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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright April 2023
One evening after Iftar a young son asked his father about this holiest of nights on the Islamic calendar.
Son: "Dad, tell me about the Laylat al-Qadr that my friends say is the holiest of nights in Ramadan and which night in the month is it supposed to be?"
Dad: "Well, let me start by saying that the holiest night in Ramadan is known as "Laylat al-Qadr" or "The Night of Power".
Son: Night of Power?
Dad: If you're to Google you'll get an explanation which may sound like 'Qadar (Arabic: قدر, transliterated qadar, meaning literally "power", but translated variously as: "Fate", "Divine Fore-ordainment", "Predestination," "Divine Decree", "Decree" of Allah", "Preordainment").
Son: That sounds like so much to absorb.
Dad: But I would like to think of the term as as a concept to mean Divine Destiny in Islam. I grew up thinking that that's the night when angels bring to earth Allah's decree for mankind and I always pray that our family is blessed for the entire year until next Ramadan.
Son: Shall I pray too. But which night Dad?
Dad. Yes, you may. Anyway, Laylat al-Qadr is believed to be the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by Angel Gabriel.
Son: First verse? Which one?
Dad: Surah Al-Alaq which says, Read (O Prophet), in the name of your Lord, Who created: created man from a clot of congealed blood. Or may be better if I were to read to you the entire five verses: "Recite in the name of your Lord who created – Created man from a clinging substance. Recite and your Lord is the most Generous – Who taught by the pen – Taught man that which he knew not.” [Quran, 96: 1-5]"
Son: But I was told the Prophet could not read or write! Is that true?
Dad. Yes that's true. The Prophet (PBUH) unfortunately or fortunately was an illiterate. Anyway, back to Laylat al-Qadr, the exact date of Laylat al-Qadr is not known, my son but it is believed to fall on one of the odd-numbered nights during the last ten days of Ramadan.
Son: So you and I ought to be at the mosque during the last ten nights every night then, yes Dad?
Dad. Yes all Muslims believe that this night is filled with blessings and forgiveness, and that worship and prayers performed during this night are worth more than those performed during a thousand months.
Son: What do they do on the night?
Dad: Muslims around the world observe this night with special prayers, recitation of the Quran, and other acts of worship. Many people spend the entire night in prayer and contemplation, seeking forgiveness for their sins and asking for blessings from Allah.
Son: Where does the idea that the night is better than a thousand months come from?
Dad: It comes from the Quran. The importance of Laylat al-Qadr is emphasized in the Quran, where it is described as "better than a thousand months" (97:3).
This is why many Muslims consider this night to be the most important and holiest night of the entire year. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and seeking the mercy and forgiveness of Allah.
Son: So when would the last 10 days of Ramadan start this year Dad?
Dad: I think it should start around the 11 or 12 of April if Hari Raya was to be on 22nd. Are you ready, my son?
Son: Yes Dad I am all set I hope I can stay up all 10 nights and catch Laylat al-Qadr. Good night Dad.
Dad: Good night son. May Allah be with you on Laylat al-Qadr.
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