The Night of Destiny: The sacred night of sublime and divine atmosphere

Tinjdad – Laylat Alqadr, the Night of destiny, is highly sacred for all Muslims of the world because it is during this sanctified night that the prophet Mohamed (PBUH) received the first revelations from God. No one is absolutely certain about the exact time of the night of destiny, but, traditionally, Muslims have agreed upon the 26th night of Ramadan as the possible time.

Laylat Alqadr is a unique occasion for all Moroccan families to revive many traditions, customs and special rituals in a spiritual atmosphere. Apart from the religious rituals and practices that are nearly common to all the Islamic nations, there are some cultural aspects and distinguished customs that make this blessed night very Moroccan and set it apart from the rest of the countries of North Africa and the Islamic world.

To many people, the blessed night of Laylat Alkadr is associated with religious rituals. Spending most of the times in the mosques praying, reading the Quran and pleading for forgiveness and divine mercy are the main activities that characterizes the night of revelation in the entire Islamic world. Yet, there are some cultural and social rites that make the night different from place to another.

The main feature of this religious occasion in Morocco precisely in the south east is its rich social and cultural manifestations. The children are normally not required to fast during Ramadan, but for those who want to give it a try, they find no better day than the day that precedes the night of destiny. Their parents in turn reward them generously by serving a special dish in their honor. As a child, and as traditions implies, I recall being given a plate with an egg in the middle and I had to run down the stairs without falling the egg on the ground. Even though it seems a hard test, but it grants the child the pride and parents’ approval to fully fast the next Ramadan if desired.

Family gatherings and socializing are social aspects that are very common during the holy month of Ramadan. However, in the night of destiny, these aspects take various fascinating forms. Young girls of the same neighborhood would make contributions to buy all that they need to prepare delicious dishes in a private place. Every girl would have to wear her best clothes and garments, mostly traditional clothes namely caftans, and join the house of celebration to, along with girls, sing, dance and perform uplifting music. Young boys get dressed elegantly and accompany their parents and relatives to the mosques.

It is believed that gins and evil creatures are shackled during the holy month of Ramadan, but they are set free on the day of laylat Alqadr. To avoid being touched by those evil invisible creatures, mothers or grandmothers burn Incense in an earthen utensil and move it from room to room to make the smoke reach every corner of the house, believing that the strong smell of incense blesses the place and exorcise demons and evil spirits from the house. While doing so, they repeat rhyming prayers charms and spells that they believe to have strong power in warding off those mischievous creatures.

“The Night of Destiny is better than a thousand months”, confirms God in His holy book. How lovely! So let’s celebrate this sacred night in sublime divine atmosphere and make our wishes honestly, may God make our and your wishes true.