"And what will explain to you what the Night of Power is?"

By Zahra Esfandmoz
Year 7 / Shams Class, Wessex Madrasah

An Extraordinary Night

The Holy Month of Ramadhan has been singled out for special worship and exclusive favours above all the other eleven months. Among the nights of Holy Ramadhan, there is one special night which is better than a thousand months. This night is known as the Laylatul Qadr – the Night of Power.
This is mainly due to the revelation of the Holy Quran in this night. Allah says in the Surah al-Baqara, verse 185: “The month of Ramadhan, that in which the Quran was sent down; guidance for mankind, and clear signs of guidance and distinction.”

However, the exact date of this extraordinary night has been kept a secret and traditions from the Ahlulbayt (a.s) say that this night can be found on the 19th, 21st or 23rd night of Ramadhan; with particular emphasis on the 23rd night.

The Night of Destiny

Hadith indicate that the fate of every believer for the coming year is decreed on this night. That is why believers stay awake the whole night in worship and prayers for blessings and forgiveness are recited.

Special Deeds

The special Amaals (deeds) for this night, as taught to us by the Imams (a.s), are a specific salah, asking for forgiveness and the dua done by placing the Holy Quran on one’s head. Other Amaals include the recitation of Surahs Ankabut, Rum, Dukhan and Qadr, Dua at-Tawbah, Dua Makarimul Akhlaq, Munajat of Imam Ali (a.s) and Dua of Jawshan Kabeer.

In Chapter 97, Surah al-Qadr, Allah says:

We have indeed revealed it (Holy Quran) in the Night of Power.
And what will explain to you what the Night of Power is?
The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.
Therein come down the angels and the Spirit (Archangel Gabriel) by Allah’s permission, on every errand.
Peace! It is until the rise of dawn.

Take the Opportunity

Therefore, this Laylatul Qadr, let us take the opportunity of the sacred night, to ask for our legitimate desires and repent, but also, let us not forget to pray for the ease of affairs of those people suffering around the world due to oppression, injustice, calamities and other circumstances.
May all our legitimate needs be fulfilled. Ameen.