qadr they are transferred from al-Lawh al-Mahfooz. Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “You may see a man furnishing his home or plowing his field, and he is one of those who are going to die,” i.e., it has been decreed on Laylat al-Qadr that he is one of those who are going to die (in the coming year). And it was said that on this night, the destiny of people is shown to the angels.
The meaning of “Qadr” is veneration or honour, i.e. it is a night that is venerated because of its special characteristics, and because the one who stays up during this night becomes a man of honour. And it was said that Qadr means constriction, in the sense that the knowledge of precisely when this night is, is hidden. Al-Khaleel ibn Ahmad said: it was called Laylat al-Qadr because the earth is constricted by the great numbers of angels on that night, and Qadr means constriction. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “But when He tries him, by straitening his means of life [fa qadara ‘alayhi rizqahu]…” [al-Fajr 89:16], i.e., by constricting or reducing his provision.
And it was said that Qadr means Qadar, i.e., that on this night the decrees for the coming year are ordained, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments” [al-Dukhaan 44:4]
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and because Allaah’s decrees are decided and written down on this night.
So Allaah has called it Laylat al-Qadr, because of its great value and high status with Allaah, and because so many sins are forgiven and so many faults are concealed during this night. For it is the night of forgiveness, as it was reported in al-Saheehayn from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever stays up during Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of earning reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.”
(al-Bukhaari, 1910; Muslim, 760).Allaah has given this night special characteristics which make it unique:
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It is the night on which the Qur’aan was sent down, as we have stated above. Ibn ‘Abbaas and others said: “Allaah sent down the Qur’aan at one time from al-Lawh al-Mahfooz to Bayt al-‘Izzah in the first heaven, then it was revealed to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in stages according to events over twenty-three years.”
Allaah described it as being better than a thousand months, as He said (interpretation of the meaning): “The night of al-Qadr is better than a thousand months” [al-Qadr 97:3].
Allaah described it as being blessed, as He said (interpretation of the meaning): “We sent it (this Qur’aan) down on a blessed night” [al-Dukhaan 44:3].
On this night, the angels and the Spirit [al-Rooh] descend, “i.e., many angels descend of this night because it is so blessed, and the angels come down when Allaah’s blessing and mercy come down, just as they come down when Qur’aan is recited, and they surround the circles of dhikr (gatherings where Allaah is remembered), and they beat their wings for the one who sincerely seeks knowledge, out of respect for him.”
This night is described as peace, i.e., it is safe, for the Shaytaan cannot do any evil or cause any harm on this night, as Mujaahid said.
“Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments” [al-Dukhaan 44:4 – interpretation of the meaning]
Allaah forgives the previous sins of the one who stays up and prays during this night out of faith and in hope of earning the reward from Him. It was reported in the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts the month of Ramadaan out of faith and in the hope of earning reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven, and whoever stays up during Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of earning reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Agreed upon). The phrase “out of faith and in the hope of earning reward” means, believing in Allaah’s promise of reward for this, and seeking the reward, with no other aim or purpose, such as showing off etc.”
Allaah has revealed a soorah concerning this night which will be recited until the Day of Resurrection, in which He mentions the honour and great value of this night. This is the soorah in which He says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Verily, We have sent it (this Qur’aan) down in the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree).
And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is?
The Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allaah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months).
Therein descend the angels and the Rooh [Jibreel] by Allaah’s Permission with all Decrees,
(All that night), there is peace (and goodness from Allaah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn.” [al-Qadr 97:1-5]
The phrase And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is? serves to draw attention to the importance and great significance of this night.
The Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months means, it is better than over eighty three years, as we have already mentioned. This is a great virtue, the value of which no one can fully understand except the Lord of the Worlds, may He be blessed and exalted. This encourages the Muslim to spend this night in prayer and to seek the Face of Allaah by doing so. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to seek this night, hoping to gain some good from it, and he is the example for this Ummah.----- Original Message -----From: shakil.aSent: Thursday, November 04, 2004 3:14 PMSubject: Probability of the Lailatul KadrKnowledge which is concealed is lost
As'salaamu alaikum va rahmathullahi va barakathuhu!!
"Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem"
Block these dates and timing....!!!!!!!!!
Thursday Saturday Monday Wednesday Friday
Timing: Evening Maghrib to next Day Fajr
One of these odd nights of ramadhan could be "The Night of Power".
Let us not take any chances to miss this "Night of Power" during this year's ramadhan.
AhadeethHadith from Sahi Bukhari Vol 1, Book 2. Belief. Hadith 034
Narrated By Abu Huraira : Allah's Apostle Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam said, "Whoever establishes the prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards (not to show off) then all his past sins will be forgiven."
Narrated By Ibn Abbas : The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam said, "Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan ,' on the night when nine or seven or five nights remain out of the last ten nights of Ramadan (i.e. 21, 23, 25, respectively)."
What is "The Night of Power"? - an anology
One of the common thafseer telling the virtue of this night is that the deeds performed during this night are multiplied by the deeds of 83 years, ie. 1000 months as what Allah has mentioned in the above verse of the Holy Quran. This is a straight forward interpretation. Alhamdhulillah.
But, if we take a closer look, what ulema say is that, What can not be achieved in 83 years of devotion and supplication can be attained in just one night in terms of getting closer to Allahu tha'laa and seeking forgiveness from Allahu tha'laa, because of the "Power" that this night possesses.
Imagine a rocket made of paper and the real one. The paper rocket is propelled by our hands. It travels a distance of few yards and falls down. It can hardly carry any pay-load with it. But take the case of a real rocket that is propelled thru highly condensed liquified helium gas. It is propelled from a launch pad with a HUGE velocity called the escape velocity which helps the rocket and it's pay-load escape from the atmosphere and enter the cosmos. The rocket also places it's pay-load (the satellite) at it's appointed orbit. The pay-load (satellite) will change the destiny of the world by it's varied features and functionalities.
Same is the effect of the "Night of Power". It has a power equal to that of 1000 months. Just imagine the momemtum it will possess. The pay-load are our ibaadha and dhua for our hidaayath (guidance) and magfirath (forgiveness). If launched properly with utmost devotion and sincerity, our deeds and dhuas reach Allahu tha'laa thru the virtual channel of this "Power of Night" and change our destiny forever as how the satellite placed in it's appointed orbit changes the destiny of the world from where it was launched.
I tried my best to give a simple analogy based on the explanations that i heard/read from ulema. May Allah bless us all with the proper understanding of HIS dheen, aameen.
Activities on the "Night of Power"
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said about Lailatul-Qadr:
- Nafl Namaz after usual tharaveeh (qiyaam-al-lail)
- Dhikr - rememberance of Allahu tha'laa
- Dhua for self, family and the whole of mankind
- Recitation of Holy Quran
It as narrated by Abu Hurayra that Prophet said, "Anyone who stays awake for the Night Of Power with belief and for the pleasure of Allah, all his previous sins will be forgiven."
Reported by Bukhari and Muslim
It has also been reported by Aisha, the wife of the Prophet (pbuh) who said:
"I asked the Messenger Of Allah if I knew which night was the Night of Power and what Prayer I should say during that night? He said to me: Say:
"O Allah! You are forgiving and you love forgiveness, so you too forgive me."
(Allahumma innaka afuwwun - tuhibbul afwa - fa'fu anni.)
My dear brothers and Sisters,
Let us not get deprived of the great benefits of "The Night of Power". Shaithaan is always waiting to make us deprived of the blessings of Allahu tha'laa. Let us not become a pray for Shaithaan's game plan. Let us plan our work properly and make sure that we earn the full benefits of this great night by performing all the above mentioned acts of worship on all these 5 odd numbered nights and NOT just on the 27th night.
The 27th night is just fixed to complete the quran recitation in tharaweeh and it has just 20% probability of being the "Night of Power" as any other odd numbered nights. But, it is a sad situation that most of our brothers go to the masjid ONLY on that night, take part in some congregational prayers, come home and sleep.
May Allah give us the thowfeeq to stand in prayers and sit in supplication all thru these 5 nights in this last part of the holy month of ramadhan. Please remember this poor guy for his forgiveness and entrance into Jannathul Firdhouse - aameen.
Pass-on the message to all our brothers and sisters
Brothers, let us atleast stay in the masjid during these 5 nights if we are unable to stay in i'tikaaf for the whole of last 10 days of ramadhan.
