ISLAMABAD: As the holy month of Ramazan nears its end, believers sought Allah’s blessings on Saturday night during Laylatul Qadar (The Night of Decree), observed on the 27th night of Ramazan.
Laylatul Qadr, also known as the Night of Power or the Night of Destiny, is one of the most significant nights in Islam, believed to be better than a thousand months of worship. It falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan, which are particularly revered for their spiritual significance. This night holds great importance as it is believed to be when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
During Laylatul Qadr, Muslims engage in intensified devotion, prolonged prayers, recitation of the Qur’an, and supplications. It is a time when believers seek closeness to Allah, seeking forgiveness for past sins and blessings for the future. The act of worship during this night is considered immensely rewarding, and many believers spend the night in prayer and reflection.
In addition to Laylatul Qadr, another hallmark of the last ten days of Ramadan is the practice of Aitkaaf (seclusion). This involves devout individuals retreating to a secluded area within a mosque, cutting off from worldly distractions, and dedicating themselves entirely to prayer and contemplation. Aitkaaf is a deeply spiritual practice aimed at seeking Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and blessings.
“We wait for this month all year. It is Allah’s gift to us to attain a certain level of piety and have our sins forgiven,” said Aamir Chaudhry, reflecting on the changing response to Ramadan over the years. He reminisced about the past when Ramadan was observed with greater piety and community spirit, highlighting the need to revive the true essence of the month.
Despite economic challenges and rising inflation, religious leaders emphasize the importance of compassion, empathy, and social responsibility during Ramadan. They urge affluent individuals to assist those in need through acts of charity (Zakat) and Sadqa Fitr (charitable giving at the end of Ramadan). This collective effort is essential to ensuring that the blessings of Ramadan extend to all members of society, particularly the less fortunate.
As Ramadan concludes, Muslims reflect on the lessons of piety, godliness, brotherhood, forgiveness, tolerance, and care taught by Islam. The month serves as a time for introspection, renewal of faith, and seeking blessings for the year ahead. It also fosters a sense of unity and community spirit, with believers coming together to support one another in worship and charitable deeds.
As believers bid farewell to Ramadan, they eagerly anticipate its return next year, aiming to cleanse their consciences from sins and receive Allah’s mercy and blessings once again. Ramadan is not just a month of fasting and prayer; it is a transformative experience that shapes individual character and strengthens communal bonds.
Laylatul Qadr and the final days of Ramadan represent a culmination of intensified devotion and spiritual reflection for Muslims worldwide. This holy month teaches valuable lessons of compassion, empathy, and social responsibility, urging believers to embody the noble principles of Islam in their daily lives.
