Two posts ago, I wrote about 10 fun facts on the holy month of Ramadan, touching up a little bit on the last 10 nights of Ramadan. Since the first of the last 10 nights of this blessed month starts today, I've decided to write a bit more about it, so here are 4 facts about this incredible period:
1. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) became a prophet during this period
He was in the Cave of Hiraa' on the (then) outskirts of the city of Mecca, reflecting upon the creations when the archangel Jibreel (Gabriel) came and broke the news to him that he is a Prophet. Since the archangel came in the form of an angel, and revealed some verses from the Quran before revealing the news, the Prophet (pbuh) was very shocked. As he ran home, wherever he turned, he saw a bright light that called to him saying 'O' Muhammad! I am the angel Jibreel and you are a prophet.' Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) ran home to his wife, telling her 'Zamilooni' ('cover me [with a blanket]'), who then comforted him and took him to see her cousin the next day because he was well-educated on all sorts of religions.
2. The Quran was first revealed during this period
The revelation of the Quran came before the revelation of the Prophet (pbuh) being well... a prophet. The archangel Jibreel (as) hugged him tight and told him 'Read!', so the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) responded 'I am illiterate'. Jibreel (as) hugged him tighter and said 'Read!' and the Prophet (pbuh) repeated 'I am illiterate'. This encounter repeated one more time before the angel Jibreel revealed the first few versus of Surah Al-'Alaq.
3. Laylatul Qadr is amongst these nights
This night is on one of the odd nights and a good deed during this time is worth more than that same good deed done daily over a period of 1000 months! It was also on this night that the Prophet (pbuh) became a prophet and the Quran was first revealed. Many people try to do as many good deeds as possible on the odd nights to make the most of this opportunity.
4. Some people do I'tikaaf during this time
This Arabic term is used to refer to the time people spend in the mosque praying and doing good deeds. Usually, they wouldn't leave the mosque at all as they do this. The amount of time that needs to be spent in the mosque for it to count as I'tikaaf differs depending on the school of thought as some believe it could be as short as only two hours whilst others believe that you must spend a minimum of 24 hours at the mosque.
So there you are! The last 10 nights begin tonight and it is a time that Muslims want to make the most of by doing as many good deeds. Not only is it a great opportunity, but it's the last push, because Ramadan won't be back until next year, and God knows if any of us would make it to then (that took a really dark turn :c). So why don't you try to do some good over the next couple of days?
I'll see you in my next post. Take care! ;)
Comments