The best night of the Islamic calendar

In this context, it would be worthwhile to state here what Almighty Allah says in Ayats (Verses) 1-5 of Sura Qadr:

Ayat: 1 "We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Honour."

Ayat: 2 "And what will explain to thee what the Night of Honour is?"

Ayat: 3 "The Night of Honour is better than a thousand months."

Ayat: 4 "Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah's permission on every errand."

Ayat: 5 "Peace! Until the rse of morn."

Again, in Ayats 3-4 of Sura Dukhan or Smoke Almighty Allah Says:

Ayat: 3 "We sent it (the Qur-an) for We ever wish to warn (against evil)."

Ayat: 4 "In that night is made distinct every affair of wisdom."

It will not be irrelevant to state here the comments of a world renowned translator and commentator of the Holy Qur-an Allama Abdullah Yusuf Ali on this Ayat 3 of Sura Qadr. He has aptly commented like this: "A thousand must be taken in an indefinite sense, as denoting a very long period of time. This does not refer to our ideas of time, but to "timeless Time." One moment of enlightenment under Allah's Light is better than thousands of months or years of animal life and such a moment converts the night of darkness into a period of spiritual glory."

Mentionable, we are now passing through the holy month of Ramadan and we know it is the best month of all the twelve lunar months of the Islamic calendar, and in the same way we are fortunate also to get the best of all the glorious and important lunar nights of the Islamic calendar, that is, Laila-tul-Qadr or the Night of Honour which we observe on 27th of the holy month of Ramadan.

I may state now the background of revelation of this Sura as to why Benign Allah was graciously pleased to reveal this Sura. One day Hazrat Muhammad (SM) while discussing matters relating to religion with his companions ("Sahaba"), said, "A saint from among the Children of Israel (Bani Israel) achieved spiritual and physical power as a result of continuous prayers to Lord Creator for a long period of one thousand years." After hearing this the companions became sad for they would be unable to supplicale Mericful Allah for a thousand years as they would not be able to live for such a long period. Benign Allah heard the discussion, and appreciating the despair of the holy Prophet's companions revealed the aforesaid five verses the holy Prophet (Pbuh) while he was in Makkah.

Considering the facts stated in the foregoing paragraphs as Muslims all over the word are preparing themselves to observe this sacred night (Laila-tul-Qadr) popularly known as Shab-e-Qadr, we in Bangladesh should also avail this auspicious opportunity to observe it with due solemnity and fervour -- offering special payers, reciting the holy Qur-an and supplicating Meruful Allah for salvation and fulfilment of our just and genuine desire. We must not let this rare opportunity slip and beseech His benediction. Allah considers His Banda's (servant's) supplication specially on certain occasions and one of such special occasions is this Night of Honour. If a sinner sincerely, seriously and earnestly repents that he would refrain himself form all evils and misdeeds in future, the Benign Allah will certainly consider the penitent's supplication and forgive him, and in that case society will certainly be a better place to live in. Our supplication on the auspicious occasion of Laila-tul-Qadr should be meaningful, sincere and earnest. Let us hope against hope and hope for the best.

Kazi Aulad Hossain is a retired government high official.