The month of Ramadaan has been singled out for special worship (`Ibadat)
and exclusive favours. It is a month unlike other months. One reason
for this, as defined by the Qur'an, is because the Holy Qur'an was
revealed in this month. Says Allah in Sura alBaqarah: The month of
Ramadaan, that in which the Qur'an was sent down; a guidance for
mankind, and clear signs of guidance and distinction (2:185). In
fact, according to a hadith of the 6th Imam (a), the other holy
books were also revealed in this month.
Among the nights of Ramadaan is one special night, which is better
than a thousand months (HQ, 97:3). Good deeds performed on that
single night are equal to those performed over a thousand months. It
is the Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr), when the Qur'an was revealed.
Some commentators believe it was the night when the Qur'an was
brought down from Baytul M`amur (Heavenly abode), for Jibrael to
reveal in parts to the Prophet (s). Others say it was the night when
the Prophet received the entire Qur'an, but was asked to transmit it
as and when the occasion demanded.
Laylatul Qadr is a celebration to commemorate the arrival of the
final guidance for humans. It is a tribute to the commencement of
the message revealed to mankind by their Creator, a message which
shows them the way to achieve happiness in both the worlds. Just as
the arrival of a child is celebrated, on its birth and then every
year, as a bringer of joy and fulfilment for the family, Laylatul
Qadr is celebrated as a bringer of light and guidance for mankind.
Unlike the birthday which is celebrated with a feast for the senses,
Laylatul Qadr includes a feast for the spirit, a feast of worship
and prayers.
Some Ahadith indicate that the fate of every believer for the coming
year is decreed on this night. That is why the Du`as for this night
ask for special favours in the decree for the year. Believers are
encouraged to stay awake the entire night, and pray for blessings
and forgiveness. It is the holiest night of the year, and it would
be unwise to be heedless of the tremendous benefits of this night.
