Devout Muslims to Observe Lailat-ul-Jaiza (Night of Rewards) Tonight

‘Night Considered Among Five Such Nights Where Supplications Not Rejected’

Asif Iqbal

Srinagar, Apr 21 (GNS): As the holy month of Ramadan 1444 A.H comes to an end, arrangements have been put in place at prominent mosques and shrines across Kashmir for devout Muslims to observe Lailat-ul-Jaiza – the night of rewards, preceding Eid eve.

Considered as one of the five nights during which prayers and supplications are not rejected, it has particular significance with the month of Ramadan wherein the gates of heaven are open and the blessings of Allah (God) are abundant. This night is observed with an intention to earn rewards for all the fasting and good deeds of the outgoing month.

It had been the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that he would not sleep in the night preceding the day of Eid-ul-fitr. Therefore, it is desirable to perform Nafl (voluntary) prayers on this night. The Prophet(PBUH) is reported to have said: “Whoever stands up (in worship) in the nights preceding the two Eids expecting rewards from his Lord, his heart will not die when the other hearts will die” – (Ibn Majah).

To benefit from this opportunity, one should perform as much worship in this night as he can, and should pray for all his genuine needs and desires.

The special night is to be spent while recitation of Holy Qur’an (and reflect on its meanings) for there are ten rewards for every letter recited from the holy book; strive to gain forgiveness for past and present sins; Offer Nawafil (Supererogatory) prayers like Tahajjud, Salatul Tasbih, Dhikrullah (Remembrance of Allah) and making much dua (supplications).

The nightlong prayers are supposedly to be held at Dargah Hazratbal Srinagar including at Masjid Jamiat-e-Ahle Hadith Gawkadal; Asar-e-Sharif Janab Sahib Soura; Asar-e-Sharif Shehri Kalashpora; Ziarat-e-Makhdoom Sahib (RA), Khanqah-e-Maula.

Similarly the prayers are also expected at Jamia Masjid Bandipora, Jamia Masjid Baramulla, Jamia Masjid Kupwara, Masjid ul Murshideen Khushaal Sahib Bumhama, Jamia Masjid Handwara and other local mosques alike and in south Kashmir at Jamia Masjid Hanfia, Jamia Masjid Ahle Hadith, Bait-ul-Mukarram and Rehat-Ded Masjid in Anantnag town, Ziarat-e-Sharief Khiram Kund, Aishmuqam and Bijbehara while in Kulgam at Markazi Jamia Masjid, Khankah Tral and at Markazi Jamia Masjid Shopian besides at Jamia Masjid Pulwama. (GNS)