Laylatul Qadr ...
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Adil ibn Manzoor Khan
Aug 20, 2011, 3:12:55 PM8/20/11
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"May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon You"
Praise
be to Allaah, we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge with
Allaah from the evil of our own souls and from our bad deeds.
Whomsoever Allaah guides will never be led astray, and whomsoever Allaah
leaves astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no god
but Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.
Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'ala Rasulillah
As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu
- - - THE ORIGIN - - -
Regarding this night, in a Hadith
reported by Anas (Radiallaho Anho) Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) is
reported to have said Laylatul Qadr was granted to my Ummah and not to any
other Ummah before this .
Regarding the reason for the granting of Laylatul Qadr, various reasons are mentioned. One reason, according to some Ahadith is given thus: Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) used to look at the longer lives of the earlier people and was saddened when pondering over the much shorter lives of his own Ummah. If His Ummah had wished to compete with the people before them in the doing of righteous deeds, because of their shorter lives it would be impossible for them to either emulate or surpass them. To compensate for this difference in their life span, Allah in His infinite mercy granted them with this night of great blessing.
This means that if any fortunate one of this Ummah spends 1 such night in the worship of his maker, he would have gained the reward for Ibaadah of 1000 nights (approx 83 years and 4 months).
Still another report states that our Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) once mentioned the names of the four most pious people from among the Bani Israel who each spent eighty years in Allahs sincere service, worshipping Him, and not sinning in the least. They were Nabi Ayyub (Alaihi Salaam),Zakariyya (Alaihi Salaam), Hizqeel (Alaihi Salaam) and Yushaa (Alaihi Salaam). The Sahabahs heard this with astonishment. The Jibraeel (Alaihi Salaam) appeared and recited Surah Qadr, wherein the blessings of this night was revealed.
Regarding the reason for the granting of Laylatul Qadr, various reasons are mentioned. One reason, according to some Ahadith is given thus: Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) used to look at the longer lives of the earlier people and was saddened when pondering over the much shorter lives of his own Ummah. If His Ummah had wished to compete with the people before them in the doing of righteous deeds, because of their shorter lives it would be impossible for them to either emulate or surpass them. To compensate for this difference in their life span, Allah in His infinite mercy granted them with this night of great blessing.
This means that if any fortunate one of this Ummah spends 1 such night in the worship of his maker, he would have gained the reward for Ibaadah of 1000 nights (approx 83 years and 4 months).
Still another report states that our Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) once mentioned the names of the four most pious people from among the Bani Israel who each spent eighty years in Allahs sincere service, worshipping Him, and not sinning in the least. They were Nabi Ayyub (Alaihi Salaam),Zakariyya (Alaihi Salaam), Hizqeel (Alaihi Salaam) and Yushaa (Alaihi Salaam). The Sahabahs heard this with astonishment. The Jibraeel (Alaihi Salaam) appeared and recited Surah Qadr, wherein the blessings of this night was revealed.
1. All Sins Forgiven on Worshipping during this Night
Abu Hurairah (Radhiallaho Anhu) reports (Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) said, Whoever stands in prayer and Ibaadah on the night of Power with sincere faith and with sincere hope of gaining reward, his previous sins are forgiven (Targheeb from Bukhari and Muslim)
COMMENTARY
In the above Hadith "standing" refers to Salaah as well as any other form of Ibaadah, as for example Zikr, Tilaawah etc. The phrase ...with sincere hope of gaining reward means that one should be sincerely occupied with Ibaadah solely for the pleasure of Allah and to receive reward from Him. This should not be done for others to see, or to deceive them.
It will be noted that the Hadith speaks about previous sins being forgiven. The Ulama have said that this forgiveness are mentioned in the Hadith above and other Ahadith, refers only to minor sins. Major sins can only be forgiven, according to the Quran after sincere repentance, with the vow and promise never to return to such sins again. This is the reason why the Ulama are unanimous that major sins are not forgiven except by sincere repentance. Hence, whenever, forgiveness of sins mentioned in the Ahadith the Ulama specify it to be minor sins.
2. To be deprived of Laylatul Qadr is to be deprived of all Good
Anas (Radiallaho Anho) reports : "Once when Ramadhan began, the Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said: "A month has verily come upon you, wherein lies a night better than a thousand months. Whoever misses such a night has indeed been deprived of all that is good and none is deprived of it, except he who is really unfortunate."
Note: Who can have any doubt as to the misfortune of the person who is either deprived or deprives himself of the great good of Laylatul Qadr ? There are those who, during their service and terms of employment, have to stay awake by night throughout the year. How easy should it be for the sake of gaining the reward of over eighty years of worship of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) to stay awake for one night in Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) 's service?
Because of lack of interest there is no desire in the heart. If that were present then even a thousand nights in worship of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) would become exceedingly easy. It is this urge and desire that we must create. Our Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) had been promised time and again that he had nothing to fear in the Akhirah and had been given good news as to his exalted position. Yet night after night he was seen in worship of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) so much so that his feet would became swollen.
3. Descent of the Angels
Anas (Radiallaho Anho) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said: "On Laylatul Qadr, the Angel Jibraeel (Alaihi Salaam) descends upon the earth with a group of Angels making Dua for blessings for every servant of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) whom they see in worship, standing or sitting and engrossed in Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) 's praise. Then on the day of Eid , Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) boasts about them to the Angels (who had been critical at the time of Adam ( Alaihi Salaam) 's creation), 'O My Angels, what is the reward of that worker who had done his job very well?' The reply: 'O our Sustainer, his reward should be given to him in full.' To this Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) replies, O' My Angels, verily My servants, the males among them as well as females, have today duly performed their obligatory duty, thereafter they set forth to place for Eid Salaah raising their voices in Dua to Me. I swear by My Honor, by My Grandeur, by My Grace and by My Exalted Position, that I shall surely answer the Dua 's of these people. 'Thereafter, Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) addresses the people: 'Go forth, I have forgiven your sins and have replaced your evil deeds with righteous ones.' These people then return from the place for Eid Salaah in such a condition that their sins stand forgiven."
It is reported that Jibraeel (Alaihi Salaam, after his descent, commands the Angels to go to the house of everyone busy with worship of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) and greet him by shaking his hands. There upon the Angels spread forth, visiting every House, whether large or small, whether in the Jungle or on a ship, wherein a believer lives to shake his hands.
However, certain houses are not entered: The house wherein a dog of a pig is found, the house wherein there is someone who has committed adultery and is still unclean because he has not even taken a bath after it and the house wherein pictures (images) of men and animals are displayed.
How unfortunate that Muslims houses should be deprived of the blessed entry of Angels simply because there are pictures of men and animals being displayed, solely for the sake of decoration.
A single picture may have been hung by some member of the Household, as a result of which the complete household is deprived of these blessings.
4. When to look for
Laylatul Qadr?
Aisha (Radiallaho Anha) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said "Seek Laylatul Qadr among the odd numbered nights of the last ten days of the month of Ramadhan".
Note: According to the great majority of the religious scholars, the last ten nights commence on the 21st night. Such is the case whether the month of Ramadhan consists of 29 days or 30. S0, one should seek Laylatul Qadr on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th night.
5. Precise Knowledge of Laylatul Qadr was taken away
'Ubaadah Ibn Saamit (Radiallaho Anho) said "Once the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) came out to inform us of the (correct date of) Laylatul Qadr. Unfortunately, a quarrel took place between two Muslims, whereupon He (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said 'I came out to inform you as to when Laylatul Qadr occurs, but because two people quarreled with each other, the knowledge of the correct date was taken away. Perhaps that is better for you. So, seek it among the ninth, seventh and fifth nights.'"
Note: Three important points are referred to in this Hadith. Firstly it tells us of a quarrel, as a result of which the knowledge of the precise night of Laylatul Qadr was lost to us. Arguments and quarrels are always the cause of loss of blessings.
Once Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) inquired of the Sahabah: "Shall I inform you of an action that is better than Salaah, fasting and charity?" The Sahabah replied: "Certainly." Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) then said" "Maintain peaceful and good relations amongst yourselves, for verily quarrels among yourselves destroy (shave off) faith," i.e. just as a razor shaves off the hair, so does quarrelling affect the Deen.
Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said that he who severs relations with a brother Muslim for more than three days and dies in this state, will go straight to Jahannam. In another Hadith, it is stated that on every Monday and Thursday, the actions of human beings are brought before Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala). Then through His mercy (as a result of certain good deeds), forgiveness is granted, except to the idolaters and those who set up equals to Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala), However, regarding those two people between whom a quarrel has taken place, friendship having been cut off, it shall be said, "Leave their affair in suspense until such time as they become reconciled."
Another Hadith states that, when actions are produced before Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) every Monday and Thursday, repentance is accepted from those who repent and forgiveness is granted to those who seek pardon. As for those who had arguments (with each other) they are left as they were.
6. Signs of Laylatul Qadr
' Ubadah Ibn Saamit (Radiallaho Anho) reports that he asked Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) about Laylatul Qadr, He (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) replied "It is in Ramadhan, during the last ten days on the unevenly numbered nights, either 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or the last night of Ramadhan. Whosoever stands in worship of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) on this night with sincere faith and with genuine hopes of gaining reward, his previous sins will be forgiven. Among the signs of this night is that it is a serene, quiet, shining night, neither hot, nor cold but temperate as if a moon is shining clear and no meteors are shot at the Shayateen on that night. It lasts until the break of the dawn. Another sign is that at morn, the sun rises without any radiant beams of light, appearing rather like the moon in its fullness. On that day, Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) prohibits the Shayateen from rising up with the sun."
Aisha (Radiallaho Anha) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said "Seek Laylatul Qadr among the odd numbered nights of the last ten days of the month of Ramadhan".
Note: According to the great majority of the religious scholars, the last ten nights commence on the 21st night. Such is the case whether the month of Ramadhan consists of 29 days or 30. S0, one should seek Laylatul Qadr on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th night.
5. Precise Knowledge of Laylatul Qadr was taken away
'Ubaadah Ibn Saamit (Radiallaho Anho) said "Once the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) came out to inform us of the (correct date of) Laylatul Qadr. Unfortunately, a quarrel took place between two Muslims, whereupon He (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said 'I came out to inform you as to when Laylatul Qadr occurs, but because two people quarreled with each other, the knowledge of the correct date was taken away. Perhaps that is better for you. So, seek it among the ninth, seventh and fifth nights.'"
Note: Three important points are referred to in this Hadith. Firstly it tells us of a quarrel, as a result of which the knowledge of the precise night of Laylatul Qadr was lost to us. Arguments and quarrels are always the cause of loss of blessings.
Once Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) inquired of the Sahabah: "Shall I inform you of an action that is better than Salaah, fasting and charity?" The Sahabah replied: "Certainly." Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) then said" "Maintain peaceful and good relations amongst yourselves, for verily quarrels among yourselves destroy (shave off) faith," i.e. just as a razor shaves off the hair, so does quarrelling affect the Deen.
Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said that he who severs relations with a brother Muslim for more than three days and dies in this state, will go straight to Jahannam. In another Hadith, it is stated that on every Monday and Thursday, the actions of human beings are brought before Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala). Then through His mercy (as a result of certain good deeds), forgiveness is granted, except to the idolaters and those who set up equals to Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala), However, regarding those two people between whom a quarrel has taken place, friendship having been cut off, it shall be said, "Leave their affair in suspense until such time as they become reconciled."
Another Hadith states that, when actions are produced before Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) every Monday and Thursday, repentance is accepted from those who repent and forgiveness is granted to those who seek pardon. As for those who had arguments (with each other) they are left as they were.
6. Signs of Laylatul Qadr
' Ubadah Ibn Saamit (Radiallaho Anho) reports that he asked Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) about Laylatul Qadr, He (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) replied "It is in Ramadhan, during the last ten days on the unevenly numbered nights, either 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or the last night of Ramadhan. Whosoever stands in worship of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) on this night with sincere faith and with genuine hopes of gaining reward, his previous sins will be forgiven. Among the signs of this night is that it is a serene, quiet, shining night, neither hot, nor cold but temperate as if a moon is shining clear and no meteors are shot at the Shayateen on that night. It lasts until the break of the dawn. Another sign is that at morn, the sun rises without any radiant beams of light, appearing rather like the moon in its fullness. On that day, Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) prohibits the Shayateen from rising up with the sun."
7. What One should make Dua for in Laylatul Qadr
Aisha (Radiallaho Anho) reports "I said 'O Rasul of Allah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) , should I find myself the Laylatul Qadr, what shall I ask of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) ? Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) replied, 'Say, "O Allah, You are the One who grants pardon for sins, You loves to pardon, so pardon me.""
"Allahumma innaka
afuwwun tuh ibbul afwa
fa fu annee -
O Allah! You are forgiving,
and you love forgiveness.
So forgive me."
afuwwun tuh ibbul afwa
fa fu annee -
O Allah! You are forgiving,
and you love forgiveness.
So forgive me."
What are the signs of Lailatul Qadr?
Sun rise after Lailatul-Qadr (27th Night)
Duaa for Laylatul-Qadr (The Night of Power)
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