LAYLAT UL QADR, also known as the “NIGHT OF POWER” or the “NIGHT OF DESTINY”, is on the 27th. Night DURING RAMADAN, is an INCREDIBLY significant Islamic NIGHT, for OVER 1.8 BILLION MUSLIMS Globally
There are MUSLIMS living in NEARLY EVERY COUNTRY nearly every around the world. According to a 2020 report by the Pew Research Center, Muslims make up a significant population in 177 countries (out of 196 Recognized Sovereign States/Nations). ISLAM is a GLOBAL RELIGION with a DIVERSE PRESENCE around the World.
It is believed LAYLAT UL QADR to be THE NIGHT when the QURAN, the HOLY BOOK of ISLAM, was REVEALED to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Significance
Laylatul Qadr is considered one of the most sacred nights of the Islamic calendar. Muslims believe that on this night:
Quranic revelation: The Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through the angel Gabriel.
Forgiveness and mercy: Allah forgives sins and shows mercy to those who seek forgiveness and engage in charitable deeds.
Destiny and fate: The course of events for the upcoming year is determined, and the fate of individuals is decided.
Observance
To observe Laylatul Qadr, 1.8 Billion Muslims in 56 Islamic Majority Countries, typically:
Perform extra prayers: Engage in additional prayers, such as Taraweeh and Tahajjud.
Recite the Quran: Read and recite the Quran, especially Surah Al-Qadr.
Seek forgiveness: Ask for forgiveness and make amends for past mistakes.
Engage in charity: Give to charity and help those in need.
Stay awake: Stay awake during the night, praying and seeking blessings.
CHARITY/ZAKAT
In ISLAM, the ANNUAL CHARITY is known as ZAKAT , is usually paid during the month of RAMADAN, but it can be paid at any time of the year, and it is obligatory for MUSLIMS. The PERCENTAGE of WEALTH that is REQUIRED to be given as ZAKAT is, 2.5% of EXCESS WEALTH aka NET ASSETS, also known as “ZAKATABLE ASSETS,” which includes, Cash, Savings, Certificates of Deposits, Gold, Silver, Platinum, Diamonds, Jewelry, Stocks, Shares, Bonds, Motor Vehicles, Boats, Aircrafts, Helicopters, Business Inventory, Business Machineries, Business Furniture, Fixtures & Fittings, Rice Lands, Sugar Lands, Livestock and Crops
Laylatul Qadr is a SACRED and BLESSED night in Islam, offering opportunities for spiritual growth, forgiveness, and mercy. Muslims strive to make the most of this night by engaging in acts of worship, seeking forgiveness, and cultivating a deeper connection with Allah.
Etiquette and Preparations
Purification: Muslims are encouraged to purify themselves physically and spiritually BEFORE the night.
Fasting: Fasting during the day is recommended to increase the reward.
Prayer: Performing the FIVE DAILY PRAYERS and additional prayers, such as Taraweeh and Tahajjud, is encouraged.
Quran recitation: Reciting the Quran, especially Surah Al-Qadr, is highly recommended.
Dua: Making supplications (dua) to Allah, seeking forgiveness and mercy, is encouraged.
Significance in the Quran
Surah Al-Qadr, 97th CHAPTER with 5 VERSES: The Quranic chapter (surah) dedicated to Laylatul Qadr emphasizes its importance and blessings.
Verse 1-5: The first five verses of Surah Al-Qadr describe the night as a time of mercy, forgiveness, and blessings. (97:1) Behold, We revealed this (Qur’an) on the Night of Power. (97:2) And what do you know what the Night of Power is? (97:3) The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. (97:4) The angels along with the Holy Spirit descend, with the permission of their Lord for every decreed matter. (97-5) It is all peaceful until the break of dawn.
Hadiths and Prophetic Traditions
Prophetic guidance: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged Muslims to seek Laylatul Qadr and make the most of its blessings.
Abu Hurairah’s Hadith: A famous Hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah emphasizes the importance of seeking forgiveness and mercy during Laylatul Qadr.
Cultural and Social Aspects
Community gatherings: Muslims often gather in Masjids or homes to perform prayers and recite the Quran together.
Charity and generosity: Many Muslims increase their charitable giving and acts of kindness during Laylatul Qadr.
Family and social bonding: The night is often spent with family and friends, strengthening social bonds and promoting a sense of community.
LAYLAT UL QADR is a MOST UNIQUE, PRAYERFUL and BLESSED NIGHT of POWER in ISLAM, offering opportunities for SPIRITUAL GROWTH, FORGIVENESS and MERCY, by understanding its significance, etiquette, and cultural power, in THEORY, PRACTICE and ETHICS, for ALL MUSLIMS Globally.
Assuring You of My Highest Consideration
DR. SHAMIR ANDREW ALLY
· SECOND Ambassador to KUWAIT 2016-2020
· FIRST Alternate Governor: Islamic Development Bank, 2017-2020
· Deputy Chairman, GO-Invest, February 2016 to December 2019
