Usama Mubarak, Student Jamia Ahmadiyya UK
With less than a week left of Ramadan, we still have time to try and attain Lailatul-Qadr – the Night of Destiny – which is better than a thousand months.
Here are some aspects to keep in mind.
When does one seek it?
The Holy Prophetsa said:
“Look for Lailatul-Qadr on the odd-numbered nights during the last 10 nights of Ramadan.” (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab Fazlu Lailatil-Qadr)
Therefore, it may fall on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th of Ramadan.
Significance
The Holy Prophetsa said:
“Whoever stands for the prayers in Lailatul-Qadr [the Night of Destiny] out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, all their previous sins will be forgiven.” (Ibid)
A misconception
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa narrated an incident of the Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa to shed some light on a matter that some people still misconstrue today:
“It is mentioned in one narration that Zir bin Hubaish asked Hazrat Ubayyra Bin Kaab, ‘Your brother, Ibn-e-Mas‘ud[ra], says that if a person worships and prays for the entire year, he will attain the Night of Decree.’ He responded, ‘May God have mercy on him. He was simply stating this to make people realise not to put all of their hopes and attention on this one night. He knows very well that the actual Night of Decree takes place in the last 10 days of Ramadan.’”
Huzooraa explained:
“The Companionsra [of the Holy Prophetsa] knew very well that only the supplications of the last 10 days of Ramadan are not what enable one to experience the Night of Decree.” (Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, Friday Sermon, 27 August 2010)
What to pray during Lailatul-Qadr
Hazrat Aishara asked the Holy Prophetsa what to say if one were to experience Lailatul-Qadr. The Holy Prophetra responded by saying following prayer should be recited:
اللّٰهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ العَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عنِّيْ
Translation: “O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving, You love forgiveness, so forgive me.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Dua)
The Holy Prophetsa also read the following prayer in great abundance:
اللّٰهُمَّ أَجِرْنِي مِنَ النَّارِ
Translation: “O Allah, protect me from the hell-fire” (Sunan Ibn Dawud, Kitab al-Adab)
The true effects of Lailatul-Qadr
Talking about the significance and effect of Lailatul-Qadr, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said:
“If one believes to have experienced Lailatul-Qadr – the worship of which night is better than the worship of 1,000 months – and that they do not need any more worship, then they are false. The pleasure of Allah’s love enhances a believer [in rank] as a servant of God Almighty and as being obedient to His commandments, more than before. So when such a level is attained, the beneficence of Allah begins to shower [upon him]. Then Allah states ‘I will listen to your prayers [as] you have endeavoured, stepped forward and strived to gain My nearness; you have fulfilled and taken care of your pledge; now, if you continue to do so, then I will also continue to bless you.’ (Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, Friday Sermon, 27 August 2010)
The wisdom behind Lailatul-Qadr is beyond our comprehension. Had this day been attributed to a prescribed date, we may have taken the blessings of seeking it, for granted.
