Acts of Worship (Amal) on Laylatul Qadr
Given the importance of Laylatul Qadr, performing specific acts of worship (Amal) during this night is highly recommended. Below are some key acts of worship that Muslims should perform on this blessed night:
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Supplication (Dua) and Seeking Forgiveness (Istighfar): One of the most significant acts of worship on Laylatul Qadr is making Dua and seeking forgiveness from Allah. It is believed that Allah will forgive the sins of those who sincerely repent on this night. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Whoever prays during Laylatul Qadr with faith and hope, his past sins will be forgiven.”
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Recitation of the Qur’an: The recitation of the Qur’an is of great importance on Laylatul Qadr. The night marks the revelation of the Qur’an, and engaging in its recitation draws the believer closer to Allah. It is encouraged to recite as much of the Qur’an as possible during this night.
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Nafl Salah (Night Prayer/Tahajjud): Offering extra prayers, particularly the Tahajjud prayer, during the last third of the night is highly recommended. Praying during this time allows Muslims to receive Allah’s mercy and blessings.
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Tasbih and Praise of Allah: Engaging in the remembrance of Allah (Dhikr) is another key act of worship during Laylatul Qadr. Phrases like “Subhanallah” (Glory be to Allah) and “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest) are powerful ways to seek Allah’s favor on this blessed night.
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Charity and Sadaqah: Giving charity (Sadaqah) during Laylatul Qadr is another rewarding act. Acts of kindness and charity purify the soul and bring one closer to Allah, especially on this significant night.
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Repentance (Tawbah): Sincerely repenting for past sins and asking for Allah’s forgiveness is crucial during Laylatul Qadr. True repentance on this night is believed to wipe away all previous sins.
Special Dua for Laylatul Qadr
One of the special supplications (Dua) for Laylatul Qadr, which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught to his wife Aisha (RA), is:
اللهم إنك عفوٌ تحب العفو فاعف عني
Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbu al-‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni
“O Allah! You are the Most Forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me.”
Laylatul Qadr is a blessed night full of opportunities for spiritual growth, forgiveness, and blessings. It is a night when Allah’s mercy is abundant, and every Muslim should take full advantage of it by engaging in worship, prayer, seeking forgiveness, and making Dua. Performing good deeds on this night is believed to lead to immense rewards and forgiveness from Allah.
In Bangladesh, Lailatul Qadr is celebrated with great reverence. On this night, Muslims engage in various acts of worship, pray for forgiveness, and make heartfelt supplications to Allah. Some specific practices observed in Bangladesh on this night include:
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Nafl Prayers (Voluntary Prayers): Muslims are particularly keen to offer additional prayers during the night, especially the Tahajjud prayer, which is believed to be highly rewarding on this night.
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Dua and Istighfar: Muslims make abundant supplications to Allah, asking for forgiveness (Istighfar) and seeking mercy for their sins.
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Recitation of the Qur’an: Many Muslims recite the Qur’an, as it is believed that the Qur’an was revealed on this night. The recitation is particularly emphasized in the latter part of the night.
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Jama’at Prayers in Mosques: Special congregational prayers (Jama’at) are arranged in many mosques, where Muslims gather together to worship.
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Spiritual Cleansing: On Lailatul Qadr, many people repent for their sins and make efforts to enhance their spiritual growth and purification.
Moreover, during this night, various regions in Bangladesh light up their mosques and neighborhoods with decorative lights, creating a special ambiance. People gather to greet each other, pray for inner peace, and engage in worship together.
The significance of this night in Bangladesh is immense. It is believed that whoever sincerely worships during this night will have their sins forgiven by Allah, and their deeds will be accepted. Thus, Lailatul Qadr holds an important place both spiritually and religiously in the lives of Muslims in Bangladesh.