Laylat al-Qadr: Muslims Pray for Peace

Preparing for Laylat al-Qadr Muslims the world over are struggling to end the last ten days of Ramadan with special prayers for world peace scheduled to start on the “Night of Power”, Saturday, July 18.  
“The special prayers are conducted during the last ten days of the holy month from 1 a.m.,” Mohammed Obaidullah, a prayer leader at Sheebani Mosque in Riyadh, was quoted as saying by Arab News.
Laylat Al-Qadr is one of the most sacred things in Ramadan for Muslims. It is the anniversary of the night during which Allah (God) revealed the Qur’an (Holy Book of Islam) to the Prophet Muhammad, also known as the “Night of Decree.”
The 27th night of Ramadan is the most widely celebrated date. ‘The grand night is better than a thousand months’, states the Qur’an.
Many Muslim men perform i`tikaf (spiritual retreat), spending the last 10 days of the month exclusively in the mosque.
I`tikaf is sunnah in Islam, but Bangladeshi Muslims believe that at least one person must perform i`tikaf in every mosque at every locality as confirmed by sunnah.
For those who perform i`tikaf, the annual worship has a great impact on their lives and society by offering worshippers a better chance to study Qur’an and Hadith during the time they stay at the mosque.
At the end of the last ten days of Ramadan, Muslims will celebrate Eid ul-Fitr, one of the most important days in the Islamic calendar.
In Ramadan, Muslims, save the sick and those travelling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.
Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to become closer to Allah through prayer, self-restraint and good deeds.
It is customary for Muslims to spend part of the days during Ramadan studying the Noble Qur’an.
Eid ul-Fitr will be observed on 18 July in countries observing the fast from 18 June. However, depending on the moon sighting, the holiday could also be observed on 17 July. In India, Eid ul-Fitr will be celebrated a day later.
In Saudi Arabia, Qiyam Al-Layl (night prayers), will be held at mosques after midnight during the last ten days of Ramadan.

Source: OnIslam