A sombre Laylatul Qadr in war-hit Middle East this year
India Today
Laylatul Qadr is considered one of the holiest nights in Islam. The Night of Decree, when Muslims keep up late into the night for prayers, is different this year. It is a sombre Laylatul Qadr night amid fears for life and safety amid the US-Israel-Iran war in the Middle East.
The dusk on Sunday marked the beginning of one of Islam's holiest nights, the Laylatul Qadr. But across the Middle East, the mood has been anything but joyous. On the occasion, also known as the Night of Power, the mood across the Gulf nations has been tense, as there is fear of missiles raining down from neighbouring Iran, which is at war with Israel and the US.
This year, Laylatul Qadr falls between March 15 and 16.
The compound of Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque, also known to Jews as the Temple Mount, was empty. Instead of buzzing with prayers and community gatherings, worshippers prayed at makeshift spots outside the mosque.
Ramadan is a time of prayers. The attacks on Iran and the killing of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with several other leaders had already made the month of prayers a grim time this year.
The night holds deep meaning in Islam. It is when Muslims believe the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel.
The Quran describes it as "better than a thousand months", a time of blessings, forgiveness, and decree where one's fate for the year is decided. Traditionally observed on one of the odd nights in the last 10 days of Ramadan, it involves extra prayers, Quran recitation, and charity.
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