Salamun alaykum,
Juhanni the Shepherd:
A shepherd called Abu Yahya Abdalla bin Unays al Juhanni from the tribe of Juhan, arrived before the Noble Prophet and said,” O Messenger of Allah! I wish you to command me, so that during one of the nights of Ramadhan I come to Madina and offer the prayer.”
According to some narrations the Noble Prophet whispered something into his ear. Since then Abdalla bin Unays al Juhanni was seen coming to Madina for prayers on the 23rd of Ramadhan. This night came to be known as Laylatu Juhanni; night of Juhanni.
Night of Juhanni: Its excellence:
Among the nights of Shahru Ramadhan is one special night, Laylatul Qadr, the night of power, which is better than a thousand months.(Sura Al Qadr 97:3). This night, which is better than 30 000 nights, is a unique once in a year opportunity being offered to us to do a lifetimes worth of activity.
According to traditions Laylatul Qadr is to be found in the last ten odd nights. More emphasis is laid on the 21st and 23rd particularly the 23rd night.
Unique gift to the Ummah:
“Verily Allah has gifted Laylatul Qadr to my Ummah which has not been presented to the previous nations.” (Noble Prophet)
What takes place?
“…and it is during this night (laylatul Qadr) when sustenance is allotted, times of death prescribed and all that is to happen in that year is decreed.” 8th Imam Ali Ar Ridha a.s.
Ihyaul Layl - Reviving the night:
A hadith states that one who revives Laylatul Qadr i.e. remains awake on night of Qadr- his sins are forgiven even though the quantity of sins may be like stars in the sky, its weight to all the mountains and its volume to all the seas.
Practice of Ahlul Bayt:
On the eve of the 23rd the Noble Prophet would awaken members of his family and would sprinkle water on any of them who slept.
Sayyida Fatima al Zahra a.s. would not let any member of the family to sleep during this eve. She gave them little food as a precaution against drowsiness. During the day, she would prepare them for keeping awake at night by asking them to take ample sleep during the day.
Imam J’afar Sadiq a.s. was very sick, but when the 23rd of the holy month of Ramadhan arrived, he ordered that he be carried to the mosque in the same condition and he spent the night in the mosque.
Preparations: Is there any need?
Yes. Just like there is need to prepare for any task or activity one undertakes in daily life likewise there is definitely a need to specially prepare for Laylatul Qadr. There are three unique dimensions of preparations for Laylatul Qadr:
- Physical: Perform Ghusl, don suitable comfortable dressing, not being overfed, devote dedicated time and be calm.
- Mental: Comprehend the importance of this night, have frame of mind focused towards Allah SWT, have knowledge of the recitations and understand them, appreciate that one’s deed is worth than lifespan (1000 months)
- Spiritual: Tawassul – uphold love and longing for Ahlul Bayt, earnestly perform Amal of Quran placed on head and calling the Imams symbolizes our submission to lead life as per Thaqalayn (Quran and Ahlul bayt), Recall our sins, Do tawba, Mention the requests for others, Present our hajat.
Let us make our best efforts and endeavors for celebrating this night;
a unique once in a year opportunity to do a lifetime’s worth of activity.
May the Divine hospitality of Shahru Ramadhan motivate us towards attaining devotion of service to Allah SWT, Insha Allah.
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat