Lailatul Qadr and Mothers’ Day - Twin Sisters of Mercy

 

Lailatul Qadr and Mothers’ Day - Twin Sisters of Mercy

 

May 4^th 2021

 

by: Habeeb Alli

 

It's been a whirlwind of events during this Pandemic.

 

It's Ramadan and Muslims are going crazy about the search for the Night that equals a thousand months of worship. And rightly so, it's also that time of the year when we buy flowers and send gifts to our mothers. Mother's Day – both days falling on May 8^th and 9th, respectively.

 

I wonder if there is a connection between the Night of Power and Mothers' Day?

 

For this, I thought there is a silver lining like the vaccine during the Pandemic.

 

For the reader of this, the Night of Power in the Surah "Qadr" Quran Chapter 97 Verses 1-5 is the moment that God decrees one's life for the rest of the year and it is believed to be on the 27^th night of Ramadan. However, it can be any time in the year or any one of the 10 last nights of Ramadan.   When people, who were eager to get rich in the game of spirituality, complained to the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, (On Whom Be Peace) that their years are shortened compared to those who lived for centuries before, in response, the Chapter Qadr was revealed. It is an auspicious night of prayers called the Night of Determination, or the Night of Power which is equivalent to one thousand months (which is equivalent to 80 years) of blessings.

 

It seems to me that the Mother of the Believers, Aisha, may (God be pleased with her), actually questioned her husband, the Holy Prophet Muhammad, on whom be peace, what should be her prayers if she finds out it is indeed the Night! Our Prophet, opined that appealing for God's kindness and forgiveness was most crucial. "Oh God, You Are Forgiving and Kind, You Love to Forgive, so kindly forgive me!" is the refrain that is uttered all around the globe on this special night.

 

Now if that wasn't an appeal to the motherly instincts of compassion, forgiveness and love, then what is? God chose the Mother of the Believers, the young and passionate Lady Aisha, may God be pleased with her, to reveal this priceless gem of worship, embraced by billions throughout the centuries.

 

When we celebrate and honor our mothers every day and with a grand remembrance on Mothers' Day, we are instinctively responding to their kindness, generosity and unconditional love for their children. This is their right upon us, so beautifully articulated by the Holy Prophet, on whom be peace, that Paradise lies "at the feet of Thy mother!"

 

So, this weekend, when you are praying for forgiveness on Lailatul Qadr and buying flowers for your beautiful Mom, or saying a prayer for her, alive or deceased, remember that mercy is the common denominator here. God's mercy demonstrated in a mother's love - something further demonstrated by your continued support of the Table of Mercy Foodbank this Ramadan which has served hundreds of mothers and families and prayed with them during this Pandemic. The Twin Sisters of Mercy seems to descend on us this weekend. Let's take the opportunity to be part of the mercy this year!