The Great Blessings of the Holy Month of Ramadan
The month of Ramadan is one of the greatest blessings of Allah (SWT) upon the ummah of his beloved Prophet (SAW). Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and is also when the Holy Qur'an was sent down from heaven to guide the Muslims. In the Qur'an it is stated 'Ramadan is the month in which was sent down the Qur'an as a guide to mankind, also Clear Signs for guidance and judgment between right and wrong." (Suratul Baqara, 2:185). This is especially an important month for Muslims across the world; in era when we are constantly struggling with the idea of up keeping the Remembrance of Allah due to complications of modern day life.
The Holy Prophet (SAW) said 'O People! The month of Allah (SWT) has come with His mercies and blessings. This is the month that is the best of all months in the eyes of Allah (SWT). Its days are the best of days, its nights are the best of nights, its hours are the best of hours'.
Laylatul Qadr the Night of Power
The month of Ramadhan 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 Ramadhan, 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 Ramadhan 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.
Laylatul Qadr the Night of Power
The month of Ramadhan 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 Ramadhan, 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 Ramadhan 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.
