Tonight, the night of March 27th, is the holy Laylat al-Qadr, also known as Shab-e-Qadr. This blessed night is superior to a thousand months and is considered the best gift from Allah to believing Muslims.
The Almighty Allah has revealed an entire Surah (chapter) in the Holy Quran highlighting the significance of this night. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) strongly urged Muslims to seek Laylat al-Qadr in the odd-numbered nights of the last ten days of Ramadan. Therefore, every devout Muslim desires to immerse themselves in worship and prayers during this sacred night.
However, religious scholars opine that the anticipated Shab-e-Qadr is most likely to occur on the night preceding the 26th of Ramadan. The 27th of Ramadan is a public holiday in observance of Shab-e-Qadr, and this year it falls on a Friday.
The Holy Quran was revealed on the night of Shab-e-Qadr. There is also a Surah in the Quran named 'Al-Qadr' dedicated to this night. 'Shab-e-Qadr' is a Persian term where 'Shab' means night and 'Qadr' signifies honor, dignity, virtue, and destiny. Thus, Shab-e-Qadr translates to the Night of Honor or the Night of Destiny. Its Arabic equivalent is Laylat al-Qadr, meaning the Esteemed Night.
On this night, the honor of the followers of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is elevated, and the destiny of humankind is re-decreed. This is why this night is exceptionally virtuous and glorious for Muslims. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) urged his followers to pray to Almighty Allah on the night of Shab-e-Qadr for deliverance from all crises.
The Holy Quran states that the reward for acts of worship performed on the night of Shab-e-Qadr is greater than the reward for a thousand months of worship at other times. Therefore, like Muslims in other parts of the world, the Muslims of Bangladesh will spend this night in voluntary prayers, recitation of the Holy Quran, and remembrance of Allah (Zikr), hoping for forgiveness of their sins and to earn greater rewards. On this sacred night, many people visit graveyards to pray for the forgiveness of the souls of their departed relatives.
On the occasion of Shab-e-Qadr, President Md. Shahabuddin and the Chief Advisor of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, have issued separate messages.
The Islamic Foundation has organized a discussion meeting and a prayer session at the national mosque Baitul Mukarram, as it does every year, to mark Shab-e-Qadr. The special Taraweeh prayers where the entire Quran is recited will conclude in mosques tonight.
Bangladesh Television and private television channels, as well as Bangladesh Betar (radio) and private radio stations, will broadcast special programs on the occasion of the holy Laylat al-Qadr. Additionally, newspapers will publish special articles.
