The Night of ‘Qadr’ is a special gift to the Ummah. This night is majestic and rich with holiness and blessings, and is equal to a thousand months. In this night, the Spirit descends with thousands of angels and that which is decreed is shown to the Living Imam.
It is narrated that Laylatul Qadr falls on one of the last odd numbered days (19/21/23/27) of this Holy Month. It is a night of reflection, repentance and charity. This night is concealed, as Allah has concealed many things; he conceals his pleasure from us in all our good deeds so that we strive in all of them, he conceals his wrath in all sins so we avoid all of them, he conceals his most beloved servants (awliya) from us so that we respect all believers. We should therefore take advantage of all the 4 nights as during this night the prayers of all are answered, except those who have angered their parents, those who have broken relations with their relatives (Kat e Raham), those who nurture animosity towards a believer and those who are alcoholics.
‘Qadr’ means to maintain, assign or decree an order. Thus in this night of Power, Allah proclaims his orders and commands in regards to his creation. It is the night of Taqdeer. “In that night is made distinct every affair of wisdom” (Quran 44: 4). This is why believers are encouraged to stay awake the entire night and pray for blessings and forgiveness, and to seek special favours from Allah (SWT). The Night of Power as mentioned in the Holy Quran is better than a thousand nights, which indicates that the devoted believer has a chance of adding 80 years of worship to his life on this single night!!
The word “Tanazzal” indicates that the angels descend on this night, group after group, some coming down while others ascending into heaven . This angelic traffic of good and peace continues until the break of Dawn.
Laylatul Qadr is a feast for the believers, a feast for the spirit, therefore it is advised to spend the night in worship. It is essential to remember our dead relatives, ulamaa and teachers, as our deeds for them are mutually beneficent. It is also essential to remember our beloved Imam e Zamana (AS).