Allah the Almighty has favoured Friday over all other days, the month of Ramadan over all other months, and Laylat Al-Qadr over all other nights.
Best of Nights
It is distinctly known as the best of nights, because what has been reported concerning its virtues has not been reported concerning other nights.
This is by the mercy of Allah the Almighty, and His kindness for the entire ummah, as He singled it out for this great night.
Thus, it is a unique opportunity to achieve in one night the value of a lifetime of worship, as is demonstrated in the Qur’an:
{Verily, We have sent it (this Qur’an) down in the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree). And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr is? That night, the angels and the Spirit descend, by the permission of their Lord, for every ˹decreed˺ matter. It is all peace until the break of dawn.} (Al-Qadr 97:1-5)
Full of long-lasting blessings, this night is also fraught with loss and regret for those who choose to ignore it, so let us be encouraged and hopeful in preparing for and seeking this special night with a few tips about Laylat Al-Qadr.
#1. Take A Vacation
How many of us painstakingly plan for our summer vacation? We plan what to wear, overlooking no detail; outfits are thought out and activities scheduled.
We take a break from our jobs for most anything else we really want to do in this life, should we not also give equal – or greater – attention to the details of recognising and honouring the quest for Laylat Al-Qadr, the most special and valuable time of our worship in Ramadan?
Should we not be grateful for the opportunity to thank our Creator and seek His forgiveness?
If a full-fledged vacation is not possible, perhaps a day or two off work could be arranged in order to make it easier to remain awake at night to perform extra worship.
{That night the angels and the Spirit descend, by the permission of their Lord, for every ˹decreed˺ matter. It is all peace until the break of dawn} (Al-Qadr 97:4-5)
#2. To Do List
Allah the Almighty wants us to strive in achieving something better for this life and the next. That is why the exact night of Qadr was not disclosed. Make a to-do checklist for each of the last ten nights of Ramadan.
Prioritise things from your list and define how you would like to do them. Avoid wasting time in unproductive chats and begin your worship, focusing on nothing else that does not otherwise require your direct or immediate attention.
#3. Supplications: Plan Ahead
We know that the night of Qadr most probably falls within the last 10-days of Ramadan. Make a record of prayers and supplications. They don’t have to be long. They can be for this world and the next.
Practice ahead and keep them posted everywhere so you can read them all day. I have mine on my mobile’s memo, my laptop and in the kitchen, too.
But remember, the best-of-the-best of all supplications one can make on this special night was narrated by `A’isha:
‘I asked the Messenger of Allah, ‘O Messenger of Allah if I know what night the night of Qadr is, what should I say during it?’ He said, “Say:
اَللَّهُمَّ اِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ ، تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Allahumma innaka `afuwwun, tuhibbul-`afwa, fa`fu `anni
O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me.“
(At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasa’i and Ibn Majah)
#4. Reflect
Reflection is one of the best acts of worship. During the night, take yourself away from the crowd, seek your own quiet space and reflect on the countless favours that Allah the Almighty has blessed you with.
Think about the beautiful and wonderful creation of Allah the Almighty and meditate on what you might imagine – and could scarcely dream of finding – in the Hereafter.
#5. Ask for Forgiveness and Show Remorse
On this special night, focus on calling to Allah the Almighty for forgiveness, showing true remorse. Have faith that Allah the Almighty will forgive you, and be sincere.
Evaluate your past year and plan for the days ahead that, by the Mercy of Allah the Almighty, you may be granted. Renew your intentions and work towards the ultimate goal: Paradise.
Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah said:
“Whoever spends the night of Qadr in worship out of sincere faith and seeking reward, then his previous sins are forgiven“. (Bukhari)
These reminders are, first and foremost, for me.
Don’t forego this once-a-year chance of doubling, tripling, or even tenfold, multiplying your rewards. We may be here this year, but who knows what the future holds? I personally know of many who were previously among us in Ramadan, who are no longer with us. May Allah the Almighty forgive them and us.
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