Sheikh Sameer Manzoor:
“Ramadan is not merely a month of fasting from food and drink; it is a sacred season in
the heart is purified through discipline and remembrance, it becomes worthy of receiving the
-Allama Dr. Shaykh Hami (Hh).
The sacred month of Ramadan holds a central and deeply revered position in Islamic spirituality
and religious life. It is a time during which believers engage in fasting, prayer, charity, and
spiritual reflection in order to strengthen their relationship with Allah. The Quran clearly
identifies Ramadan as the month in which divine revelation began. Allah says: “The month of
Ramadan is that in which the Quran was revealed as guidance for mankind and clear
proofs of guidance and criterion.” (Quran 2:185). In the scholarly reflections of Allama Dr.
Shaykh Hami, Ramadan is described as far more than a period of abstaining from food and drink.
Rather, it is a transformative spiritual journey in which the human soul seeks purification,
discipline, and closeness to the Divine. According to him , the entire month prepares the believer
for its most luminous moment i.e Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree. Laylat al-Qadr is regarded
as the most sacred night of the Islamic calendar. Its significance is established in Surah al-Qadr,
where Allah declares: “Indeed, We sent the Quran down during the Night of Decree. And
what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a
thousand months.” (Quran 97:1–3). Islamic scholars have explained that the phrase “better
than a thousand months” signifies that acts of worship performed during this single night
are rewarded more greatly than those performed over a period exceeding eighty three
years. Allama Dr. Shaykh Hami emphasizes that this verse illustrates the vast generosity and
mercy of Allah toward His servants. The night therefore represents a unique opportunity for
believers to draw near to their Creator through sincere devotion. The connection between Laylat
al-Qadr and the revelation of the Quran is one of the most profound aspects of Islamic history
and spirituality. The Quran also states: “Indeed, We sent it down on a blessed night. Indeed, We
were to warn mankind.” (Quran 44:3). Classical scholars interpret this verse as referring to
Laylat al-Qadr, when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammadصلى الله عليه وسلم
through the angel Jibril (Gabriel). In the writings and lectures of Allama Dr. Shaykh Hami, this
event is described as a moment when divine light descended upon humanity, transforming the
course of history and guiding mankind toward righteousness. The Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم strongly emphasized the importance of worship during Laylat al-Qadr. In an authentic narration
he said: “Whoever stands in prayer during Laylat al-Qadr with faith and seeking reward will
have his previous sins forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1901; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 760).
According to him, this hadith reveals the immense spiritual opportunity presented by the night. It
is a moment of forgiveness, renewal, and purification in which believers can begin a new chapter
in their spiritual lives. Fasting throughout Ramadan serves as a preparation for the blessings of
Laylat al-Qadr. Allah says in the Quran: “O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you
as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may attain taqwa.” (Quran 2:183). Taqwa
refers to a state of consciousness and awareness of Allah that influences every aspect of a
believer’s life. He (Shaykh Hami) explains that fasting disciplines the body, purifies the heart,
and weakens the influence of selfish desires, allowing the believer to become spiritually
receptive to divine mercy. Another remarkable feature of Laylat al-Qadr is the descent of angels.
Allah says: “The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every
matter.” (Quran 97:4). Scholars interpret the “Spirit” mentioned in this verse as the angel Jibril.
According to Allama Dr. Shaykh Hami, this descent represents the overwhelming presence of
divine mercy and blessings on earth during the night. It is a time when prayers are accepted and
spiritual doors are opened. The Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم encouraged Muslims to search for
Laylat al-Qadr during the last ten nights of Ramadan. He said: “Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the odd
nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2017). He explains that the
hidden nature of the night is a form of divine wisdom that encourages believers to intensify their
worship during the final portion of Ramadan rather than limiting their efforts to a single night.
One of the most beautiful supplications associated with Laylat al-Qadr was taught by the
Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم to his wife Aisha (RA). She asked what she should recite if she
found the night, and the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم replied: “Say: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun
tuhibbul ‘afwa fa‘fu ‘anni (O Allah, You are Most Forgiving and You love forgiveness, so
forgive me).” (Jami al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 3513). He often highlights this supplication as the
essence of Ramadan’s spiritual message like humility before Allah and hope in His forgiveness.
“Laylat al-Qadr is the night when the heavens open their doors of mercy and the hearts of
believers are illuminated with divine grace. Whoever seeks Allah with sincerity on this night
discovers that a single moment of true devotion can outweigh a lifetime of heedlessness.”
-Allama Dr. Shaykh Hami (Hh).
Another important practice during the last ten nights of Ramadan is Itikaf, the spiritual retreat
observed in the mosque. The Prophet Muhammadصلى الله عليه وسلمregularly performed Itikaf during these
nights (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2026). According to Shaykh Hami, this retreat symbolizes the
believer’s temporary withdrawal from worldly distractions in order to focus entirely on prayer,
reflection, and remembrance of Allah. The Quran describes Laylat al-Qadr as a night filled with
peace and tranquility: “Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.” (Quran 97:5). Scholars interpret
this verse to mean that divine blessings and serenity descend upon the earth throughout the night.
He explains that believers who engage sincerely in worship during this night often experience a
profound sense of inner peace and spiritual claritym. Charity is another important aspect of
Ramadan and Laylat al-Qadr. The Companion Ibn Abbas reported: “The Messenger of Allah
صلى الله عليه وسلمwas the most generous of people, and he was even more generous during Ramadan.” (Sahih
al-Bukhari, Hadith 6). He emphasizes that generosity and compassion toward the poor reflect the
true spirit of Ramadan. Laylat al-Qadr is also associated with divine decree. The Quran states:
“On that night every matter of wisdom is decreed.” (Quran 44:4). Islamic scholars interpret this
verse as referring to the divine plan for the coming year being entrusted to the angels. He
explains that this concept reminds believers to place their trust in Allah’s wisdom and to pray for
goodness in their future. From a Sufi perspective, Laylat al-Qadr represents a moment of
spiritual awakening. According to Allama Dr. Shaykh Hami, the believer who truly understands
the significance of this night does not merely perform rituals but opens his heart to divine love
and guidance. The night also highlights the importance of remembrance of Allah (dhikr).
Continuous recitation of the Quran, sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammadصلى الله عليه وسلم, and
repeating phrases such as SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar are highly
recommended acts of devotion during these nights. The spiritual legacy of Laylat al-Qadr has
inspired generations of scholars, saints, and spiritual teachers throughout Islamic history. He
often notes that this night has been regarded as a moment of profound spiritual encounter by
many great figures of Islamic spirituality. Laylat al-Qadr also teaches believers humility before
Allah. It reminds them that human efforts alone are insufficient without divine mercy. He
emphasizes that the believer must approach this night with sincerity and repentance. The last ten
nights of Ramadan are therefore a time of intense devotion. Mosques become centers of prayer
and reflection, and believers gather to seek forgiveness and divine mercy. The blessings
associated with Laylat al-Qadr demonstrate the boundless generosity of Allah. A single night of
sincere worship can outweigh decades of ordinary devotion. Shaykh Hami emphasizes that the
true impact of Laylat al-Qadr should be reflected in the believer’s character even after Ramadan
ends. The lessons of patience, humility, and compassion should continue throughout the year.
Ultimately, Laylat al-Qadr reminds humanity of the infinite mercy and guidance provided by
Allah. It represents a moment when believers can renew their faith and strengthen their
commitment to righteousness. In conclusion, Laylat al-Qadr stands as one of the most sacred
moments in the Islamic spiritual calendar. Through sincere worship, reflection, and repentance,
believers can experience the immense blessings promised by Allah and rediscover the deeper
meaning of Ramadan.Laylat al-Qadr ultimately reminds humanity of the boundless mercy of
Allah and the limitless opportunities for spiritual renewal that Islam offers. A single night of
sincere worship has the potential to outweigh decades of ordinary devotion, illustrating the
extraordinary generosity of the Creator toward His servants. As Allama Dr. Shaykh Hami
frequently emphasizes in his spiritual discourses, the true value of Ramadan and Laylat al-Qadr
lies not merely in the rituals performed but in the transformation of the human heart. When the
believer emerges from Ramadan with greater humility, compassion, and awareness of Allah, the
deeper purpose of the sacred month is fulfilled. Thus, Laylat al-Qadr remains not only a night of immense reward but also a timeless reminder that the doors of divine mercy are always open for
those who sincerely seek their Lord.
