Laylat al-Qadr

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Offline Rozina Akter

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Laylat al-Qadr
« on: August 05, 2013, 12:42:42 PM »
Laylat al-Qadr is a special night for the Muslims to pray to Allah seeking His forgiveness and guidance. Laylat al-Qadr is also known as Shab-e-Qadr in Persian. It is variously rendered in English as the Night of Destiny, Night of Power, Night of Value, the Night of Decree or Night of Measures. It is believed that the Holy Quran was revealed on this night. About the significance of the night, the Holy Quran says:

We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power:

And what will explain to thee what the night of power is?

The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.

Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah's permission, on every errand:

Peace!...This until the rise of dawn!

— Sura 97 (Al-Qadr), ayat 1-5

Muslims throughout the country will observe the Laylat al-Qadr or Shab-e-Qadr tonight. This night, under the Islamic calendar, follows the 26th day of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. The Almighty Allah in His infinite mercy showers His forgiveness on those who express their penitence for wrong-doing in their earthly life and blesses those who seek His guidance, on this night. The Bountiful Creator in His infinite might and mercy responds to the prayer to save mankind from the evil and to give them the strength to move in the right direction, as ordained by Him.

The message of this holy night is all too clear. It is blessed every way by the Almighty Creator for the believers who reiterate their steadfastness to shun the evil deeds and the forbidden path and to follow the principles, ideals and goals of truthfulness and justice, as are upheld by Islam. Islam preaches human equality, universal brotherhood and unity of mankind. It provides no room for extremism and intolerance. Unfortunately, these fundamental values of Islam are not properly adhered to, and respected, all the time by all who do otherwise swear their allegiance to these. This is most regrettable.

It should not also go unnoticed that the Islamic principles of human equality and universal brotherhood are sometimes flouted most nakedly by those who want to demonstrate their riches and power, acquired by means fair or foul. Unfortunately, these are the very people who are often found to be more vocal than the overwhelmingly devout ones about Islamic values and principles. And the religious leaders are at times seen to be siding with the wrong side. This is unfortunate.

In this backdrop, the observance of Laylat al-Qadr or Shab-e-Qadr should make it all the more important to seek Divine blessings for maintenance of proper order, balance and stability in this mundane world by ridding the society of the evils of all diverse sorts and for rewards for good actions, in the light of the noble ideals, principles and preaching, in the after-world. Laylat al-Qadr is in no way meant to be a mere rite for observing it in a ritualistic way. It is a solemn occasion for seeking the mercy and blessings of Allah to be able to shape life and living in the true spirit of Islamic principles and ideals. If that is done, the observance of this blessed occasion - Laylat al-Qadr — will carry its real meaning, having substance.
Rozina Akter
Assistant Professor
Department Of Business Administration