LAILAT-ul-QADR: The Night of Power

QADR means honour and dignity. Lailat-ul-Qadr means the night of honour and dignity. It is this night in which the first Divine Revelation came to the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam, when he was in prayer in the cave of Hira. Since this night enjoys the honour of having the first revelation brought to the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam, it has been named Lailatul Qadr.
This night had already opened its gates of treasures when the angel for the first time had come with the Divine Message in the cave of Hira, but its auspiciousness has continued to be with us permanently. Every year in the month of Ramadhan, this night is given to the Ummah. Muslims engage in prayers, recitation of Quran and praying to Allah, as the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam said: "The person who offered prayers to Allah in the night of Dignity with faith and with hope of reward from Allah, all his past sins have been forgiven." (Bukhaari)

Its excellence is great, since in this night the Noble Qur'aan was sent down, which leads one who clings to it, to the path of honour and nobility, and raises him to the summit of distinction and everlasting life. The Muslims who adhere strictly to the Sunnah of Allaah's Messenger (SAW) do not raise flags on this night, nor suspend colourful decorations. Rather they vie in standing during it (Lailat-ul-Qadr) in Prayer out of sincere faith and hoping for reward. Here, O Muslim, are the Qur'anic Aayaat and authentic prophetic ahaadeeth referring to this night:


* ITS EXCELLENCE

As regards its excellence it is more than sufficient to mention that Lailat-ul-Qadr is better than a thousand months, He, the Mighty and Majestic, says:

" Verily! We have sent it (this Qur'aan) down in the Night of Decree (Lailat-ul-Qadr). And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh [i.e. Jibreel (Gabriel)] by Allaah's Permission with all Decrees, Peace! until the appearance of dawn." (Al-Qadr 97: 1-5)

And in it every decreed matter for the year is conveyed, He, the Most High says:

" We sent it (this Qur'aan) down on a blessed Night. Verily, We are ever warning (mankind of Our Torment). Therein (that Night) is decreed every matter of ordainment. Amran (i.e. a command or this Qur'aan or His Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messenger). (As) a Mercy from your Lord. Verily! He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower." (Ad-Dukhaan 44: 3-6)

* WHEN IS IT (LAILAT-ul-QADR)?

It is reported from the Prophet SAW that it is within the twenty-first, twenty-third, twenty-fifth, twenty-seventh, twenty-ninth or the last night of Ramadhan.

Imaam ash-Shaafi'ee, rahimahullaah, said: To me it is as the Prophet (SAW) used to answer according to the question posed, it would be said to him: "Shall I seek it in such and such night?" So he would reply: "Seek it in such and such night." And Allaah knows best. (Reported from him by al-Baghawee in Sharhus-Sunnah)

The most correct saying is that it occurs in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadhan and this is shown by the hadeeth of 'Aa'ishah, RA, who said: "Allaah Messenger (SAW) used to practice I'tikaaf in the last ten nights and say: 'Seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the (odd nights) of the last ten days of Ramadhan." (Bukhari, Muslim )

However if the servant is too weak or unable, then he should at least not let the last seven days pass him by, due to what is reported from 'Ibn 'Umar, who said: Allaah's Messenger SAW said: "Seek it in the last ten, and if one of you is too weak or unable then let him not allow that to make him miss the final seven." (Bukhari, Muslim)

This explains his, (SAW) saying: "I see that your dreams are in agreement (that it is in the last seven) so he who wishes to seek it out then let him seek it in the last seven." (Bukhari)

It is also known from the Sunnah, that knowledge of the exact night upon which Lailatul-Qadr falls was taken up because the people argued, 'Ubaadah ibn as-Saamit, RA said: The Prophet SAW came out intending to tell us about Lailatul-Qadr, however two men were arguing and he said: "I came out to inform you about Lailatul-Qadr but so and so, and, so and so were arguing, so it was raised up, and perhaps that is better for you, so seek it on the (twenty) ninth and (twenty) seventh and the (twenty) fifth." (Bukhari)

Some ahaadeeth indicate that Lailatul-Qadr is in the last ten nights, while others indicate that it is in the odd nights of the last ten, so the first are general and the second more particular, and the particular has to be given priority over the general. Other ahaadeeth state that it is in the last seven - and these are restricted by mention of one who is too weak or unable. So there is no confusion, all the ahaadeeth agree and are not contradictory.

In conclusion: The Muslim should seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten: the night of the twenty-first (the night before the twenty-first day), the twenty-third, the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth. If he is too weak or unable to seek it out in all the odd nights, then let him seek it out in the odd nights of the last seven: the night of the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth. And Allaah knows best.

By odd nights, the reference is made to the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th night of the month of Ramadhan. No one night has been fixed so that the yearning to find it may increase and people may spend more nights in worshipping Allah. From this aspect, the importance of `Itikaaf (seclusion) during the last ten days of Ramadhan is clear.

* HOW SHOULD A MUSLIM SEEK A LAILAT-ul-QADR?

One who misses this blessed night then he has missed much good for no one misses it except one from whom it is withheld. Therefore it is recommended that the Muslim who is eager to be obedient to Allaah should stand in Prayer during this night out of Eemaan and hoping for the great reward, since if he does this, Allaah will forgive his previous sins.

He SAW said: "Whoever stands in (Prayer) in Lailatul-Qadr out of Eemaan and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven." (Bukhari)

It is recommended to supplicate a great deal in it, it is reported from 'Aa'ishah, RA that she said: "O Messenger of Allaah! What if I knew which night Lailatul-Qadr was, then what should I say in it?" He said: "Say: Allaahumma innaka 'affuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee." (O Allaah you are the one who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me.) (at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)

Some special prayers and Dhikr for Lait-ul-Qadr

1. Seeking Forgiveness. Hazrat Aa'ishah radhiyallahu anhaa asked the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam that if she happened to get the night sublime what prayer should she say. The Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam replied that she should say the following prayer :

"Allahumma innaka afuwwun kareemun tuhib-bul af-wa fa-afo anni"
(O Allah, You are the One who grants pardon for sins, loves forgiving, so forgive me.)

2. Reciting Astaghfar. The following should be recited as much as possible:

"Astaghfirullah hallazi la-ila-ha illa huwal Hayyul Qayyumo wa atu-bu ilaihe"
(I seek forgiveness from Allah, the Almighty, there is no God but He. He is self-Existent, the Eternal and I return to Him)

3. Reciting Surah 'AL-QADR...'

"Inna anzalnahu fee lailatul Qadr, Wa maa adraka maa lailatul Qadr.
Lailatul Qadri khairum min alfi shahr. Tanazzalul malai-katu var-roohu
fee ha bi izni Rabbihim min kulle amr. Salaamun heya hatta matla-il fajr."

4. Do Salatul Tasbih.

5. Do Afzul Zikr i.e. La ilaaha illa-Llah


O brother! You know the importance of this night, so stand in Prayer in the last ten nights, in worship, detaching oneself from the women, ordering your family with this, and increasing in actions of obedience and worship in it.

From 'Aa'ishah, (RA) who said: "The Prophet (SAW) used to tighten his waist-wrapper (izaar) - (meaning detached himself from his wives in order to worship, and exerted himself in seeking Lailatul-Qadr), spend the night in worship, and wake the family in the last ten nights." (Bukhari, Muslim)

From 'Aa'ishah, RA: "Allaah's Messenger SAW used to exert himself in the last ten nights more than he would at other times." (Muslim)

* ITS SIGN

[Many people believe in all sorts of superstitions about Lailatul-Qadr, and false beliefs from them are that the trees prostrate, and buildings sleep! And these things are clearly futile and baseless.] Allaah's Messenger (SAW) described the morning after Lailatul-Qadr, so that the Muslim may know which day it is. From Ubayy, (RA) who said: that he (SAW) said: "On the morning following Lailatul-Qadr the sun rises not having any rays, as if it were a brass dish, until it rises up." (Muslim, Abu Dawood, at-Tarmidhi, Ibn Majah)

From Abu Hurairah (RA) who said: "We were discussing Lailatul-Qadr in the presence of Allaah's Messenger (SAW), so he said: 'Which of you remembers (the night) when the moon arose and was like half a plate?'" (Muslim) [Qaadi 'Iyaad said: "It contains an indication that it was towards the end of the month - since the moon does not appear like that when it arises except towards the end of the month."]

From Ibn 'Abbaas (RA) who said: Allaah's Messenger (SAW) said: "Lailatul-Qadr is calm and pleasant, neither hot nor cold, the sun arises on its morning being feeble and red." (at-Tayaalisee, Ibn Khuzaimah, al-Bazzaar with hasan isnaad)

BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ISLAM, Let us seek abundance rewards from our Creator ALLAH SUBHAANAHU WA TA'ALA by performing extra actions in these LAST 10 DAYS of the noble month of RAMADHAN as it could be our last... May Allah accept our prayers and grant us his forgiveness... HAPPY LAILAT-ul-QADR...

RAMADHAN Timeline

The first revelation. The most significant event that occurred during Ramadan is the revelation of the Qur'an to Prophet Muhammad (saw). Prophet Muhammad (saw) was in the cave in Mount Hira when the Angel Jibreel came to him with the first five ayat of Surat Al-Alaq.

Allah (swt) says: "Ramadan is the month in which was sent down the Qur'an as a guide to mankind also clear signs for guidance and judgement." [2:185]

"We have indeed revealed it, (Al-Quran) in the night of power." [97:1]

1 A.H. (After Hijra).
In the first year after the Hijrah, the Prophet (saw) sent Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib with thirty Muslim riders to Saif al Bahr to with a definite task of intercepting a caravan belonging to Quraish. It was a caravan of 300 people including Abu Jahl bin Hisham. The two parties encountered each other and aligned in preparation for fighting. Majdi bin ‘Amr, on good terms with both sides, happened to be there and managed to prevent an imminent clash.

2 A.H.
In the second year of Hijrah the Messenger of Allah set out on the 8th Ramadhan with three hundred and five of his companions mounted on seventy camels. The Prophet (saw) and his companions set out to intercept a caravan of their own goods that had been left in Makkah. It was led by Abu Sufyan, himself, and estimated at 60,000 dinars. They were met by a well equipped army of the nobility of Quraish, intent on putting out the light of Islam. Then the two sides advanced and drew near each other at Badr on Friday morning on the 17th of Ramadhan. Despite being outnumbered three to one and appearing weak and unseasoned, the Muslims defended their faith with a burning desire to protect the Prophet (saw) and meet their Lord through martyrdom. Allah (SWT) gave them a decisive victory at Badr on this day of Ramadhan, that would never to be forgotten.

6 A.H.
In 6 A.H., Zaid ibn Haritha was sent to Wadi al-Qura at the head of a detachment to confront Fatimah bint Rabiah, the queen of that area. Fatimah had previously attacked a caravan led by Zaid and had succeeded in plundering its wealth. She was known to be the most protected woman in Arabia, as she hung fifty swords of her close relatives in her home. Fatimah was equally renowned for showing open hostility to Islam. She was killed in a battle against these Muslims in the month of Ramadhan.

8 A.H.
By Ramadhan of 8 A H., the treaty of Hudaibiyya had been broken and the Muslim armies had engaged the Byzantines in the North. Muhammad (saw) felt the need to strike a fatal blow to Kufr in the Arabian Peninsula and conquer the city of Mecca. Now the time had come to purify the Kaabah of nakedness and abomination. The Prophet (saw) set out with an army having more armed men than Al-Madinah had ever seen before. People were swelling the army's ranks as it moved toward Makkah. The determination of the believers became so awesome that the city of Makkah was conquered without a battle, on the 20th of Ramadhan. This was one of the most important dates in Islamic history for after it, Islam was firmly entrenched in the Arabian Peninsula. During the same month and year, after smashing the idols of Makkah, detachments were sent to the major centers of polytheism and al-Lat, Manat and Suwa, some of the greatest idols of Arabia, were destroyed.

Such was the month of Ramadhan in the time of the Prophet (saw). It was a time of purification, enjoining the good, forbidding evil, and striving hard with one's life and wealth. After the death of the Prophet (saw), the Muslims under the Khilafah carried on this tradition. Ramadhan continued to be a time of great trials and crucial events.

92 A.H.
Ninety-two years after the Hijrah, Islam had spread across North Africa, Iran, Afghanistan, Yemen and Syria. Spain was under the tyrannical rule of King Roderic of the Visigoths. Roderic had forced his six million serfs and persecuted Jews to seek the aid of the Muslims of North Africa. Musa ibn Husair, the Umayyad governor of North Africa, responded by sending his courageous general Tariq ibn Ziyad at the head of 12,000 troops. In Ramadhan of that year, they were confronted with a combined Visigoth army of 90,000 Christians led by Roderic, himself, who was seated on a throne of ivory silver, and precious gems, drawn by white mules. After burning his boats, Tariq motivated the Muslims warning them that and Paradise lay ahead of them and defeat and the sea to the rear. They burst with great enthusiasm and Allah (SWT) manifested a clear victory over the forces of disbelief. Not only were Roderic and his forces completely annihilated, but Tariq and Musa succeeded in liberating whole of Spain, Sicily and parts of France. This was the beginning of the Golden Age of Al-Andalus where Muslims ruled for over 700 years.

658 A.H.
In the seventh century A.H. the Mongols were sweeping across Asia destroying everything that lay in their path Genghis Khan called himself "the scourge of God sent to punish humanity for their sins". In 617 A.H. Samarkand, Ray, and Hamdan were put to the sword causing more than 700,000 people to be killed or made captive. In 656 A.H. Hulagu, the grandson of Genghis Khan, continued this destruction. Even Baghdad, the leading city of the Muslim world, was sacked. Some estimates say that as many as 1,800,000 Muslims were killed in this awesome carnage. The Christians were asked to eat pork and drink wine openly while the surviving Muslims were forced to participate in drinking bouts. Wine was sprinkled in the masjids and no Adhan (call to prayer) was allowed. In the wake of such a disaster threatening the whole Muslim world, Allah (SWT) raised up from the Mamluks of Egypt, Saifuddin Qutz, who united the Muslim army and met the Mongols at Ain Jalut on Friday, 25 Ramadhan 658 A.H. (6 September 1260 CE). Qutz told his army to wait until they finished the Friday prayers (Jummah Salah), "Do not fight them until it is sunset and the shadows appear and the winds stir, and the preachers and people start to implore Allah for us in their prayers", and thereafter the fighting began. Jullanar, the wife of Qutz, was killed during the battle. He rushed towards her saying, "Oh my beloved one". She told him while uttering her last breath, "Do not say that, and care more for Islam." Her soul left her body after telling her husband that the Jihad for the sake of Allah and Islam is more important than love and personal relations. Qutz stood up saying "Islamah…Islamah". The whole army repeated that word after him until they achieved their victory. Although they were under great pressure, the Muslims with the help of Allah (SWT), cunning strategy and unflinching bravery, crushed the Mongol army and reversed this tidal wave of horror. The Muslims immediately started to chase the Mongolians, and Qutz entered Damascus five days after the Ain Jalout battle. The chase continued to Halab and when the Mongolians felt the approach of the Muslims they left behind the Muslim prisoners. In the period of a month the Muslims were able to restore Belad El-Sham entirely from the hands of the Tartars and the Mongolians.

682 A.H.
In the year 682 A.H. (Ramadan, 4th July 1187 C.E.) that Salahuddin Ayyubi with the Muslim Mujahideen of the Khilafah fought one of the most important battles in the history of Islam. The Muslims on this day, in one single day, virtually routed all local Christian forces capable of defending the Crusaders establishment in the Near East. Facing no resistance, Salahuddin took his time to reach the city of Jerusalem on 9th October, 1187 C.E. (Christain Era), a Friday, and the Holy city was purified.

This was the spirit of Ramadhan that enabled our righteous forefathers to face seemingly impossible challenges. It was a time of intense activity, spending the day in the saddle and the night in prayer whilst calling upon Allah (SWT) for His mercy and forgiveness. Today, the Muslim world is faced with disunity, colonisation, widespread corruption and economic deprivation. Surely we are in need of the Khilafah so we as believers can walk in the footsteps of our beloved Prophet (saw), the illustrious Sahabah, Tariq ibn Ziyad, Qutuz, Salahuddin and the countless heroes of Islam. Surely we should be of the believers who are unafraid of the threats of the Kuffar, yet kind and humble amongst ourselves.

May Allah (SWT) make us those generation of Muslims who can carry Islam to all corners of the globe and may He give us the strength to undertake all hardships in the pursuit of His (swt) pleasure. Ameen.

__________________
Source: www.khilafah.com

So Manga Balas o Tarawi

2009 RAMADHAN 1430
MANGA BALAS O TARAWI

1. Khapokas ko mu’min (mapaparatiyaya) so dosa niyan sa lagid o gawii a kinimbawataan on o ina iyan.
2. Phakatalingoma so manga maalaikat a pezaksian iran sa mataan a miyaka zambayang ka sa tarawi sa diden phaki bilang o Allah (SWT) sekaniyan sa alongan a mawri.
3. Phakaoma sa alongan a mawri a so bontal iyan na lagid o olan sa kasindaw ko gawii a Lailat-ul-Qadr.
4. Iphamangeni sekaniyan sa kapipiya ginawa o manga malaikat go so maawid ko Aras o Allah (SWT) go so Korsi Iyan, darpa anan o Allah (SWT).
5. Izorat o Allah (SWT) a bagian iyan so kapaka lidas ko Naraka ago so kapaka soled iyan ko Sorga.
6. Perilaan o Allah (SWT) so mbala a lokes iyan amay ko siran a dowa na mapaparatiyaya.
7. Mananawag so isa a Malaikat a di niyan di tharoon a “Hay oripen o Allah (SWT), mataan a so Allah na miya soat reka ago so mbala alokes ka.
8. Imbegay ron o Allah (SWT) so manga balas a sabggibo a Hajji a tiyarima.
9. Imbegay ron o Allah (SWT) so balas sa lagid o imbalas ko taw a miyaka zambayang sa Masjid il-Haram, Masjid il-Madinah ago sa Masjid il-Aqsa’.
10. Pakipembalay o Allah sa sorga sa Alongan a Mawri.
11. Mbalasan o Allah (SWT) sa lagid oba niyan riyaot so Musa (AS) ko kini phantagen iyan ko Fir’awn goso Haman, siran na manga Kafir (miyamangongkir).
12. Iphoro o Allah (SWT) a bagian iyan so manga balas a samba ko pat polo ragon.
13. Phakatalingoma sa Alongan a Mawri sa seka niyan na lomilintad ko langowan a marata sa Alongan a Mawri.
14. Imbegay ron o Allah (SWT) sa lagid o miyaka Tawaf sa Baytal Ma’mor go iphamangni sekaniyan sa rila o manga pethad ago so manga bayanek.
15. Imbegay ron o Allah (SWT) so balas sa lagid oba niyan sinimba so Allah sa kasimba a Nabi.
16. Phakamboat ko Alongan a Mawri sa lagid o gawii a kinimbawataan on o ina iyan.
17. Bagian iyan so balas sa lagid o inibalas ko kabatiyaa ko Tawrat, Injeel, Zaboor ago so Forqaan.
18. Imbegay ron o Allah (SWT) so dowa polo ago pat a pangni niyan a tiyarima on o Allah.
19. Imbegay rekaniyan o Allah (SWT) so lagi o inibegay niyan ko Ibrahem (AS).
20. Iphoro sekaniyan o Allah (SWT) siis ko manga siksa ko kobor, maana a phakalibre.
21. Makatalingoma sa Alongan a Mawri sa lomilintad sii ko magna awid a akal nago so manga kamboko.
22. Phananawag so isa a Malikat ko kababaan o Arash a isa ko Darpa o Allah (SWT) a di niyan di tharoon a antawaa I miyag-ikhlas ko amal ka irila reka o Allah (SWT) so dosang ka.
23. Iphoro o Allah (SWT) a bagian iyan so sanggibo a pangkatan sii ko Sorga.
24. Imbegay ron o Allah (SWT) so rizki a manga pipiya sii ko Doniya go sii sa Alongan a Mawri.
25. Tharoon o Allah (SWT) a “Hay oripen aken, kangka ko manga onga ko Sorga go phaygo ka ko Lawas a Ig a Salsil go inom ka ko ig a Kawthar. Saken I Thohan ka go seka na oripen aken.
26. Imbegay reka niyan o Allah (SWT) so balas a lagid o manga balas o manga Nabi.
27. Phakaokit sii ko Sirat al-Mustaqeem sa lagid o kilat a saperek mata.
28. Imbegay rekaniyan o Allah (SWT) so balas a lagid o balas o manga Shaheed (miya perang sa lalan ko Allah) goso manga Salih (miyagamal sa manga pipiya.)
29. Iphoro o Allah (SWT) so pangkatan iyan sii ko Jannat ul-Firdaws.
    

Korematen tano so Ramadhan a paratiyaya ko Allah Subhaanaho wa Ta'ala
Datu Mohammad Sa'eed 'Ali Yu bin Hadji 'Abdul Malic