Blessed Night of Laylat al-Qadr Observed in Begova Mosque: An Opportunity to Draw Closer to the Lord, and to Remain in That Proximity

(Patria) - The central program marking the blessed night of Laylat al-Qadr was held this evening at the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque in Sarajevo.

The program was attended by the Grand Mufti of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Husein-ef. Kavazović, who during his address called on believers to open their hearts to Allah's boundless mercy.

- Sincere repentance, and this is the night of repentance, mercy and forgiveness, should be accompanied by a firm decision never to return to such sins. Let us do this tonight, let us not miss this rare opportunity. The angels who descend to Earth tonight love to hear the sobs of the penitent - said Grand Mufti Kavazović.

He told the numerous believers in the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque that the Almighty God "has His breezes of mercy," and called on them to expose themselves to those breezes.

- They blow from time to time, and are especially strong on the night of Laylat al-Qadr, so open your hearts to them and renounce what is wrong, what not only does not belong to our faith and culture but is contrary to them. Cast it away from yourselves - urged the Grand Mufti.



On this occasion, he reminded that Laylat al-Qadr is an exceptional opportunity to draw closer to the Lord, but also to remain in that blessed proximity.

- And to act from that closeness, to make our life reality better, more prosperous, more just, more humane and more beautiful. Everyone is obliged to do what they can on that front - emphasized Grand Mufti Kavazović.

Muslims experience the Night of Qadr as a unique opportunity for repentance, and the Director of the Department for Religious Affairs, Hafiz Dr. Mensur Malkić, reminded those present of the importance of sincere repentance for committed sins.

- Laylat al-Qadr is the night of repentance, the night in which our prayers and wishes are accepted by the Lord of the worlds. This is the moment when we can seek forgiveness for our sins and be inscribed among those who have attained Allah's mercy - said Hafiz Malkić.

Speaking about the value of this time, Hafiz Malkić offered several practical pieces of advice on more intensive worship and charity.



- It is also nice to dedicate this night to reciting the Qur'an, following its messages. It would be useful to spend this night reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas at least three times, which is a third of the Qur'an.

If we recite this surah three times, it will be recorded for us as if we had read the entire Qur'an, and as if we had done so every day for 83 years – emphasized Dr. Malkić.

He also reminded those present that the Night of Qadr is well spent in doing good deeds.

- It is good to give as much charity as we can, hoping that the Lord of the worlds will record it for us as if we had given charity every day for 83 years – advised Dr. Malkić to those present.



The Night of Qadr also reminds believers that the Qur'an gives value to people, places and times. The Qur'an is a book whose reading, learning and studying makes us more aware of our own position and responsibility.

It is a book that frees us from the shackles of delusion and ignorance, that strengthens the will in restraining passions and instincts.