When we think about Layla tul Qadr, we think about everything that we can do in order to reap all of the rewards from that night.Of course, why wouldn’t we right?And, don’t worry, we will get to that below. However, before we do, it’s important to know and understand why this night was hidden from us in the first place.
It is reported that, in Sahih Bukhari, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ came to share the night of Laylatul Qadr with the companions and two men were found arguing. They were insulting each other.Because of this behavior, the knowledge of when exactly this blessed night is was lifted.
laylat al-qadr
― Angel Jibril.
Let’s start with what we do know about this night. This information can be found in our glorious Qur’an; 97:1-5 “Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.”
This night is a gift to us.This is a night that is better than 1000 months of worship!This night is a night of peace like no other night. The angels come down and surround us.Let us remember our Lord with diligence on this night.
Other information that we do know about this glorious night is from the sunnah of our Prophet ﷺ .Through the sunnah, we know to search for this night during the last 10 nights of Ramadan, especially in the odd nights.We are told that if we come to this night with sincerity and faith, all of our sins will be forgiven.So, as Ramadan approaches, its time to make plans not only for this beautiful month, but also for this beautiful night specifically.
Here are tips on preparing for this night, and things that you can do when this night comes.
Character Adjustment:
First, let’s fix our character. Knowledge of Laylatul Qadr was lifted because of poor character and how we interact with others.Is there a relationship you need to mend?How are you with your neighbors?Do you speak kindly with everyone? Think about this again. Do you speak kindly with those in your home?Sometimes the people closest to us are the ones we have the worst character with. Our words are important, let’s make intention to use them to uplift each other.
Plans and Goals:
Plan, plan, plan!One tip to really utilize the beauty of this night is to make a plan. All of our lives have different circumstances.Some of us will need to rearrange our work and sleep schedules.Some of us will need to find ways to have our children join us in this night. While, other’s may not be able to change anything about their schedules at all. Regardless of what category you fall into, the key here is making a plan.Go through your schedule and see what time you can devote to extra worship during these last ten days and what worship will you do?
Dua:
Another thing you can do to prep for this night of accepted worship and duas is to make a dua.Who are those people always saying “Make dua for me” and “Remember me in your prayers?” When you hear this now, write it down. Start compiling a list of duas that you want to send up to Allah ﷻ during this night.This way, when the night comes, you will already have a list of things to bring to Allah ﷻ with your worship.
Tawba:
Now, Ramadan has come, and may be your Ramadan isn’t going as you had planned.By time the last 10 days roll around, we are tired, we are hungry, and our nafs is really being pushed and stretched.Take a moment, press pause, and make sincere tawba (repentance).Allah ﷻ is the most forgiving.Allah ﷻ wants to forgive us.So let’s have good thoughts of Allah ﷻ, make our tawba and keep it moving into the blessings of these last 10 days. It is said that the best dua of this time is “Allah You are most forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me.” (At-Tirmidhi)
I’takaf:
For those that will be performing the sunnah of i’takaf, enter the masjid with clear intentions.Remember that i’takaf does not have to be the full 10 days.If you can only dedicate a small time to i’takaf, do it and make the most of that time.
The Night of the Qur’an:
The Qur’an is a gift given during Ramadan. Dedicate time to Qur’an especially during these nights. For those of you who are still struggling with that Arabic, make a plan now. Make this Ramadan of increase in your Arabic. Learn a letter, learn the sounds, form the words, recite the same words that were sent through Angel Jibril. May Allah ﷻ make Arabic easy for us this Ramadan and always.
Family:
Lastly, I want to remind you to bring along your family. In Bukhari it is reported that at the beginning of the last ten night of Ramadan, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would tighten his belt, pray the whole night, and keep his family awake for the prayers. Encourage your family to seek this night as well. Wake up each other for prayers.Find ways to worship together.Also, as a side note, remember those who do not have family near them (students studying abroad, elderly, converts). Invite them along too.We are all family in the deen.
May Allah help us all to seek and find Laylatul Qadr this Ramadan.