Thursday 20130620 – Moulana Muhsin, in this podcast, explained mankind’s purpose of existence as well as the significance of Laylatul Bara’a or the 15th night of Shabaan.

Simply passing our one, precious life in frivolous activities and illicit entertainment is certainly not the object. Almighty Allah created human beings for His worship and recognition.  By worshiping our Creator in a befitting manner, we aim to achieve His Ritha or Pleasure.  Thus, Almighty Allah has provided a blueprint for us, a perfect example which is the Sunnah or Manner of the final Messenger, Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi Wa Sallam.

As explained by Moulana Muhsin; Allah Most Merciful has blessed us with certain occasions when acts of worship accrue greater rewards or benefits and when it is easy to attract His Mercy.  One such opportunity or season is this one, which started in Rajab and ends at the end of Ramadhan.  These days present an opportunity to increase our reparations and mind-set for the upcoming month of Ramadhan.

Our pious predecessors, at the approach of this momentous season, used to beseech Allah thus:
`Allahuma Sallimni Li Ramathan Wa Sallim Ramathana Li Wa Sallimhu Li Mutaqabala – O Allah, safeguard me for the month of Ramadhan, And safeguard the month of Ramadhan for me (in such a way that I may be able to benefit from it), And when I reach this month accept it from me.’

Laylatul Bara’a or the 15th night of Shabaan is no ordinary night.  It is on this night that an account is taken of all creation by the Creator.  Moulana explained from authentic Ahaadith that Allah emancipates many people from Hell and forgives every person on this night except the following:
Those who ascribe partners to Him; those who harbour enmity in their hearts for other human beings; those who severe family ties; those who keep their garments below their ankles; those who are disobedient to their parents and those who are alcoholics (including drug addicts).

It is crucial that we make an effort not to fall in any of these categories well before this night so that we may attract the Mercy of Almighty Allah on this auspicious night.