Srinagar: Muslims across the world are observing ‘Lailatul Jaiza’ – The Night Preceding Eid-ul-Fitr (Rewards). This night has been named in a Hadith (saying of Prophet Muhammad SAW) as the night of reward, hence ‘Lailatul Jaiza’.
After a month of fasting and taraweeh during Ramadan, this is the night of receiving the reward from the Lord for the whole month’s struggle. This night stands as the precipice from which faithful observers leap into the festive celebrations of Eid al-Fitr.
Lailatul Jaiza is a night closely associated with reward. It is said to be a night when the heavens are open, and prayers are accepted. The Prophet (PBUH) said, there are five nights on which dua is not rejected; one of those five is ‘The night before Eid al-Fitr’. The term ‘Jaiza’ denotes a return or compensation, underlining the idea of reaping what one has sewn in the best possible way.
In addition to the obligatory prayers, specific or increased acts of worship are recommended on the night before Eid. In a hadith, the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever stands up in the nights preceding two eids expecting the rewards from Almighty, his heart will not die when the other hearts will die” [Ibn Majah:1782]
It is mustahab (voluntary) to pray Tahajjud, recite the Quran, and seek forgiveness from Allah Almighty as it will bring peace and blessings.
In another Hadith, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: “In the last night of Ramadan, forgiveness is granted to the fasting person.” The companions asked: “O Messenger of Allah! Is Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Forgiveness of which you speak?” He replied: “No, rather, it is the practice that at the time of finishing work, the laborers are given their wages.” (Musnad Ahmad)
