The Night of Power arrives

The Night of Power arrives Ahmed Shaaban / 4 August 2013 Want to have all your sins forgiven? Want to start a new chapter? Want to get closer to God? Want to add more than 83 years of worship to your life? It’s simple, by maximising worship on Lailat Al Qadr (The night of power). Though all days and nights of Ramadan are full of blessings and rewards, its last ten days hold a special status stressed in the recommendations and practices of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), particularly the night of August 4 (27th night of Ramadan ) or Al Qadr Night that is considered the holiest night of the year for Muslims. Islamic researcher Dr Shaikh Mohammed Ashmawy said Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) used to keep himself and his wives busy in acts of worship during these blessed days which may lead to a man’s release from hell and help him secure a high position in Paradise. “These acts of worships are praying, supplicating, reading the Quran, performing Zikr (Remembrance of God), giving charity, and taking part in a spiritual retreat called ‘Itekaf’, where you spend all ten days in the mosque reading the Quran and praying.” Seeking Laylat Al Qadr, particularly on the odd-numbered nights in the last ten days of Ramadan, is highly advised by the Prophet. “That night of power, honour and grace is better in virtue and reward than a sincere worship of a thousand months as stipulated in Chapter 79/3,” Dr Ashmawy said. Shaikh Mahmoud Marei, Imam of Al Huda Mosque, said there are some signs by which the night of Laylat Al Qadr is identified. “As the Prophet quoted, it is a pleasant and bright night, neither hot nor cold, and the sun rises red, weak with no visible rays the following day.” Shaikh Mohammed Al Arabi, Imam of Al Tawheed Mosque, said Allah forgives the previous sins of the one who stays up and prays during this great night — when the Holy Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) — out of faith and in hope of earning the reward from Him. Certain Duas (supplications) are also recommended on this night. ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com   Taylor Scott International