If you are wondering why your Muslim friend or co-worker is suddenly even more spiritual than usual this Ramadaan, it is probably because they have now entered the last 10 days of the holy month.
Muslims typically intensify their prayers over these last few days of the month of fasting so that they can reap the special blessings from the Almighty.
The last 10 nights of Ramadaan also include the blessed night of Laylatul Qadr, aka the Night of Power, when the Qur’an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The exact date of this night is not known, and Muslims therefore seek it on those last nights.
It is narrated that Laylatul Qadr is greater than a thousand months, roughly 83 years.
This means that any and all acts of worship performed on this night will be as if you’ve been doing it for 1000 months.
Muslims are taught that the angels descend from heaven and walk among us, writing down all our good deeds we perform on the night of power.
A beautiful custom in Cape Town is for people to light candles on this night in remembrance of what our forefathers used to do because, it is said, the angels enter the homes where people are awake and performing ibadat (prayers).
I think they used candles because there was no electricity in the old days, but nevertheless, making light in the house usually meant people were awake and praying.
So if you spot a candle in the window of your neighbour’s dark house, it’s probably because they are praying and not because of loadshedding.
This is not a decree of Islam, but simply a local custom, similar to women wearing a midourah on their wedding day.
Now, in some narrations it is said that Laylatul Qadr falls on the uneven nights of Ramadaan, and still others say it falls specifically on the 27th night, and so you will see many Muslims would single out this night to stay up and pray.
But nobody knows for sure, and it’s all part of God’s plan to draw people close and have them seeking Him out in order to benefit from that special mercy.
Scholars say that part of the wisdom of God gifting humanity with this night is because ancient nations lived very long lives and so had more time to show their appreciation and glorify the Almighty.
Nowadays we are lucky if we make it to a 100 and still be healthy enough to remember our own names.
I recently learnt that even the archangel Jibreel (Gabriel) comes down to earth on this holy night.
He is the most beloved angel of the Almighty, the first sentient being ever created and the greatest of the angels, and he descends to listen to us praising the Most High.
This is one night that could mean the difference between entering Jannah or being sent to Jahannam.
And Allah says even if your sins were to reach up to the heavens, He is ready to forgive you if you but ask and return to Him.
body.copy.three...: Now is a good time to start and search for forgiveness from the Almighty because the last 10 days are also known as the season of forgiveness.
Imagine you didn’t fast the entire month and strive for just one night with utter sincerity and you receive Allah’s forgiveness. How blessed are you?
With that said, it’s been a blessed pwasa so far, and we hope we receive Allah’s forgiveness and mercy before we begin to batcha the sad words Al-widaa Al-widaa yaa Ramadaan, assalaamu alaykum yaa sheghru Ramadaan. (Farewell Ramadaan)