Editorial
Resolve on Lailatul Barat
Let's live up to its true spirit
The auspicious night of Lailatul Barat, known as Shab-e-Barat in the sub-continent, comes back again with its endless bounty. The night is called the' night of freedom' because the Almighty opens the gate to His munificence and forgiveness. The Holy Quran has called it a blessed night. The night becomes all the more significant as the Almighty's attention descends upon the humanity and proclaims His forgiveness, sustenance and assistance to any one who seeks His blessings.
Lailat-ul-Barat comes every year in the eighth month of the Hegira calendar on the night preceding the 15th of Shaban. Faithful Muslims believe that it is in this night that the Almighty opens the door of His boundless mercy to bestow on those who supplicate to Him in true spirit of heart and soul. For the faithful it is a night for atonement for the past and for making new resolve for the future to be better men and women.
It is a night to unify the Muslims and work for peace in a world riven by turmoil and social injustices. What's more the spirit of the night should propel us into taking to the true essence of Islam which means peace and not violence in any form or shape.
Most notable is the faith of the believers that in this night the Almighty determines the fate of all His creatures until the next Lailatul Barat. Muslims all over the world will be spending the night in prayers and in imploring His mercy.
Unfortunately, the true meaning and spirit of the night is sometimes lost in the predisposition to demonstrative rituals and indulging in fanfare of lighting and use of crackers. For the believers, the night is actually meant to completely submit to the will of the Almighty and seek His salvation and guidance to uphold morality and justice in every sphere of life.
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