The Night of Destiny

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

The month of fasting (Ramadan) this year (2011; or 1431 in the Islamic calendar) has been completed. We are thankful to God for the blessing to grow our souls and appreciate the gift of guidance He has given us through the Quran (2:185).

The night of Ramadan 27 (i.e., the night between the 26th and 27th fasts) is the Night of Destiny. In the lunar calendar, the day begins at sunset. So the Night of the 27th, precedes the 27th fast. The Night of Destiny is an extremely important night for Submitters to God (Muslims). It is the night in which the Holy Quran, was revealed from the Lord of the Universe to Prophet Muhammad.

Some submitters take advantage of this night to gain extra credit for the soul by spending the night commemorating God the Almighty (and doing other forms of worship like meditation or reading Quran), either in their privacy, or in a masjid with other submitters.

[Quran 97:1] We revealed it in the Night of Destiny.*
[97:2] How awesome is the Night of Destiny!
[97:3] The Night of Destiny is better than a thousand months.
[97:4] The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by their Lord's leave, to carry out every command.
[97:5] Peaceful it is until the advent of the dawn.
*97:1 The Quran was placed into Muhammad's soul on the 27th night of Ramadan, 13 B.H. (Before Hijrah). See also 17:1, 44:3, 53:1-18, and Appendix 28.

God encourages us in the Quran to meditate every night for extra credit (Quran 17:79), reminding us it’s better for our souls (Quran 39:9).

[Quran 39:9] Is it not better to be one of those who meditate in the night, prostrating and staying up, being aware of the Hereafter, and seeking the mercy of their Lord? Say, "Are those who know equal to those who do not know?" Only those who possess intelligence will take heed.

[Quran 17:79-80] During the night, you shall meditate for extra credit, that your Lord may raise you to an honorable rank. And say, "My Lord, admit me an honorable admittance, and let me depart an honorable departure, and grant me from You a powerful support."

Many of us, out of our human weakness or with worldly commitments cannot do much in the way of meditation every night. The Night of Destiny is an encouragement for our souls, to be able to do it and perhaps repeat it more often during the year with God’s help.

 

References
Night of Destiny
Religious Duties, A Gift from God

Peace.

Ramadan a gift from God to grow our souls

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

Ramadan, the month of fasting, comes to a close at the end of August. Currently, we are in the period referred to in the Quran as the “Last ten nights” (Quran 89:2, 2:187). Many submitters to God (Muslims) use this time to remember God frequently, commemorate His name, and meditate on God. Even if we cannot spend the ten nights in retreat, God gives us the Night of Destiny as a yet another opportunity to stay up all night and meditate on His name (17:79, 50:40, 20:130, 39:9, 26:218, 73:1-6, 73:20, 76:26).

[Quran 17:79-80] During the night, you shall meditate for extra credit, that your Lord may raise you to an honorable rank. And say, "My Lord, admit me an honorable admittance, and let me depart an honorable departure, and grant me from You a powerful support."

Religious duties are a gift from God to us, that we may grow our souls. God provides us Ramadan as a religious practice, and consequently an opportunity for us to grow our souls. By following His commandment to fast, we place the body in service of the soul, and in submission to God. With God’s help, we also use it as a time to express our appreciation for the guidance in Quran.

[Quran 2:185] Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. GOD wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify GOD for guiding you, and to express your appreciation.

Peace.