Many Muslims in Canada celebrate Laylat al Qadr, also spelled as Laylat al-Qadr or Shab-e-Qadr, which most likely falls on one of the last 10 days of the Islamic month of Ramadan. Also known as the Night of Power or the Night of Destiny, it commemorates the night when God (Allah) revealed the Qur’an (or Koran), which is the Islamic holy book, to the prophet Muhammad (also known as Mohammad), according to Islamic belief.
Is Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power) a Public Holiday?
Even though Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power) falls on Saturday, May 8, 2021, it is a working day. Most businesses follow regular opening hours in Canada.
What Do People Do?
Many Muslim Canadians believe that Laylat al Qadr marks the time when the Qur’an’s first verses were revealed to the Islamic prophet Muhammed. It is also believed that this night marks their fate in the following year. Therefore, many Muslims pray in the night to God for mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. This practice is also called Ehyaa.
This “Night of Power” is considered the most appropriate time of the entire year to pray for salvation and blessings. It is believed that a Muslim’s past sins are forgiven if the person prays throughout this night. Many Muslims assemble at mosques during the Isha’ prayer and pray until midnight.
Public Life
Laylat al-Qadr is not a national public holiday in Canada. However, many Islamic organizations and businesses may alter their opening hours and there may be some congestion around mosques, particularly in the evening and at night.
Background
Laylat al Qadr commemorates the night in 610 CE when Allah revealed the Qur’an (Islamic holy book) to the prophet Muhammad. The angel Gabriel first spoke to the prophet during that time, which marked the beginning of Muhammed’s mission. These revelations continued throughout the remainder of his life, according to Islamic belief.
Children begin studying the Qur’an from an early age and they celebrate the moment when they have read all the chapters for the first time. Many adults try to memorize the Qur’an. The common belief that this day occurred on the 26th or 27th day of Ramadan has no Islamic base. It seems to have originated in Manichaeism where the death of Mani is celebrated on the 27th day of the fasting month. This day is also known as the Night of Power or the Night of Destiny.
There is a difference of opinion about the date for Laylat al-Qadr but, in general, it is agreed that it is most likely to be in the last 10 nights of Ramadan, with the odd nights being more likely. Of the odd nights, the night of the 27th (which is the night before the 27th of Ramadan, as the Islamic day starts with nightfall) is most likely, according to many Muslim scholars.
