Islam

Significance of Lailathul Qadr (the Night of Power)

Kalabooshanam M.Y.M. MEEADHU

Muslims who have been fasting during the last ten days of Ramazan have been anxiously expecting the Lailathul Qadr (the Night of Power). The reason for such great expectation is the declaration of its significance mentioned in the Holy Quran by Allah. He declares its greatness in the following chapter and verses: " we have indeed revealed this (Quran) in the Night of Power, (Lailathul Qadr). And what would explain to thee the significance of the Night of Power? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the spirit (Gebriel) by God's permission on every errand, peace-until the day breaks." (Quran: 97:-1-5)

If we delve into the deep meaning of these Quranic verses, we can find out many truths about this Night of power. Just as the first verse of this chapter states that we have indeed revealed this (Quran) in the Night of power, it is made clear that Jibreel (alai) brought down the Quran totally from the lawhul mahfool, the protected Tablet to a place called 'Baithul Issa' situated in the first Firmament in close proximity to the earth by the permission of Almighty Allah. It is mentioned in another place of the Quran as follows: "we sent it down during a blessed night: for we (ever) wish to warn (against evil). (44:3) In that (night) is made distinct every affair of wisdom. (44:3) Allama Yusoof Ali comments about this blessed night as follows: "It is usually taken to be a night in the month of Ramazan, say, 23rd, 25th or 27th night of that month.

It is referred to as the night of that month. It is referred to as the Night of power in 97: 1-2.You can refer to 2:185 too. But perhaps we need not fix it literally by the calendar. The night that a message descends from Allah is indeed a blessed night like a day of rain for a parched land."

According to almost all commentators of the Quran, the blessed Night refers to Lailathul Qadr. Further another significance is that the particular Night is better than one thousand months. In that night, the angels and the celestial spirit (Gabriel alai) descend its proximity to the earth and give spiritual brightness to the hearts and souls of the believers. The prophet (sal) spent his time in oration and adoration of Allah. Then, who will stay behind without enjoying the benefit of this Lailathul Qadr?

Whoever attains this Night of power, he or she will gain the merits of the Ibadath like prayers, fasting, reciting the Quran, giving Zakath, Sadaka etc., that he would have done for one thousand months. What a splendid achievement of spiritual success in one night that is equal to one thousand months.

Hence, all the Muslims should make up their minds to win this fortune at any cost by continuous engagement in all Ibadaths throughout the period of the last ten days in Ramazan.

However, according to Islamic scholars, we are not certain of the exact night in which we expect such abundant merits as promised by Allah. The prophet (sal) said," explore the (occurrence of) the Night of Decree in the odd nights of the last Ashra (one third) of Ramazan".-Bukhari. The Almighty Allah made the prophet forget the exact date of the Night of Decree. He told," the identification of the Night of Decree has been withdrawn and it is perhaps better for you." (Bukhari) The popular belief is that the Night falls on 27th of Ramadan but in the books of Hadith there are different versions favouring different nights. Narrated Abu Saeed Khudri that the prophet (sal) said, "I was shown the night of Decree but later I forgot it (I only remember that) on the morning after the night, I prostrated on water and mud. Now that I have forgotten, you should seek it among the odd Nights of the last ashra -one third of Ramazan. The narrator further says that (prophet meant that) it rained on the Night of Qadr (that year). As the roof of the mosque was made of date branches the water seeped through(resulting in mud on the floor). My eyes observed that there was mark of mud and water on the forehead of the prophet on the morning following the 21st night." (Bukhari)

Reported Abdullah Bin Anees that he requested the prophet to inform him of that Night so that he could stay inside the mosque on that Night as he lived in the forest (and could not come on alternate nights). The prophet told him to stay awake for the 23rd night. Later enquiries are made of his sons about his father's routine. He confirmed that his father entered the mosque after Asar prayer on 22nd of Ramadan and did not come out for anything until the Fajr salat the next morning. After the Fajr, he found his horse at the door step of the mosque and went to his house in jungle"-Abu Dawood)

Reported Zir bin Hub that when he asked (the companion) Ubai bin Ka'b, he replied that the Night is 27th. Then, he swore and did not say Insha Allah and said: indeed it is the night of 27th."

In conclusion, let all Muslims make use of the last chance of the 10 days in Ramadan to achieve success in attaining the Lailathul Qadr.

Best time to make a Du'a

Continued from last week

Marshad Barry

26. Dua of a just Ruler

The prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) declared, 'Three men whose du'a is never rejected by Allah are: the fasting person until he breaks his fast (in another narration, when he breaks fast), the just ruler and the one who is oppressed.'

[Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi - Hasan]

27. Du'a of a son or daughter obedient to his or her parents

It is well known in the story narrated in hadith of three men who were trapped by a huge stone in a cave. One of them who was kind to kids and parents asked Allah to remove the stone, and his du'a was answered. [Sahih al-Bukhari 3:36 #472]

28. Dua immediately after wudu

Umar ibn Al-Khattab (Rali Allahu Anhu) reported that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: 'There is not one of you that makes wudu, and does it perfectly, then says: I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. He is Alone, having no partners. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and messenger', except that the eight gates of Paradise are opened for him, and he can enter into it through whichever one He pleases'

[Muslim #234, abu Dawud #162, Ahmad, an-Nasa'i]

Saying what has been mentioned in the hadith that is directly related to it (ablution)

29. Dua after stoning the Jamarat at Hajj

The stoning of the small Shaitan (jamrat sugra), or the middle Shaitan (jamrat wusta) pillars during Hajj. It is narrated that the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) would stone the small Jamarah (one of the three pillars that is stoned in the last days of Hajj), then face the qiblah, raise his hands, and make du'a for a long time. He would then stone the middle Jamarah and do the same. When he stoned the large Jamarah, he would depart without making any du'a.

[Sahih al-Bukhari #1753 and others]

30. At the Crowing of a Rooster

Abu Hurairah (Rali Allahu Anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: 'When you hear a rooster crowing, then ask Allah for His bounties, for it has seen an angel, and when you hear a donkey braying, then seek refuge in Allah from Shaitan, for it has seen a Shaitan'

[Sahih al-Bukhari, Muslim, Ahmad,

Sahih al-Jami #611]

31. Du'a made inside the Ka'bah

The Ka'bah is a sanctuary that has no comparison in the entire world. The du'a of one who prays inside the hijr is considered as being made inside the ka'bah, as it is part of the house (Baitullah). [This is the semicircle to the right of the Ka'bah if you face the door, opposite to the Yemeni corner and the Black stone wall.]

Usamah ibn Zayd narrated, 'When the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) entered the House (Ka'bah), and he made du'a in all of its corners [Muslim 2: 968 and others]

32. Du'a on the mount of Safa or Marwah during Umrah or Hajj It is narrated that the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) would make long du'as at Safa and Marwah.

[Muslim #1218 and others]

33. While reciting Surah al-Fatihah

The Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said that Allah the Exalted had said: ' I have divided the prayer into two halves between me and my servant, and my servant will receive what he asks for. When the servant says: Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the universe, Allah the Most High says: My servant has praised Me. And when he (the servant) says: The Most Compassionate, the Merciful, and Allah the Most High says: My servant has lauded Me. When he (the servant) says: Master of the Day of Judgment, He remarks: My servant has glorified me, and sometimes He will say: My servant entrusted (his affairs) to Me. When he (the worshipper) says: Thee do we worship and of Thee do we ask help, He (Allah) says: This is between me and my servant, and my servant will receive what he asks for. Then, when he (the worshipper) says: Guide us to the straight path, the path of those to whom Thou hast been Gracious - not of those who have incurred Thy displeasure, nor of those who have gone astray, He (Allah) says: This is for My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for.

[Muslim 4: 395]

34. Saying 'Ameen' during prayer

After finishing the recitation of Al-Fatihah, the saying of 'Ameen' in congregation.

The Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: 'When the Imam says 'Ameen', then recite it behind him (as well), because whoever's Ameen coincides with the Ameen of the angels will have all of his sins forgiven.'

[Sahih al-Bukhari #780,

Muslim #410 and others]

35. While visiting the sick, and dua made by the sick Umm Salamah narrated that the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said:

'When you visit the sick, or the dead then say good, because the angels say 'Ameen' to whatever you say. [Muslim #2126]

Ali (Rali Allahu Anhu ) reported that the Prophet (SalAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:

'When a Muslim visits his sick Muslim brother in the morning, seventy thousand angels make dua for his forgiveness till the evening. And when he visits him in the evening, seventy thousand angels make dua for his forgiveness till the morning, and he will be granted a garden for it in Jannah.'

[At-Tirmidhi, abu Dawud]

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(Concluded)

The Blessed Month - Ramadhan

Ayesha Yusuf

As we enter the Holy Month of Ramadhan, the blessed month of peace, and mercy of Allah, we have to remind ourselves of our obligations to the Lord our creator and sustainer.

Fasting was prescribed for man that he attains Taqwa. It is the month of sincere repentance whereby we seek forgiveness from our past sins. Let us strive to fast in complete submission to our Lord, and rediscover our lost faith, whilst also seeking his help, to live as he has ordained for us always and not only in this sacred month. Repentance has a status, that does not exist with any other form of worship.

Allah loves those who repent, and diligently seek purity.

This is the month of endurance, that also brings Paradise within man's reach.

Fasting or saum, one of the five pillars of Islam is a shield that protects man, and makes him aware of his obligations, and also enables him to control his desires. It distances man from the fire, for fasting comes between man and the fire.

Every action of the son of Adam is given manifold reward, each good deed receives ten times its like, up to seven hundred times.

Allah says "Except for fasting, for it is for me, and I will give recompense for it." (Muslim).

The Glorious Quran, that came as a guidance to mankind was revealed in this Holy Month. Clear proofs of guidance and the criterion of (right from wrong) are also part of the revelations that follow. So "whoever of you who sights the crescent moon, on the first night,he must fast that month." (2-185)

"O ye who believe, Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain righteousness" (2-183).

Fasting enables man to master himself, and resist the cravings of his inner self. Instead of being a slave to his desires, he finds contentment, and inner peace, with the knowledge, that all this and fasting is for Allah's sake.

Allah does not impose hardships on man for he knows his ability. In Surah Mulk Allah says: "Should he not know, he that created" (67-14) he understand the finest mysteries, and is well acquainted with them.

Ramadhan is the month for good deeds, and Allah's blessings are manifest, for it has many virtues. It is the month that enables Muslims to strengthen their faith, and increase their practices in meritorious deeds. We have to keep in mind, that fasting in Ramadhan does not mean to only abstain from food and drink, from dawn to dusk, but also to control our tongue and actions, devoid of evil deeds and speech. As we fast we come to terms with the pangs of hunger, the poor experience in their daily life. If we fast in its true sense, we can reap its benefits, both spiritually and physically. It is for our well-being that Allah prescribed the fast in this Holy Month.

To Muslims, fasting is restricting the consumption of food and drink, as also our desires.

The Holy Prophet explained the excellence of fasting, and said, that when man fasts his sins are forgiven through this blessed act of worship.

"And eat and drink, until the white thread appears to you, distinct from the black thread (2-187). This is in reference to the breaking of dawn.

The breaking of the fast should be as soon as the sun sets, and suhoor or the pre-dawn meal should be taken as late as possible, before Fajr. It is a blessed meal from Allah, as Allah's Messenger called it, and is a compliance of the Sunnah.

Let us not be practising Muslims, only in this month to be seen by others, but let us devote our time throughout our life to Ibadah, and remembrance of Allah, the Lord our creator.

Lets not be over indulgent, but resolve to be mindful, that fasting is not feasting, and restrict ourselves to the real meaning of fasting.

The unity of the Muslim Ummah is once again Manifest, when the Muslim World fasts in obedience to Allah. Only Allah knows when man fasts. Unlike his other deeds, which may be seen by others, fasting is known only to Allah.

Fasting over powers 'Shaitan', the enemy of Allah who leads many astray, because the base of all carnal desires is the stomach. In many homes, we know the over indulgence in practice at Ifthaar, with tables spread with food. This is the time, when we have to remember the poor, most of who, have not the wherewithal to break their fast. So let's remember to share this with at least one needy person.

This is also the month of charity. It is the poor due enjoined on man, that his wealth be also given to kith and kin. Give of the largesse. Allah bestows on you.

Wealth is a trust bestowed on man, not only for himself, to live a life of luxury, but also to assist the needy. Allah reiterates this in the Holy Quran thus "Covet not that which God has bestowed more freely on some than others. God loveth not the arrogant, and vainglorious. Nor the niggardly. Who hide the bounties that God has bestowed on them for we have prepared for them a punishment that steeps them in contempt (4-36).

In Ch 2-215, Allah says, "they ask the (O Muhammed) what they shall spend" say: "that which ye spend for good, must go to parents, near kindred and orphans, and the needy and way farer whatever good ye do, Allah is aware of it. Believe in Allah and his messenger, and spend of that which he has made you trustees, their will be a great reward. Let him who hath abundance, spend of his abundance, and he whose provision is measured, let him spend of that which Allah has given him.

We should not wait to be asked for that which should be distributed among the needy.

Those who deserve our help, should receive it in the proper way. Zakat is incumbent on every Muslim, who has the means to give.

It is obligatory on man who is in good health to fast. Allowance however is made for the sick, the traveller. The old who are unable to fast, he has to feed a poor person in lieu of each day he is unable to fast.

"On no soul doth Allah place a burden greater than he can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and suffers every ill that it earns." (2-285)

May it be a peaceful and Blessed Ramadhan for the Muslim Ummah.

'Lailathul Qadir' programmes Maligawatte Jumma mosque

The Maligawatte Jumma Mosque has made arrangements for the Holy Night of "Lailathul Qadir" programme to be held on Saturday September 27, 2008 from 8.00 p.m. onwards. Thraweeh Prayers, Bayan, Thasbeeh Prayers, Withr Prayers, Thowba, Duha, Halara Majlis will be held on this day. Rashadiya Arabic College, Grandpass, Colombo Lecturer Moulavi Al Haj. Ihsan Rashadi will be the guest speaker and speak on "Significant of Lailathul Qadir". Nawalapitiya Hashimiya Arabic College Student Al Hafil Al Haj. Mohamed Shiyan Azar will conduct the Withr prayers. Managing Trustee of the Mosque Muqqadam Al Haj. M. S. M. Marzook will conduct the Halara Majlis.

Al - Masjidul Badriyeen

The Lailathul Audur Programme has been organised by the Al - Masjidul Badriyeen, Nawala Jummah Mosque, Sri Jayawardenapura, Rajagiriya. Special arrangements have been made by Al-Haj M. H. Abu Haniffa the Chief Trustee of the Mosque. The programme will start at 9.00 p.m. Isha Prayers will be conducted by Al - Haj Mowlavi M. Mansoor.

Tharaveeh Prayers will be conducted by Hafiz Mowlavi H. M. Shajahan (Falahi) and Hafiz A. A. Ubidullah Adam Ali from 9.15 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. Thasbeeh Prayers will be by Al - Haj Mowlavi M. T. Hilurudeen (Falahi) from 10.30 p.m. to 11.00 p.m.

The religious lectures will be delivered by the following Mowlavis -

Al - Haj Mowlavi M. T, Hilurudeen (Falahi) (in Tamil) from 11.15 p.m. to 11.45 p.m.

Kari Faizal Hassan (in Sinhala) from 11.45 p.m. to 12.15 a.m. and Mowlavi Ahamed Sha (in English) from 12.15 a.m. to 1.00 a.m.

Vithir Prayers by Al - Haj Mowlavi A. B. M. Mubarak (Falahi) from 01.00 a.m. to 01.15 a.m.

Zikramajlis, Thawaba and Duwa by Mowlavi M. S. M. Mansoor (Kaleefathushshzuly) from 01.15 a.m. to 2.00 a.m.