The Night of Power: Lailatul Qadar
By Saghir Aslam
Rawalpindi, Pakistan
(The following information is provided solely to educate the Muslim community about investing and financial planning. It is hoped that the Ummah will benefit from this effort through greater financial empowerment, enabling the community to live in security and dignity and fulfill their religious and moral obligations towards charitable activities).
Alhamdulillah we are in the third Ashra of Ramadan which is about emancipation from the hell-fire, hence one should strive hard in this Ashra of fasting to seek forgiveness from Allah SWT. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to devote himself more intensively to prayers during the nights of the last Ashra and urged others too. Narrated by Aisha (RA):
“The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) strove harder and took greater pains to observe prayer etc. during the third Ashra of Ramadan as compared to other days” (Muslim)
We all know about Lailatul Qadar, its importance and value but how much effort we really make to actually get to see this night – probably not even 10% compared to the value of this night. In Surah Qadar, Allah SWT says “Lailatul Qadar Min Alf-e-Shahar” translation: “Lailatul Qadar is better than thousands of months.” This shows what really this night is and how powerful it is.
Narrated Abu Salama (Radi Allah Anhu) : I asked Abu Sa’id (Radi Allah Anhu) about the Night of Qadar and he said, “We practiced Itikaf in the middle third month of Ramadan with Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In the morning of the 20th of Ramadan, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) came to and addressed us and said, ” I was informed of the date of the Night of Qadar but I was caused to forget it, or I forgot, so search it in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan.”
Lailatul Qadar or the night of Power is to be searched in the odd nights of last ten days of Ramadan. It is the night in which the first Ayats of Holy Qur'an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and this night has utmost importance as stated in the Hadith of Prophet Muahmmad (PBUH):
“Whoever stays up (in prayer) on the night of Qadar fully believing (in Allah’s promise of reward for that night) and hoping to seek reward (from Allah SWT), he shall be forgiven for his past sins.” (Muslim)
The last ten days are a basis to make our bond stronger with Allah SWT and to attain Taqwa. Therefore, this is the final step to get closer to Allah SWT and ask Him to emancipate us from hell-fire. One can recite Adhkar and Duas for this purpose.
It is the best time to prepare for how to spend the rest of the year. Let us all make a resolution to ourselves to recite Qur'an with meaning and translation in the same manner and enthusiasm as we are doing in Ramadan. Also establish strong bond with our local Masjid and pray there as much as we can, just as we are doing in the month of Ramadan.
Most of us due to work and for other reasons often miss the opportunity to spend most part of the night praying and doing Ibadah. However, it is worth taking time off from work or put a pause on other activities that can wait while you focus 100% on spending most of your nights in praying and seeking Lailatul Qadar. It’s just a matter of few days but the reward of this hardship is immense and worth all the efforts. We do everything to get the benefits of this world. Sometimes literally torture ourselves, work day and night, non-stop to gain worldly benefits. It is worth to put all our efforts and focus on engaging ourselves in praying throughout the nights in the last Ashra. The fruit that you will reap will last forever and will bring huge benefits not only for you but for your loved ones.
If we can spend days and nights in preparing for an exam to acquire certain degree or certificate, we can for sure do more to attain the blessings of Allah SWT that He has promised to anyone who will witness this night.
We have missed several opportunities in our life time to look for the night of power, Lailatul Qadar, but it’s never too late. We still have few days before the last Ashra comes to an end. So let’s put all our time, efforts, energies and focus in these last few days and grab this great opportunity. Who knows who might be the lucky one to get to see the night of power; Lailatul Qadar.
While we do our best and engage in good deeds, we should always seek Allah SWT’s mercy as without His mercy our deeds are not enough and up to the standard that will get us in to Paradise. One way to seek His mercy to have mercy on others. We should never forget those less fortunate that are out there and merely waiting for our help. One best cause among others to support is to help the orphans. Saba Homes is a unique orphan’s support program in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, is catering for the needs of the orphan girls in a unique way. Saba Homes is preparing the orphan girls to face the challenges of the future and to take up leadership roles in various fields in the future. You can donate online at; www.sabatrust.org . You can also email to: info@sabatrust.org or call on 714.305.5425 for further information and to donate.
(Saghir A. Aslam only explains strategies and formulas that he has been using. He is merely providing information, and NO ADVICE is given. Mr Aslam does not endorse or recommend any broker, brokerage firm, or any investment at all, or does he suggest that anyone will earn a profit when or if they purchase stocks, bonds or any other investments. All stocks or investment vehicles mentioned are for illustrative purposes only. Mr Aslam is not an attorney, accountant, real estate broker, stockbroker, investment advisor, or certified financial planner. Mr Aslam does not have anything for sale.)
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