What to do in Shab Qadr

Shab Qadr has been kept in the last 10 days of Ramadhan.  One reason is that when someone fulfils their duty, they are given reward and honors.  In the same way, Shab Qadr is like a great reward for those worshippers who have valued Ramadhan and have fasted in it.   Another reason has been described by Hadhrat Muhaddith-e-Deccan (May Allah shower His mercy on him) that “Common folk develop some weakness through fasting and all and in the last 10 days, spirits are down.  For this reason, to raise the spirits, Shab Qadr has been kept.  Allah Ta’ala casts His special radiance this night so that the spirits are raised and they are able to complete Ramadhan.  (Fadhail-e-Ramadhan, Pg. No. 110)   The worship of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) in the last 10 days of Ramadhan   It is a tenet of faith that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is the Imam of all Prophets.  The Creator of the universe has made Him the leader of all worlds.  In spite of all this, to encourage us common folk, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) would perform profuse worship in Ramadhan when compared to other days and in the last 10 days of Ramadhan, He (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) would perform even more profuse worship as given in Sahih Muslim:   Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Aisha Siddiqua (May Allah be well pleased with her), she says:  When compared to other days, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) would perform more worship in the last 10 days of Ramadhan.  (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2845)   Shab Qadr is the night when the Holy Quran was revealed.  This night, people are freely forgiven.  The supplications are people are accepted.  Those who ask are granted.   Allah Ta’ala has declared in Surah Al Qadr that this night is superior to 1000 months.  Therefore, spending the night in heedlessness is not the mark of a Momin.  Instead, one should bathe early in the night and spend the night in worship and remembrance of Allah Ta’ala.  One should try to please Allah Ta’ala and to earn His approval.  It is mentioned in a Hadith about Shab Qadr:   Translation: Hadhrat Zur Bin Hubaish (May Allah be well pleased with him) says:  Shab Qadr is the 27th night of Ramadhan, so whoever gets it should bathe in it and have an Iftaar of milk.  (Musannaf Abdur Razzaq, Hadith No. 7701)   Due to be recited in Shab Qadr   The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has mentioned a Dua to be recited in Shab Qadr:   Transliteration:  Allahumma Innaka ‘Afuwwun Kareem Tuhibbul ‘Afwa Fa’afu ‘Annee.   There is a Hadith in Jame’ Tirmidhi:   Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Aisha Siddiqua (May Allah be well pleased with her), she says I asked the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam):  O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)!  If I get Shab Qadr, what Dua should I recite in it?  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  Recite this Dua.  O Allah!  You are very forgiving and like forgiving.  You please forgive me.  (Jame’ Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 3855)   We pray to Allah Ta’ala that for the sake of the Holy Quran and for the sake of the One to whom the Holy Quran was revealed (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), we be forgiven and delivered and that we be guided to value Shab Qadr and gain some of its blessings and mercy.   [By Mufti Syed Ziauddin Naqshbandi Qadri, Professor, Islamic Law, Jamia Nizamia, Founder/Director, Abul Hasanaat Islamic Research Center]

Dr. Mufti Syed Ziauddin Naqshbandi Mujaddidi Qadri

Shaykh Ul Fiqh, Jamia Nizamia; Founder - Director

Mufti Maulana Syed Zia Uddin Naqshbandi Quadri

Shaik-ul-Fiqh - Jamia Nizamia

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What to do in Shab Qadr