Asalamu alaykum, Peace be Unto You
The Night of Power. Here are some important signs to look for:
When Does it Occur?
It takes place in the last ten nights of Ramadan. The Prophet [may Allah be pleased with him] said,”I witnessed the Night of Power then I forgot it [which night it was]. It happens in the last ten nights [ofRamadan].” Related by Ibn Hiban
The Night:
The night is mild [neither cold nor warm] as stated by the Prophet [may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him],”The night of power is a mild night neither hot nor cold.” Related by Ibn Khuzaymah and it is authentic.
The number of angels out that night are to numerous to count: The Prophet [may Allah’s peace and blessing be upon him] said,”The number of angels present that night on earth cannot be counted.” Related by Ibn Khuzaymah a goodhadith.
It is a clear night and its stars are visible: The Prophet [may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him] said,”The night of power is a clear night…as though it’s moon uncovers the nightsstars.” Related by Ibn Hibban
It’s morning:
The Sun rises in the morning after the Night of Power”red and weak” [Ibn Khuzaimah/sahih]
The Prophet said about it’s sunrise in another narration,”white having no rays” [Muslim]. Having no rays is explained by the narration above as being”weak”
Things to do:
Pray
Read Qur’an
Make Dhikr
Engage in worship in its strict sense
Be kind to others
If you’re in the Masjid, be clean
Things not to do:
Talk and waste ones time hanging out or text messaging his/her buddies all night
Sins
Sleep the night away and lose out on its blessings
Avoid being rude
Making the Masjid untidy
What if I have to work, go to school, or take care of the little ones the next day?
Scholars noted that one does not have to stand the entire night to experience it. One could worship for a short while and still receive the blessings of the night. Thus, those who have to work, take care of the kids or other responsibilities need only worship for a short while. [see Fath al-Bari of IbnHajar].
May Allah grant us guidance to experience this night.Ameen
Ustad Suhaib Webb is a scholar and astudent of Islamic law at Al Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt.