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The Night of Power

Ramadan is important because it was during this month that the Holy Qur'an was first received. The night when the Angel Jibril first came to the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wassalam) to bring him the divine message, is called 'Lailat-ul-Qadr' - 'The Night of Power' or 'The Night of Decree'. It is said to fall on one of the last ten nights of the fast. It is the most important night for those who are fasting. It is not known exactly which night of Ramadan it is, but it is believed to be on one of the odd nights - 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th. Many people believe it is the 27th night.

On this night people who fast, hope to receive illumination or something special from Allah (swt). This might take the form of a change in their character and understanding, guidance or the beginnings of a change in their lives. For this reason, Muslims will often stay up all night to pray on these special nights. In the Qur'an the 'Night of Power' is described in the Surah Al-Qadr, as follows:

When a whole family is fasting, the atmosphere at home often becomes very peaceful and calm. Nobody wants to spoil things by quarelling and losing their tempers. During the last ten days, if they can, devoted Muslims will also spend much of their time praying and reciting the Qur'an at the mosque or alone at home.

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This article has been taken from the book titled "Islam and its festivals" by Istafiah Is'harc.

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