CHICAGO—Muslims gathered at Mosque Maryam on the grounds of the National Center, headquarters of the Nation of Islam, to observe the Laila-tul Qadr, an Arabic term meaning “Night of Power” or “Night of Majesty.” The Chicago, April 19 gathering was also broadcast live via internet webcast.
The Night of Power is believed by Muslim scholars to be the night during the holy month of Ramadan that the first verses of the Holy Qur’an, the Islamic book of scripture, were revealed in Mecca, Arabia, to the Prophet Muhammad ibn Abdullah, may the peace and blessings of Allah (God) be upon him, around 610 A.D. But it is believed to have happened in the last 10 days of Ramadan with scholars believing it fell on one of the odd-numbered nights.
Believers gathered in the musalla (prayer room) for Salat-tul Magrib (evening prayer) and a short program before heading next door to Muhammad University of Islam for Iftar (breaking of the fast). Attendees returned to the musalla for additional prayers, reciting of the Qur’ran and supplications to conclude the evening.
The Night of Power is believed to be the night during the holy month of Ramadan that the first verses of the Holy Qur’an were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
›Student Imam Abdul Salaam Muhammad of Mosque No. 6 in Baltimore leads prayer in Chicago during Night of Power observation.
