Stating that Laylat al-Qadr, known as the night when the Holy Quran began to be revealed, is one of the periods when divine mercy and forgiveness reach their peak, Prof. Reşat Öngören said, 'The worship, prayers, and repentance performed on this blessed night, observed during the month of Ramadan, carry a special meaning in terms of spiritual purification and renewal.'
Prof. Öngören said, 'Our Prophet has a special recommendation for this night. When our mother Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) asked, "What should I do if I reach Laylat al-Qadr?", our Prophet said to recite this prayer: Allahümme inneke afüvvün kerîmün tuhibbül afve fa'fü annî. You can also say its English meaning: 'O Allah! You are most forgiving, Most Generous (bountiful and gracious), You love to forgive, so forgive me.''
Prof. Reşat Öngören, a Faculty Member at Üsküdar University's Institute of Sufi Studies, explained the spiritual value of Laylat al-Qadr.
The night when the Holy Quran began to be revealed…
Noting that Laylat al-Qadr is considered the most precious night of the month of Ramadan, Prof. Reşat Öngören said, 'Laylat al-Qadr, known as the night when the Holy Quran began to be revealed, is stated to be one of the periods when divine mercy and forgiveness reach their peak.'
Prof. Reşat Öngören stated that Ramadan is the only month mentioned in the Holy Quran, saying, 'Indeed, Laylat al-Qadr, when the Quranic verses began to be revealed, falls within the month of Ramadan. Furthermore, it is known that during every Ramadan, our Prophet recited the verses revealed up to that point with Gabriel (p.b.u.h.) in a mutual reading (mukabele). That is why the month of Ramadan is called the 'Month of the Quran.''
Stating that Laylat al-Qadr is considered the most important among the holy nights, Prof. Öngören emphasized that Laylat al-Qadr offers a significant opportunity not only for individual worship but also for social peace and solidarity.
The worship, prayers, and repentance performed on this night carry a special meaning
Prof. Öngören said, 'The worship, prayers, and repentance performed on this blessed night, observed during the month of Ramadan, carry a special meaning in terms of spiritual purification and renewal.'
Prof. Öngören pointed out that Laylat al-Qadr, described in the Holy Quran as 'better than a thousand months,' is a special period when the doors of Allah's mercy and forgiveness are wide open, stating that this night should be utilized in the best possible way. Because a 'thousand months' corresponds to a lifespan of 83 years; a long human life. In that case, every second of the night gains special importance. Spending the entire night with prayers, dhikr (tasbih), and worship means completing a long life without sin through acts of devotion.
The prayer recommended by our Prophet to be recited when Laylat al-Qadr is encountered
Prof. Öngören, stating that our Prophet spoke about I'tikaf in the last 10 days of Ramadan, said, 'I'tikaf is to be alone, engaged in the remembrance of Allah without mingling with society. That is, for a servant to be alone with Allah without anyone else. Thus, during Ramadan, there is 'riyazat' (asceticism) by staying hungry due to fasting, and 'halwat' (seclusion) through I'tikaf. There is seeking forgiveness (istighfar) day and night. Indeed, the prayer recommended by our Prophet for Laylat al-Qadr is precisely a request for forgiveness. When our mother Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) asked, 'What should I do if I reach Laylat al-Qadr?', he instructed her to recite this prayer: Allahümme inneke afüvvün kerîmün tuhibbül afve fa'fü annî. You can also say its English meaning: 'O Allah! You are most forgiving, Most Generous (bountiful and gracious), You love to forgive, so forgive me.'' and concluded his words.
