DAY 23: Seeking the ‘Night of Majesty’

[MrVan]

By Ishola Balogun

The significance of the Night of Majesty or Laylatul-Qadr cannot be over-emphasised. Despite our knowledge about the glorious night and its importance, preparation towards it has not shown enough awareness and consciousness about its gains. It is one marvellous gift the Creator, Allah (SWT) has given to the Muslim Ummah to redeem and renew themselves every year of all iniquities, attract abundant blessings and, of course, change their destinies.

It is the night when the whole multitude of angels and the spirit (Ruh) descend on earth, greet and pray for the believers and convey messages of peace. It is the night of unsurpassed grandeur when the Qu'ran was revealed through angel Gabriel (Jubril) into the heart of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

It is a night of long-lasting blessings. It is a night in one whole Islamic year that influences or better still changes our destinies.

A colleague had once told me that even the non-Muslim who recognises the power of the night, makes proper use of the period in their own way. In fact, some non-Muslim organisations hold their power night programme during the period. The Muslim Ummah, who know what Allah has given them, should make proper use of it, prepare for it and explore it.

Those who know never joked with the nights in the last 10 days of Ramadan. There are several Tahajuds (night prayers) going on every night in and around the cities during these last lap of the Ramadan fast.

"Surely We revealed it (the Holy Qu'ran) on the Grand Night. And what will make you comprehend the grand night. The Grand Night is better than a thousand months. The angels and Gabriel descend in it by the permission of their Lord for every affair, Peace! It is till the break of the morning" Holy Qu'ran (97:1-5).

The scholars have explained to us that Allah, in his infinite wisdom had planned the system of the universe in such a way that every person's destiny will be determined on a yearly basis. Allah offered this gesture to mankind as a unique opportunity to influence his own future.

This is done by performing certain supererogatory acts, such as dua, salat, zikr and recitation of the Holy Qu'ran. The important thing at this period is never to miss any night till the end of Ramadan.

Prayer of the day

O Allah, on this day, open for me the doors of the heavens, and lock the doors of Hell from me, O the One who sends down tranquillity into the hearts of believers, give me peace and accept my prayers.

Amen.

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