Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
The first two phases of 10 days each (Ashra) of the holy month of Ramzan have concluded, and the third Ashra begins on Tuesday. This final Ashra is considered extremely significant. During these ten days, Muslims remain awake for five nights (on odd days) in search of the sacred night of ‘Shab-e-Qadr’. On this occasion, various religious programmes are organised across the city. Collective ‘Tahajjud’ (pre-dawn) prayers are also offered in many mosques.
The third phase of Ramzan is eagerly awaited because it includes Shab-e-Qadr. Prayers offered on this night are believed to be equivalent to prayers performed for a thousand years. This night may fall on any of the odd nights of Ramzan (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th of the holy month). Hence Muslims remain awake and engage in praying on all these nights in search of the holy night. Many mosques organise special religious programmes during the final Ashra.
Itikaf holds special importance during this period. Devotees observe it with the intention that their prayers be accepted and the ‘Creator’ (God) be pleased with them. Observing ‘Itikaf’ is considered demanding because one has to remain inside the mosque for ten, three, or at least one day. Once a fasting devotee enters Itikaf, he may leave the mosque only after the sighting of the new moon marking the end of Ramzan.
During this period, the person is expected to spend most of the time in prayer and devotion, avoiding contact with the outside world. Arrangements for Itikaf have been made in various mosques across the city. Serving those observing Itikaf is also regarded as a virtuous act.
The first ten days of Ramzan are associated with Rahmat (divine mercy), the second Ashra with Maghfirat (forgiveness), and the third Ashra with deliverance from Jahannum (hell). Shab-e-Qadr begins after the completion of the 26th fast. Devotees stay in mosques throughout the night offering prayers. As it is believed to be a night of forgiveness, worshippers devote themselves to heartfelt supplications.
Seek the night of Shab-e-Qadr
Maulana Rashid Madani said, “Some people spend their time during Ramzan in markets, shopping, or eating out at hotels. At the very least, they should use the last Ashra of Ramzan to search for Shab-e-Qadr, as it may occur on any night during this period.”