The last ten nights of Ramadan are upon us. As the Holy month departs, Muslims across the world try to make the most of it in terms of worship. They give more in charity, they engage in extra prayers, they read more and more from the Qur’an – all this for reaping the benefits of Laylat ul Qadr.
Hadith about Laylat ul Qadr
The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged us to make the most of Laylat ul Qadr. As an example, he himself would maximize his acts of worship. He would stay up at night and would wake his family up, and would abstain from marital relations. In fact, he used to strive hard in worship during the last ten days of Ramadan as he never did at any other time.
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever stays up and prays on Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”
This is further substantiated in the Qur’an, where Allah says:
“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” (Al-Qadr: 3).
“The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.” (Al-Qadr: 4-5).
How to reap the benefits of Laylat ul Qadr?
- Worship all the 10 nights
Try to worship the whole of the 10 nights or atleast the odd nights because every good deed from Maghrib to Fajr on Laylatul Qadr is rewarded a minimum of at least 83 years’ of worship. That is longer than most of us will live! - Make Dua
Aisha (may Allāh be pleased with her) reported: I asked: “O Messenger of Allah! If I realize Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), what should I supplicate in it?” He (peace be upon him) 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]. - Give charity. It will be rewarded like you have done it for over 83 years.
- Eat light so that it becomes easy for you to remain awake till Fajr.
- Hydrate yourself to feel energized and feel fresh throughout the night.
- Complete all of your tasks beforehand so you won’t have to worry about any pending chores while you are in worship.
- Work on your character: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Nothing will be heavier on the Day of Resurrection in the Scale of the believer than good manners. Allah hates one who utters foul or coarse language.”
[At- Tirmidhi].
Also Read: Ramadan for new converts