Lailatul Barat

The night is particularly significant at this point of time, as Muslims have emerged as the most misunderstood community. Their misfortune has been multiplied by the fact that they are blamed for the wrongs being committed by a handful of extremists in the name of religion. Muslims all over the world will pray for their tests and tribulations to come to an end.

So a better understanding of Islam by the rest of the global community is the crying need of the hour. This will help solve a wide range of unresolved issues and bring back peace to the nations which have already paid a high price for the misgivings about Islam that prompted some western nations to link it to terrorist activities . The truth of the matter is that a just world order is still a far cry and terrorist activities are nothing but a manifestation of deprivation and lack of justice.

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It is a highly ominous sign for the human race to get divided on religious lines. In fact, no religion has ever preached such divisiveness which tends to negate the message of brotherhood. The believers, however, repose their faith in the divine ordain which can transform hostility into friendship and hatred into love. The night of destiny is the right time to pray for it.

The devotees eagerly wait for this night when the doors of divine benison are opened for mankind, and for the pious and repentant a year of happiness is promised. The night reminds them of the truth that the creator of the universe is also the sole arbiter and designer of man's destiny, of every detail of his worldly existence.

Shab-e-Barat, as the night is popularly known, also has a social aspect which strengthens the bond of fraternity and promotes good neighbourliness among people. They celebrate it in a mood of festivity, exchanging not only best wishes but also specially prepared foods with neighbours and relatives. The rich part with a segment, however small, of their wealth and the poor are the beneficiaries.

Let us pray-- on this night of great religious significance-- for the well being of people irrespective of their religion, caste and creed.