Laylatul Qadr, or the Night of Power, is predicted to be on one of the odd nights of the last Ashra (10 days) of Ramadan. It is called the Night of Power because it is an apt representation of the Power of Allah (SWT) in displaying His mercy and forgiving His creations. The Dhikr of Allah (SWT) is one of the best, if not the best way to invoke his mercifulness and ensure forgiveness, something all of us desperately require. Here are 6 ways you can avail the wonderful offers of the auspicious day:
1. Recite the Holy Quran
Reciting the Holy Quran is one of the best ways to engage in the remembrance of Allah (SWT). Scholars and Fuqaha across the board recommend Muslims to recite al Quran as much as possible, since it is seen as the ideal way to dispel the wrath of Allah (SWT) and invoke His Kind and Forgiving nature.
2. Offer Salah
Salah is also a way of remembering Allah (SWT); it is perhaps the strongest connection that one establishes with Allah (SWT) since it is a fully conscious acknowledgement of standing in front of Him. With the auspicious nature of the night and Allah (SWT)’s desire to express His Love for His creations, Salat is most definitely the way to success.
3. Make dua
Making dua is essentially a customized means of communication with Allah (SWT). It is a way through which one can duly express his or her deepest emotions and insecurities with Allah (SWT). The goal here is to show Allah (SWT) that one is fully powerless in front of Him and is wholly dependent on Him. On such a night, He is surely going to answer our prayers.
4. Ask for forgiveness
What better way to be forgiven than to ask for forgiveness? One must show humility and guilt and the Almighty, Who has promised to forgive, will do so. Allah (SWT) deeply loves when His creations ask Him for forgiveness and display regret over their sins. On a day when He wishes to exhibit His merciful nature, there is perhaps no better avail to the deal than to ask Him.
اَللَّهُمَّ اِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ ، تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Aisha (RA) reported: I asked: “O Messenger of Allah! If I realize Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), what should I supplicate in it?” He (SAW) replied, “You should supplicate: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun, tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni (O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me).” [At-Tirmidhi].
5. Engage in as many good deeds as possible
Allah (SWT) has promised that the rewards for all our good deeds will be multiplied on the Night of Power, which means that every good deed we do will also have the potential to please Allah (SWT) manifold. Would you think twice before buying a chocolate bar if there was a buy one, get hundred free deal?
6. Avoid sinning as much as possible
It would be very saddening to disappoint Allah (SWT) on the day He has openly announced His desire to forgive His creations. For one day at least, try to stay away from sinning as much as possible. A good way to do so is to avoid interactions with people or in places that invite you towards wrongdoing- on a day like the Night of Power, spend your time wisely and try to please the Creator of Both Worlds.
7. Give Charity every night:
Give charity every night even it is a dollar. If the night of LailatulQadr falls on the night you paid, it is rewarded as you have done it for the last 83 years
Laylatul Qadr is a day of great benefits that we must avail as Muslims. If we can line up for hours outside our favorite store on the day of a mega-sale, why can’t we spend a little more time trying to avail the infinitely better offer in store for us that day?