Dr. Hüseyin Kâmi BÜYÜKÖZER
May our Night of Bara’ah, a night of mercy and divine decree, filled with divine grace and blessings, be auspicious. May it bring good fortune to the Islamic Ummah.
The Night of Bara’ah is known by Muslims as the night of forgiveness and salvation. On this night, believers engage in worship and obedience, reflecting on their deeds of the past year. They find the opportunity to give a more orderly direction to their future days and worldly affairs, striving to become a perfect human being and a mature Muslim.
Let us pray to Almighty Allah that this Night of Bara’ah, which we will observe with this understanding and awareness, will bring good fortune to all of us.
“By the clear Book, Indeed, We sent it down on a blessed night,1 for We always warn ˹against evil˺ On that night every matter of wisdom is ordained.” (Surah Ad-Dukhan 2:4)
We pray to Allah (SWT) that this blessed Night of Bara’ah, which we will observe as a night of forgiveness and mercy, brings blessings and goodness to you, our nation, and all Muslims.
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, whether we are aware of it or not, we are drifting away from the right goals regarding the fundamental values of life. In this treacherous and slippery period we are going through, we often lose ourselves under the bombardment of false and artificial agendas imposed upon us. These artificial agendas often make us forget the true purpose of our existence in this world. However, we must constantly be vigilant against such agendas that distract us from our true purpose and not allow them to find a way to ensnare our souls. It is in such a difficult time that Allah has suddenly presented us with a golden opportunity; for the Almighty showers His forgiveness, mercy, and blessings abundantly during these months. All the days and nights of the months of Rajab, Sha’ban, and Ramadan are filled with surprising blessings and abundance.
“Glory be to You, O Allah!” and their greeting will be, “Peace!” and their closing prayer will be, “All praise is for Allah—Lord of all worlds!” (Surah Yunus: 10)
“Glory be to You! We have no knowledge except what You have taught us. You are truly the All-Knowing, All-Wise.” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 32)
“Our Lord! Do not let our hearts deviate after you have guided us. Grant us Your mercy. You are indeed the Giver ˹of all bounties˺” (Surah Al-Imran: 8)
What should be done on the Night of Bara’ah, and how should this blessed night be observed?
The Holy Quran should be recited; those reciting should be listened to; Quranic feasts should be held in suitable places; feelings of love, respect, and devotion to the Word of Allah should be renewed and strengthened.
Salutations and blessings should be offered to our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him); the hope for his intercession should be cherished, and the awareness of being part of his Ummah (community) should be renewed.
Prayers and supplications should be offered for the strengthening of our unity, solidarity, and brotherhood against the divisive schemes that internal and external enemies of Islam have been trying to orchestrate in recent days.
Reflection should be undertaken; deep thoughts should be given to vital issues, starting with questions such as, “Who am I, where did I come from, where am I going, what are Allah’s demands of me?”
We must conduct an accounting and audit of the past; and draw up plans and programs for the present and the future.
We must sincerely repent and seek forgiveness for our sins; considering this night as our last opportunity, we must show remorse and turn to Allah.
We must seek reconciliation with fellow believers; we must obtain their consent regarding our interactions with them.
Those who are estranged and angry should be reconciled; hearts should be mended; sad faces should be made to smile.
Those who have rights over us should be sought out and inquired about; the ethics of loyalty and gratitude should be fulfilled.
The poor, the helpless, the orphans, the sick, the disabled, and the elderly should be visited and made happy with love, compassion, respect, gifts, and charity.
Religious meetings, panels, and discussions should be organized; sermons and advice should be listened to;
The evening, night, and morning prayers of Bara’ah night should be performed in congregation in mosques. Prayers should be performed.
The tombs of the Companions, scholars, and saints should be visited; their blessings should be sought;
The graves of our deceased relatives, friends, and elders should be visited;
The blessed nights of our living spiritual leaders, parents, friends, and other relatives should be congratulated by visiting them in person or by sending a phone call, fax, or email; their prayers should be requested.
Fasting should be observed as much as possible during the daytime of these blessed nights.
As HALAL FOOD volunteers, we congratulate all our Muslim brothers and sisters on the occasion of Bara’ah night in advance, and we pray that Allah accepts the prayers and supplications offered on the night of Bara’ah. May Allah’s mercy and blessings be upon you.