Tonight is the first Laylat al-Qadr (Əhya) night of the month of Ramadan in Azerbaijan.
This year, the first Laylat al-Qadr night falls on the night of March 8-9.
The subsequent Laylat al-Qadr nights of the month of Ramadan fall on March 10, 12, and 16.
According to **Modern.az**, numerous hadiths have been narrated about the virtues of Laylat al-Qadr. Allah Almighty designated Laylat al-Qadr specifically for the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during his time.
Allah Almighty states in the Holy Quran: “Indeed, We sent it down (the Quran) on the Night of Decree!”.
If a person engages in worship on Laylat al-Qadr, their worship on this night will be superior and more virtuous than worship for a thousand months (approximately 84 years).
On Laylat al-Qadr, Allah accepts people's prayers, and angels descend to earth to greet people. Laylat al-Qadr is such a beautiful night that Allah Almighty bestows mercy, health, and peace upon it.
Laylat al-Qadr is both a blessed night and a night of Allah's mercy.
It is narrated in hadiths that on that night, Satan cannot approach the believers. Whoever wishes to feel the delight and spiritual beauty of this night and seek forgiveness for their sins should spend this night in worship and respond to the greetings of the angels.
Keeping vigil (Əhya) on Laylat al-Qadr, meaning staying awake until dawn, is considered a rewardable act. On that night, merely staying awake is considered an act of worship. This is because staying awake itself completely distinguishes this blessed night from other days of the year.
Whoever stays awake on Laylat al-Qadr and worships Allah, Allah Almighty will record for them a reward greater than the reward of worship for a thousand months. If someone feels uncomfortable staying awake, there is no harm in sleeping. Because their intention to stay awake and worship on this night allows them to earn this reward. Allah is aware of all intentions, and God willing, He will consider their sleep as worship for them. This is because it is not proper to worship while staying awake at night in an uncomfortable state. A person should perform worship with love and enthusiasm.
The purpose of coming to mosques and staying awake until dawn in our homes to worship Allah on this night is to worship and pray to Allah Almighty and seek forgiveness for our sins. On this night, Allah Himself invites people and forgives their sins. Whoever comes to His door on this night will not return empty-handed. This is because Allah Almighty Himself has invited them, and it is impossible for anyone who comes to His door to return empty-handed.
Acts for Laylat al-Qadr nights:
1. Performing ghusl (ritual bath) after making the intention: “I perform the ghusl of the Əhya night, seeking closeness to Allah.” During this, first the head, then the right side, and then the left side are washed. This ghusl has great reward.
2. Staying awake until dawn and engaging in worship. The meaning of this is as if one is welcoming the Quran.
3. It is better to observe the Əhya nights in mosques. If not possible, they can also be observed at home, but instead of empty and meaningless conversations, it is better to read the Quran, offer prayers, perform the Laylat al-Qadr prayers, or make up missed prayers.
4. Performing the Laylat al-Qadr prayer. The Laylat al-Qadr prayer is performed between the Isha and Fajr prayers. It is performed in two rak'ahs, similar to the Fajr prayer. However, in each rak'ah, after Surah Al-Hamd, Surah Al-Ikhlas is recited seven times, not once. After completing the prayer, one places their forehead on the ground and recites the dhikr “Astaghfirullah Rabbi wa atubu ilayh” 70 times.
5. Placing the Quran on one's head and swearing by Allah, His Prophet (PBUH), and the names of the Infallible Imams (AS) is necessary.
6. Reciting the Ziyarat of Imam Ali (AS) and Imam Hussein (AS).
7. Performing 50 mustahab (recommended) prayers, similar to 100 rak'ahs of Fajr prayer. Those who have missed prayers can perform 6 days' worth of missed prayers each night.
8. Sending salawat (blessings) upon Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his infallible Ahl al-Bayt (AS).
9. Reciting the Dua Jawshan Kabeer.
10. Reciting curses upon the killer of Imam Ali (AS) 100 times (Allahummal'an qatalata Amiral-Mu'minin). Meaning: O Allah, curse the killer of Imam Ali (AS)!
11. Reciting the dhikr “Astaghfirullah Rabbi wa Atubu Ilayh” 100 times and repenting for sins committed.
Although it may be difficult to perform all of the above, it is necessary to act upon what is mentioned as much as possible. This is because Laylat al-Qadr nights occur only once a year.
