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Rabat – Although Ramadan is an important holy month for Muslims, a time of deep spiritual reflection, there is one night in particular, Laylat al-Qadr, that is exceptional.
Falling at the end of the blessed month of Ramadan, Laylat al-Qadr is known as the holiest night in the Islamic calendar. It carries tremendous significance for Muslims, who commemorate the special night with intense devotion and supplications to God until their sins are forgiven and their fate is written in righteousness.
Different interpretations of Laylat al-Qadr
Laylat al-Qadr, the holiest night in the Islamic calendar, can be translated as “night of decree,” “night of power,” or “night of constriction.”
The exact meaning of Laylat al-Qadr is debated among Islamic scholars, as the word can be interpreted in a variety of ways. According to some, al-Qadr means “destiny” or “decree,” as it is believed to be the night when everyone’s fate is decided.
Other scholars think that Laylat al-Qadr means the “night of power,” reflecting the magnificence and importance of the first night on which the Quran was revealed and the belief that acts of devotion on this night reap higher rewards than prayers and religious activities on any other day.
According to a few other interpretations, Laylat al-Qadr also signifies the “night of restriction,” since angels are believed to descend to the earth to carry worshipers’ praise to God.
Regardless of how Muslims understand this sacred night, all agree that it is the night when God’s mercy is limitless and His grace is endless.
What is Laylat al-Qadr? And why is it important?
Laylat al-Qadr, meaning “predestination and honor,” is the night of the Qur’an, in which the reward for righteous deeds is doubled. Muslims believe it to be the night when demons are chained up and angels descend on earth.
Laylat al-Qadr occurs only once a year, on odd nights in the last 10 days of Ramadan, when there is a special link between the visible and invisible worlds. All prayers are heard, and devotional activities total a thousand months, equivalent to 83 years and 4 months, according to Islamic theology.
Or, as verses 3 to 5 of Surah Al-Qadr, the 97th chapter of the Quran, put it: “The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by the leave of their Lord, with every command; peace it is until the break of dawn.”
Thus, during the last ten days of Ramadan, all Muslims hope to have the honor of worshiping and praying on Laylat al-Qadr.
Laylat al-Qadr holds great significance to Muslims because of its direct links to the Qur’an. It is the night on which God revealed the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace, through the angel Djibril (Gabriel, peace be upon him). Muslims also believe it is a night when God demonstrates immense mercy in deciding people’s fates.
One of the qualities that distinguish Laylat al-Qadr amongst Muslims is that all prayers are answered. Muslims further believe that God will forgive the previous and future sins of whoever spends this night in faithful prayer hoping for rewards.
Angels, blessings, and kindness fall upon the believers on this special night, and God releases a vast number of individuals from Hell’s flames, according to converging readings of the Qur’an.
Signs and wisdom of its concealment
Although its exact date is not mentioned in the Qur’an and Sunnah, the Laylat al-Qadr has signs that are known by which Prophet Muhammad has clarified them in some of his hadiths.
Various conditions distinguish this holy night from others. Laylat al-Qadr is believed to be a clear, quiet night with moderate weather. Temperatures are not too high nor too cold. The absence of rays from the sun on the day after Laylat al-Qadr is another very special sign.
In addition to still winds and a clear sky, Laylat al-Qadr also brings cheerfulness to the soul and tranquility to the heart.
Laylat al-Qadr’s exact date is hidden to encourage individuals to worship routinely, persevere, and increase their devotion throughout the last ten days of Ramadan, rather than restrict it to one night.
This way, all Muslims are keen to honor this night and to do good and behave obediently throughout the full 10-day period, in the hope that they will attain forgiveness on one of these nights.
Preferred actions during Laylat al-Qadr
Laylat al-Qadr is the night when every Muslim is eager to perform different types of virtuous action, with supplication and remembrance of God being the most important.
As a night of tolerance and peace, Islam considers a person’s charitable actions on Laylat al-Qadr to be superior to their outstanding deeds throughout 1,000 months.
Some of the most significant actions Muslims seek to perform on Laylat al-Qadr, also known as the night of forgiveness and salvation from Hellfire, are supplication and remembering God. Reading the Qur’an and doing the standing prayer are also two important rituals to perform on this special night.
Most Moroccan families commemorate Laylat al-Qadr by donating sadaqah (voluntary charity) to mosques and the destitute. They also have dinner together after Taraweeh Ramadan prayers and isha (nightly daily prayer) and serve Moroccan couscous.
Moroccan Muslim families also commemorate each child’s first day of fasting, a special event usually saved for Laylat Al Qadr in the case of those too young to fast for the whole month.
Ramadan, especially Laylat al-Qadr, provides Muslims with an excellent opportunity to devote themselves to their faith and become closer to God.
Ramadan Kareem!
