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.

Avoiding the Tools of the Devil

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

We learn from the Quran that the devil is our most ardent enemy (Quran 36:60), and will do everything in his power to get us off God's path (Quran 7:16-17). The devil is the definition of pure evil, and hence sees no compassion, no kindness, and no mercy. His primary goal in this life is to lead as many humans astray as he can.

The devil's nature is to be sneaky and full of deceit (Quran 7:27). Instead of telling us to disbelieve in God outright, he may try to lure us off the path by telling us to be rude and arrogant (Quran 17:53) or have us believe intoxicants (e.g., wine) in moderation is in fact good for us (Quran 5:90).

[Quran 17:63-65] He said, "Then go; you and those who follow you will end up in Hell as your requital; an equitable requital.
"You may entice them with your voice, and mobilize all your forces and all your men against them, and share in their money and children, and promise them. Anything the devil promises is no more than an illusion.
"As for My servants, you have no power over them." Your Lord suffices as an advocate.

We must devote ourselves absolutely to God Alone (Quran 15:40, 37:160, 38:83) and stay away from all the devil's invitations. This is the first commandment in all the scriptures.

The Devil is the Other Alternative

[Quran 36:60-61] Did I not covenant with you, O Children of Adam, that you shall not worship the devil? That he is your most ardent enemy? And that you shall worship Me alone? This is the right path.

[Quran 37:40] Only GOD's servants who are absolutely devoted to Him alone (will be saved).

[Quran 7:29] Say, "My Lord advocates justice, and to stand devoted to Him alone at every place of worship. You shall devote your worship absolutely to Him alone. Just as He initiated you, you will ultimately go back to Him."

[Quran 6:162-163] Say, "My Contact Prayers (Salat), my worship practices, my life and my death, are all devoted absolutely to GOD alone, the Lord of the universe. He has no partner. This is what I am commanded to believe, and I am the first to submit."

[Mark 12:29-30] The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

[Deuteronomy 6:5] You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

Reference: Tools of the devil

Peace.