26/03/2024
Idris, A. Oni Ph.D writes
In the Southwest Nigeria (Yorubaland), we grew up celebrating Laylah al-Qadr (Night of Majesty) by attending special Islamic events during the last ten nights of Ramadan. It was aimed at encouraging our people to take cognisance of the nights and spend them in worship and supplications. It was also an opportunity to teach them further and instill the values of Islam within the Muslim Yoruba society.
Today, it is arguable that we no longer need those special events because:
1. There are numerous centres for Itikaf which is the original institution established for the last ten days of Ramadan according to the Qur'ān and Sunnah;
2. There is a greater benefit and greater chances and certainty that the one in Itikaf will be fortunate to find Laylah al-Qadr while the one who searches only one night or moves from one party to another today has much lower chances in that regard;
3. The special events have now turned parties where musicians are invited to perform while the attendees dance and merry. It's more of a merriment now than act of worship. It has also turned opportunities for some scholars to throw jabs and spread scandalous theories among the Muslims who are taking their Islam from the said scholars. Hence, the purpose has already been defeated;
4. People now use the avenue of the Laylah al-Qadr events to commit major sins including Zinā, telling lies, promoting evil innovation, spreading mischief and distorting the faith;
5. The special events have now turned to money-making and merry-making events, rather than means to promote acts of worship and righteousness;
6. The society has become unsafe for such night journeys. In all ramifications, it is safer to remain in one location and continue to commit to the authentic acts of worship in the last ten days and nights of Ramadan;
7. The chances of falling into the hands of liars, evil innovators and swindlers in the name of "Islamic scholars" is greater with those special events nowadays;
8. The special event was a child of necessity, a necessity that has now been fully catered for with the provision of Masājid offering space and services for Itikaf. At the times before now, the Southwest Muslims needed such events. Now, not anymore.
Lastly, rather than moving from one party to another in search of Laylah al-Qadr, commit yourself to Itikaf or ensure that you spend the last nights of Ramadan never missing a Tarāwīh and/or Qiyām al-Layl (Tahajjud).
Moving about from night parties often tagged Laylah al-Qadr does little to benefit anyone this days.
May Allah bless us with the grace to witness Laylah al-Qadr and count us among those that would be forgiven and whose supplications would be answered in this Ramadan. Āmīn 🤲.
