LAYLATUL-QADR - THE NIGHT OF POWER and the last ten nights of Ramadan

As we progress towards the last ten days of Ramadan , it is needed to know that the entire year is a preparation for the month of Ramadan, and the whole of Ramadan is a preparation for the final ten nights, and the final ten nights are a preparation for Laylatul-Qadr.

Allah swt mentions in the Holy Quran: " The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months".

If we sum it up into an equation: Laylatul-Qadr=83/84 years of worship.
( 1000 months divided by 12 )

but in reality this night is in fact better than a thousand months, as per the above verse.

How amazing is that?! This means not only we could be forgiven for all our life time ocean of sins , but also the good deeds done on this particular night gives us the golden opportunity to earn  more and more rewards than we could earn in an entire lifetime.

Searching Laylatul-Qadr

It goes without saying that the Night of Power is not to be missed! So, how do we search it?

Some scholars have varied their opinions as to which night it may be, some prefer prioritizing the odd nights, while others have favored specific nights.
But, In reality, nobody knows which night it could be, and for this reason Prophet Muhammad
( peace be upon him ) would exert himself in extra worship during each of the last ten nights in order to ensure he would not miss it!

Aisha R.A said, "The Prophet (pbuh) would exert his best (in worship) during the last ten days (of Ramadan) more than at other times." ( Muslim )

Hence, the easiest way to find Laylatul-Qadr is to worship every night during the last ten nights of Ramadan. If you are unable to do so , at-least the odd nights.

What and how can WE do this?

Here's a  list of DO'S AND DON'TS' to ensure we maximize this blessed opportunity.

Do's-

1. Do make a plan and set your goals. 
2. Make a DUA LIST. - The best dua  - 
   
3. Stand in Prayer. 
   
4. Observe I'tikaf. 
   
5. Increase in doing good deeds and Charity. - Spend atleast some amount in charity during the last ten nights every day. If it is Laylatul-Qadr , you will receive the reward of spending th same amount for 83 years ! 

Bonus tip- Take short naps and eat smart and healthy.

Don'ts'

1. Don't waste time in social media apps or in watching television.
2. Don't exert all your energy in worship during the first few nights and miss out the rest. Balance is the key.
3. Be Motivated and Don't compare yourself to other's worship. 
4. Don't lose Hope and Trust in Allah. You have made it so far! This is a sign Allah swt wants to forgive you and has opened His doors of Mercy and Blessings for you.
5. Give your 100%. Give all what you can and leave Ramadan having no regrets knowing you have done it all.

If the first 20 days of this Ramadan have not gone well for you, there is STILL time to pick yourself up, start your gear and maximize the time which is left.

May Allah swt allow us to witness Laylatul-Qadr and may He shower His mercy and blessings on all of us , reward us and open His treasures for us , forgive us and erase our sins, draw us closer to Him, and secure our place in Jannatul-Firdous and allow us to leave this Ramadan having being completely purified. 

Ameen Ya Rabb!

-Hafsa Mohd.