Q:
How to spend Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree in worship;is it
by offering Salat (Prayer), reciting the Qur’an reading the Sirah (the Prophet’s
biography) listening to lectures and lessons, or celebrating it in the Masjid
(Mosque)?
(Part
no. 10; Page no. 414)
A: First: The
Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to be exceptionally diligent
in worship during the last ten days of Ramadan, more so than at any other
time; praying, reciting the Qur’an and supplicating. It was reported by Al-Bukhari
and Muslim on the authority of ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased upon her)
that: ”When the last ten (nights of Ramadan) began, the Messenger of Allah
(peace be upon him) would stay up the night, wake his family (for prayer) and
tighten his Izar (i.e. exert himself in worship and abstain from
conjugal intercourse).” Ahmad and Muslim reported: ”The Messenger of Allah (peace
be upon him) used to strive hard in worship during the last ten days of
Ramadan as never did at any other time.”
Second: The
Prophet (peace be upon him) exhorted to stay up and pray Qiyam (optional Night
Prayer) on laylat-ul-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward. It was
narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that
the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ”Anyone who spends laylat-ul-Qadr in
Qiyam, out of Iman (Faith) and Ihtisab (confident anticipation of Allah’s
Reward), will have their past sins forgiven.” [Related by the Group of Hadith
Compilers except Ibn Majah] This Hadith indicates that it is prescribed to
stay up and spend in this night in Qiyam.
Third: One
of the best Du’a’s (supplication) to be said on Laylat-ul-Qadr is that which
the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught to ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased
with her). It was reported by Al-Tirmidhy who ranked the Hadith as Sahih
(authentic), that ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: ”I said,’O
Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is Laylat-ul-Qadr, what should I say on
that night?” ’Say: 'Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhib-ul-‘afwa fa’ffu anny [O
Allah! You are All-Forgiving and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.
(Part
no.10; Page no. 415)
Fourth: With
regard to specifying which night of Ramadan is Laylat-ul-Qadr, this requires
specific evidence, however the odd numbered nights during the last ten
nights are more likely than others. The night of of the twenty-seventh is the
most likely to be Laylat-ul-Qadr based upon the Hadiths reported in this regard.
Fifth: With
regard to Bid’ahs (innovation in religion), they are not permissible during
Ramadan or at other time. It was authentically reported that the Messenger
of Allah (peace be upon him) stated: ”Anyone who performs an action which is not
in accordance with this matter of ours (Islam) will have it
rejected.” According to another narration:” Anyone who introduces anything into
this matter of ours (Islam) which is not of it will have it rejected.”
We
know of no basis for the celebrations held during some nights of
Ramadan. Truly, the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (peace be
upon him) and the worst of matters are those which are newly-invented in the
religion.
May
Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his
family, and Companions!
Source: Permanent
Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta | www.alifta.net
