As we continue our persistence in ibaadaat during this blessed month, we’ve finally reached the odd nights. We were given the bounty of Laylat-al-Qadr— the powerful night or the night of density, unlike any Ummah that came before us. Allah says in the Qur’an: The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn [97:3-5].
Abu Hurayrah RA narrates that the Prophet SAW said: “Whoever stands (in the voluntary night prayer of) Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven. And whoever spends the night of Laylat- Al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” [Sunan an Nasai]
As productive woke muslims of this ummah, let’s take up this mission to search for this amazing night efficiently. Here are 5 tips for you to start this hunt in productivity:
Set a schedule
The key to a productive day (and night, in this case) is a schedule. if you have already prepared an extensive schedule for ramadhan, it’s time to make another efficient one to help you get ample sleep during the day and help you stay up all night for these last nights. Make sure you plan your sleep between sunrise and Zuhr and create a well-timed agenda to complete your planned ibaadaat. Place this schedule in sight so you know exactly what’s coming next, either in your bedroom, in the kitchen, your desk, or make it accessible on your phone.
Focus on understanding the Qur’an
Even if you weren’t able to give Allah’s book the time you should’ve given all these days, there’s still enough time to cover up. You might have even recited the Qur’an extensively for 19 days or some of you might’ve even finished one or more recitations. While all of this is well admirable, you should try to spend this time in utilising the Qur’an for the purpose it was sent down:
Allah says in Surah Al-Zukhruf, “Certainly we have made it an arabic Quran that you may understand.”
Donate some part of your night in reciting the quran with its translation and read the context and commentary of the verses you’ve studied. That way, you shall be able to take lessons from Allah’s words.
Plan your meals
The cells in your body are utilising a lot of energy while you’re up perfecting your recitation, praying countless rak’aahs or pondering upon Allah’s plans. Make sure you stay hydrated and are filling yourself with healthy snacks every 2 hours. Keep a large water bottle by your side and prepare healthy snacks before-hand so you do not get distracted by a rumbling stomach or a dry mouth.
Don’t forget the obligatory
While all the extra efforts you’re putting in all night to please your lord are exemplary, they’re of very less advantage if you can’t wake up in time for Fajr or miss Zuhr. Keep your cooking basic and your screen-time limited during these days, so you can catch up on some sleep and avoid missing your obligatory prayers.
Make lots of Duaa
And while you’re up at it, don’t let anything deceive you into thinking that your sins are too much or that your dreams are too big. Communicate with the Lord that forgives sins even if they reach upto the heavens, ask Him for forgiveness; ask Him to fulfil your dreams and unrequited desires, ask Him so He can give, call upon Him so He can answer.
Author Bio
Maaham Lateefi: An enthusiastic Pharmacist in making, passionate writer, blogger, artist, freelancer and Muslimah. Working hard and smart to attain the best of both worlds.
