A few weeks back Muslims welcomed the Islamic month of fasting, Ramadan. During this month Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, abstaining from all food and drinks. An early breakfast is usually taken before dawn.

Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Koran: “Surely, we sent it [the Koran] on the Night of Destiny. And what should make thee know what the Night of Destiny is? The Night of Destiny is better than a thousand months. Therein descend angels and the Spirit by the command of their Lord with their Lord’s decree concerning everything. Peace — so will it be even at the rising of the dawn.” (Surah al-Qadr, Ch 97: V 1-6)

The Night of Destiny, also known as Lailatul Qadr, is a night of great blessings in which Allah the Almighty showers His mercy upon His sincere and faithful believers. It is said that the Holy Koran’s revelation began on this very night and it is generally associated with the showering of blessings and mercy of Allah the Almighty in the month of Ramadan, particularly in its last ten days.

However, it possesses other meanings as well which are all deeply rooted in Allah the Almighty’s attribute of Al-Rahman (the Gracious). Hazrat Abu Huraira (peace be upon him) narrates that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts during the month of Ramadan with sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, all their past sins will be forgiven, and whoever stands for the prayers in the night of Qadr with sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, all their previous sins will be forgiven.”

Regarding the occurrence of this night, Hazrat Aisha (peace be upon her) relates that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Seek Lailatul Qadr (the Night of Destiny) among the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan (ie 21, 23, 25, 27 or 29).”

Thus, the Night of Destiny is a night of great blessings and Muslims strive during the last ten days of Ramadan to increase in worship and prayers. Some believers spend the last ten days secluded in the mosque in a practice known as Itekaf, engaged in prayers and recitation of the Holy Koran.

• Tune in on Sunday at 4pm to Magic 102.7FM for a short recitation of the Holy Koran with English translation. E-mail amc.bermuda@gmail.com for a free copy of the Holy Koran with English translation and commentary. Shabnam Jheengoor is a member of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Bermuda