On the relation of ‘Ata’ ibn Yasar, may Allah be well pleased with him, who said, “On the 15th night of Sha‘ban the Angel of Death, peace be upon him, copies down the names of all those who will die from that Sha‘ban to the next Sha‘ban…and there is no night after Laylat Al-Qadr better than the 15th night of Sha‘ban.”

Other hadiths also describe the 15th night as being the night in which Allah decrees everyone’s provisions, even after-worldly provisions (Paradise, Hell), therefore it is important to bring that night to life through Prayer, reading Qur’an, and repentance.

Related by Ibn ‘Umar, may Allah be well pleased with him and his father, that the Prophet, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, said, “There are five nights on which du‘a’ is not turned back: Friday eve, on the eve of Rajab, the 15th night of Sha‘ban, Laylat Al-Qadr, and on the eve of the two ‘Eids.”

It is also recommended to say the du‘a’:

Allahumma innaka ‘Afuwun Karimun tu?ib ul ‘afwa fa‘afu ‘anni, Allahumma inni as’aluka al-‘afu, wa al-‘afiyah wa al-mu‘afat ad-da’imah fi ad-dini wa ad-dunya wa al-akhirah.

O Allah, You are Pardoning and Generous and You love to pardon, so pardon me. O Allah, I ask You for pardoning, good health [in body], and to be [spiritually] health always in my religion, and in this life, and in the hereafter.

It is also highly recommended to read Surah Ya-Sin 3 times that night, each time with a specific intention:

1. The first time with the intention of Allah increasing the length of your life in worship and good deeds.

2. The second time with the intention of Allah protecting you from tribulations.

3. Lastly, with the intention of Allah not making you reliant on other people.

Maidenhead Mosque will be hosting a programme from Maghrib to mark this special event and the mosque will remain open til fajar for people to perform their personal ibadat.  May Allah bless us all and the whole community of Maidenhead throughout this month and bless us even more in Ramadan.