Within the ethical framework of Islam, the concept of darkness carries profound significance in shaping behaviours and guiding believers towards a balanced and virtuous life. In the tapestry of sacred Islamic teachings, the concept of darkness is not merely the absence of light but a canvas for ethical conduct, spiritual introspection, and a time for intimate communion with the Divine. Emphasizing the spiritual significance and role of darkness in human growth and development, the Quranic insights and Prophetic wisdom unveil a nuanced understanding of the night.
The Quranic Embrace of Night as a Sign
Quran, the Holy book of Islam, frequently employs the symbolism of darkness to convey spiritual truths. Verses like those in Surah Al-An’am, Surah Al-Furqan and Surah An-Nur highlight the metaphorical contrast between light and darkness, symbolizing guidance and ignorance. A deeper look at Islamic world holds the night to become a canvas upon which the divine message unfolds. The Quran views the night as a sign of Allah’s (SWT) creation and power. Surah Al-An’am (6:96) highlights the alternation of the day and night, urging believers to ponder over these natural phenomena. The beauty of darkness is ingrained in the cosmic balance designed by the Creator.
Quran emphasizes the significance of the night as a time when the soul is more receptive. Verses in Surah Al-Furqan and Surah Al-Qadr specifically highlight the divine revelations during the blessed nights, underscoring the spiritual weight and beauty embedded in the tranquillity of darkness. Islam encourages believers to embrace this tranquillity of the night for ethical reflection and self-accountability. The quiet moments in darkness provide an opportunity for introspection, as emphasized in Surah Al-Muzzammil (73:6), fostering a heightened awareness of high moral conduct and personal responsibility.
The practice of self-accounting (Muhasabah) during the late hours allows individuals to evaluate their deeds, seek forgiveness, and nurture personal growth, emphasizing the transformative beauty embedded in the darkness. One of the foremost etiquettes of darkness in Islam is the encouragement to embrace silence in its real perspective and engage in personal reflection.
Nightly Prayers and Spiritual Ascension
Islamic traditions prescribe various nightly observances that accentuate the beauty of darkness. The Tahajjud prayers, a voluntary night prayer, exemplify the devotion and connection with Allah during the silent hours. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) exemplified the beauty of darkness through his own practices. His regular observance of Qiyam-ul-Layl, night vigil prayers, as narrated in Sahih Muslim, serves as an encouragement for believers to engage in spiritual acts during the serene hours of the night. By engaging in these prayers during the night, believers seek spiritual upliftment and ethical refinement, aligning their conduct with the principles of justice, compassion, and humility.
The nightly Tarawih prayers during Ramadan, the spiritual reflections of Laylat al-Qadr, and the predawn Suhoor rituals collectively celebrate the profound connection between darkness and spiritual devotion. Laylat al-Qadr, described in Surah Al-Qadr (97), elevates the beauty of darkness to unparalleled heights. This night, better than a thousand months, signifies the descent of angels and the Spirit with Allah’s decrees. It is a night filled with peace until the break of dawn, symbolizing the profound blessings embedded in the serene embrace of darkness.
Similarly, Shab-e-Baraat, also known as the Night of Forgiveness or Night of Salvation, is an Islamic tradition observed on the 15th night of Sha’ban, the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is believed to be a night when Allah (SWT) determines the destinies of individuals for the coming year and forgives sins of believers who repent sincerely. Many Muslims spend the night in prayer and reflection, seeking forgiveness and mercy from Allah. The significance of darkness of this night again lies in the spiritual opportunities it offers during this time of obscurity, symbolizing the hope for illumination and guidance in seeking forgiveness and spiritual growth.
The Night Journey: Miraculous Encounters in Darkness
The Isra and Mi’raj, the Night Journey of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), stands as a miraculous testament to the divine occurrences in the realm of darkness. This sacred event, marked by ascension through the heavens, exemplifies the beauty of the night as a stage for spiritual elevation and communion with Allah (SWT). As Quran mentions it “Exalted is He who took His Servant Muhammad (PBUH) by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing” (Al Isra 17:1).This Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj) stands as a profound example, emphasizing the transformative experiences that can unfold in the darkness. The night journey and ascension of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) can also be seen as a miraculous event with the element of solace from Almighty as it took place during the times when Prophet (PBUH) was facing the intense hardship and grief, again a deep lesson to introspect. One of the important gifts of this great sacred night journey is the “Salah” the obligatory five time Islamic prayers offered by Muslims all around the world. All this again and again reiterate the beauty of darkness in Islam is intricately tied to Allah’s blessings during the night.
Nightly Narratives in the Hadith
The Hadith, the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), contain numerous references to the beauty of the night. Narratives about the Prophet’s (PBUH) nightly prayers, supplications, and moments of reflection underscore the spiritual significance of embracing the darkness as a time for heightened devotion. The Prophet (PBUH) stressed the efficacy of supplications during the night, as narrated in Sahih Muslim. The saying, “There is in the night a moment in which a Muslim does not ask Allah for good concerning this world and the Hereafter but He gives it to him,” highlights the divine responsiveness during the quiet moments of darkness. Similarly other Hadith also emphasize the efficacy of supplications during the night. The pre-dawn moments, particularly before Fajr prayers, are regarded as a time when prayers are more likely to be answered.
The saying of the Prophet (PBUH), “Our Lord descends to the lowest heaven during the last third of the night, saying: ‘Who will call on Me so that I may answer him? Who is asking something of Me so I may give it to him? Who is asking for My forgiveness so I may forgive him?'” highlights the immense blessings awaiting those who seek Allah’s mercy in the silent depths of the night.The rhythmic recitation of Quranic verses and heartfelt prayers during the night epitomizes the quiet majesty and beauty embedded in the act of worship.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the beauty of darkness, as articulated by the Quran and the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), transcends the physical absence of light. It is a sacred canvas for divine revelations, personal growth, and spiritual development. The serenity of the night becomes a pathway to draw closer to Allah (SWT), enveloping believers in the radiant shadows of spiritual enlightenment and profound connection.
(The Author is Assistant Professor, SKUAST- Kashmir. Feedback: [email protected])
