Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Honour) is described in the Qur’an as “better than a thousand months”. Any action done with sincerity on this night is equivalent to doing that action for more than a thousand months. ‘How much more?’ one may ask. That is dependent on one’s sincerity, devotion and hope from Allah Ta’ala. The principle of mercy is that Allah Ta’ala gives without measure. This exponential increase in reward is a speciality of this night.
Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alayhi wa sallam used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a much greater extent than at any other time.” (Sahih Muslim)
Here are 7 points which are recommended to derive the blessings of this auspicious night:
1. Start early with your good work
The night begins at sunset and ends at dawn. So focus yourself from this time onward with your prayers, Zikr, duas, good character, charity and evaluation of your actions. Recite the Sunnah evening duas, eating duas, Surahs and verses prescribed for the night recitation.
2. Perform your Fard duty
The most important duty of the night is the compulsory prayers which include Maghrib and Esha. Perform these in congregation with utmost devotion and sincerity, with the intention to develop the capacity for Salah with punctuality, etiquette and devotion. Complete the prescribed Sunnah Salah in a similar spirit. Conclude the night with Fajr Salah in congregation.
3. Repair relationships
Seek forgiveness from your parents, teachers, spouse, children, relatives, neighbours, friends, and anyone you may have hurt. Remove from the heart any feelings of hatred, animosity or jealousy for others. This is a pre-condition of repairing our relationship with Allah Ta’ala.
4. Prescribed dua
Call unto Allah Ta’ala in the words taught to us by our beloved Master Nabi Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam on this night. Seek forgiveness in abundance. Adopt the state of a seeker, of a beggar. Beg Allah, cry in the heart even whilst your hands may be busy with chores or refreshments. The true tear of repentance lies deep down in the heart. Recite this dua frequently,
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
“O Allah, You are so Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me”
5. Perform Qiyam
Stand in Salah for as many Rakaats as possible. Starting from a minimum of 2 upto 20 preferably. Recite as many Surahs or portions of the Qur’an you may know in these Rakaats. Make the intention for Salatut Taubah (repentance), Shukr (gratitude), Hajaat (need), Istikharah (seeking good), Tasbeeh (as prescribed) and Salatul Layl (the night vigil).
6. Dua
The entire night is an opportunity for supplication. Use the dua compilation books, Qura’nic duas, and your personal supplications. Reflect over the meaning of the duas you read and repeat them for maximum effect. Make notes of what you need to ask for. Most of all, seek the priceless treasures of guidance, reformation, purification, steadfastness on faith, good character, piety, protection from trials, Jannah, salvation from the fire, forgiveness and goodness for the Ummah, etc. Remember the ill and the oppressed, those in pain and hardship around the world. Convey reward and make dua for the deceased.
7. Resolution
This is the night of a lifetime with the rewards of a lifetime. It is a new beginning. Set aside the disappointments of the past and embrace a new coat of life. Use some time to evaluate your state of life, actions, words, relationships and reflect over death. Think through the entire event of death that we will all meet, till the grave and beyond.
Our Ramadan determines our year and ultimately our life. Let us enhance our year with what is left of Ramadan.
Muslims First 