Dear Muslim Friends,
I am curious, as a Christian (who loves Muslims!), what have you experienced on the “Night Of Power” (Laylat al-Qadr) during your lifetime?
Truly, one of the aspects of Islam that intrigues me greatly is this time during Ramadan known as the “Night of Power”
For my non-Muslim readers, Islamic tradition holds that the Night of Power is the night that the first revelation of the Qur’an was sent down to Muhammad. Muslims are instructed to “seek” the Night of Power during the last ten days of the thirty days of Ramadan, particularly on the odd numbered nights (the 21st night, the 23rd night, etc.).
It is reported that Muhammad said:
“Whoever stays up (in prayer and remembrance of Allah) on the Night of Qadr, fully believing (in Allah’s promise of reward) and hoping to seek reward, he shall be forgiven for his past sins” (hadith from Sahih Bukhari).
The Qur’an, Sura (chapter) 97, says of the Night of Power:
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
We have indeed revealed this message in the Night of Power.
And what will explain what the Night of Power is?
The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.
Therein come down the angels and the spirit, by Allah’s permission, on every errand.
Peace! Until the rising of the morn!
“Muslims worldwide spend the last ten nights of Ramadan in solid devotion, retreating to the mosque to read Qur’an, reciting special supplications, and reflecting on the meaning of Allah’s message to us. It is believed to be a time of intense spirituality, when the believers are surrounded by angels, the gates of heaven are open, and God’s blessings and mercy are abundant. (http://islam.about.com/od/ramadan/a/leyla_qadr.htm)
As I close this post, may I ask questions of you, my Muslim readers:
*** Do you believe you have ever found/experienced the Night of Power?
*** How would you know if you did?
*** If you found the Night of Power, do you believe all your sins were forgiven?
*** If your sins were all forgiven, how would you know?
*** If your sins were all forgiven, could that forgiveness be lost or forfeited by later sins?
Thanks for reading and as always, I love you, my Muslim friends!
Postscript: the greatest – the most powerful – night of my life was May 28, 1966. That amazing night found me, even though I wasn’t looking for it (what compassion and mercy!).
On that night, I experienced an unbelievable power – the power of God in forgiving my sins. A kind man simply read one verse of the Bible to me. It was John 3:16. I will never forget the change and the new life that came to me on that night.
Whether you call yourself a Muslim or Christian, I pray for each one of us to experience that kind of power.
I do not consider myself religious but I have a profound love for God as the creator. I decided to observe Ramadan for the first time last year (2021) for deeper self reflection and connection to God. During the last 10 days, I experienced what I believe was the Night Of Power. It was a night that was more peaceful for me than most. After praying and breaking my fast, I did my daily yoga, watched movies with my little one & we had the best nights sleep. That night I had the most beautiful dream I think I have ever experienced, that I believe changed my life forever. A close friend who had passed visited me in a place that looked like heaven. He gave me words that encouraged me and affirmed my life path, words that answered so many questions I had in my mind. He looked me in my eyes, spoke with the same beautiful voice I remembered, hugged and kissed me, told me to continue on the path that I was on. He taught be valuable lessons in that dream I will never forget. I believe he was the angel sent to speak to me that night. I woke up changed. I also pray for each one of us to experience that kind of power. That kind of true peace. Praise Allah.