By Maryam Abdurrazaq Oyenike
Being a Nigerian student in senior secondary is not easy. Between the heat in the classroom, endless assignments, and the pressure of preparing for WAEC or JAMB, life can feel overwhelming. But when Ramadan reaches its last ten days, everything changes.
Every Muslim student begins focusing on one thing: Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Majesty. This is the night the Holy Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW). In my Islamic Studies class, we learned that a single night of worship during Laylatul Qadr is better than a thousand months—that’s over 83 years! It is a spiritual gift from Allah, and no one wants to miss such a blessing.
In Nigeria, the exact date is unknown, so we look for it during the odd nights. The atmosphere becomes very serious. Mosques are filled to the brim, and even older boys in the streets become humble, holding their prayer beads. Many older men go for I’tikaf, staying in the mosque for the full ten days. Even as teenagers, we do our best to stay awake for Tahajjud prayers. Some of us drink strong tea or splash water on our faces just to keep our eyes open while praying for our future.
For me, Laylatul Qadr is a time to pray sincerely to Allah about Nigeria’s situations. I also pray for my parents to have the money for my school fees and for me to pass my exams with straight A’s. It is a night of hope and a fresh start. We repeat our prayers, asking Allah for forgiveness, because He loves to forgive.
Truly, Laylatul Qadr is a gift that reminds us that one night of sincere worship can change a person’s life forever.
Maryam is a student of I-Scholars International Academy, Abuja.