Muslims are encouraged to worship intently throughout Ramadan in order to catch the blessings of the Night of Power. On this night, the reward for worship is better than 1,000 months! Therefore, we can earn phenomenal reward and acceptance of our repentance through sincere worship and reflection.
In the Qur’an, an entire Surah is dedicated to the Night of Power/Decree (Laylatul Qadr), and in it, Allah (SWT) reveals its purpose, reward and signs:
Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree and what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.
It’s very important to ensure that we pray all of our compulsory prayers in their correct times, and plan our other duties around them. As Salah is one of the five pillars of Islam, this should be a priority for us- and Laylatul Qadr is a great time to reflect on our relationship to Salah, and how we can improve.
It’s also extremely rewarding to pray voluntary (nafl) prayers on Laylatul Qadr. Due to the sanctity of this night, your deeds are multiplied. Consequently, praying just two rakat could equal 83 years of Salah!
On this blessed night, turn to Allah (SWT) with sincerity, and make Du’a from your heart. As well as making Du’a for yourself, make sure to make Du’a for your loved ones, those who are oppressed, mankind and all of Allah (SWT)’s creation. It’s especially important to make Du’a for our Muslim brothers and sisters across that world who are experiencing difficulty, and that Allah (SWT) grants them ease, patience and fulfils their needs.
On Laylatul Qadr, Allah Almighty extends his Mercy to all those who turn to him with sincerity to ask for forgiveness.
Aa’isha (ra) said: “I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say on that night?’ He said, ‘Say: Allaahummainnaka ‘afuwwuntuhibb al-‘afwafa’affu ‘anni (O Allah, You are forgiving and You love forgiveness, so forgive me).” [Tirmidhi]
Laylatul Qadr is a great time to reflect on our sins and errors, turn to Allah (SWT) for forgiveness, while making the intention to improve our conduct and refrain from returning to our sins.
One of the most virtuous acts of reward on Laylatul Qadr is to give Sadaqah to those in need of our help. The Prophet (PBUH) specifically singled out Sadaqah given in Ramadan as the very best charity. (Tirmidhi).
He would be very generous during the month of Ramadan as reported by Ibn Abbas: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) was the most generous of all the people, and he used to become more generous in Ramadan when Gabriel met him. Gabriel used to meet him every night during Ramadan to revise the Qur’an with him. Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) then used to be more generous than the fast wind.” (Bukhari)
As the rewards of good deeds on Laylatul Qadr are increased multifold, giving Sadaqah on Laylatul Qadr is even more beneficial.
This Laylatul Qadr, remember to help our brothers and sisters in need across the globe, particularly those affected by the Earthquake in Syria and Turkey, as well as those trying to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the Pakistan floods.
Having good character and manners is integral to our faith. It’s extremely important to deal with others in the correct manner, strive for increased good qualities such as generosity, kindness and humility, as well as working to combat negative qualities such as greed, jealousy and hatred.
A clean heart is the most pleasing to Allah Almighty, and it is this which brings us closer to Him. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
Verily, Allah does not look at your appearance or wealth, but rather He looks at your hearts and actions
May Allah (SWT) accept our efforts on this blessed night, Ameen!