Thousands gather across various Eastleigh mosques for Night of Power

The streets of Eastleigh were alive with devotion as thousands of Muslims flooded mosques in search of the Night of Power, Lailatul Qadar, on the 27th night of Ramadan.

Despite heavy rains, worshippers braved the weather, filling major mosques such as Masjid Abubakar and Masjid Al Hidaya on Jam Street to capacity by 1 am.

In a display of unwavering dedication, many were forced to pray on pavements and adjacent lanes due to the overflow braving the rains.

Among them, a significant number of women persevered through the rain to perform their Tahajud prayers, highlighting the deep spiritual significance of this night.

Muslims pray at the Al Hidaya Mosque on Jam Street, Eastleigh on April 6, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/EV)

"It's full," lamented those who arrived at mosque doors only to find no space left inside, underscoring the overwhelming turnout for the special night as the melodious recitations of the Quran by the Imams leading the prayers echoed through the streets, adding to the atmosphere of reverence and piety.

Despite the adverse weather conditions, hundreds of people were seen moving from one mosque to another in search of a spot to perform the prayers, demonstrating the community's commitment to being among those in prayers on the Night of Power.

Addressing the congregation at Abubakar Mosque, Sheikh Mohamed Abdi Umal urged Muslims to participate in the reconstruction of the second phase of Masjid Abubakar on Sixth Street, emphasising that it is a collective responsibility.

Muslims persevered through the heavy rains and prayed at the Sawa Mall Mosque, Eastleigh on April 6, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/EV)

"Everyone should take part in the rebuilding of this mosque," he said, calling upon the community to contribute towards its restoration.

Sheikh Mohamed extended his wishes for worshippers to be among those who find the blessed Lailatul Qadar, emphasising the significance of the Night of Power.

Also known as the Night of Destiny, Decree, or Determination, Laylat Qadr marks the night when Muslims believe the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), symbolising a moment of divine significance.

The 27th Night of Ramadan witnessed thousands of Muslims attend prayers in various mosques in Eastleigh as Muslims Seek Lailatul Qadar, The night of Power. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/EV)

According to the sayings of the prophet, Laylat Qadr is found in one of the odd-numbered nights of the last 10 days of Ramadan, a period considered especially blessed by Muslims.

During these final days, believers seek forgiveness and make supplications to Allah, expressing their deepest desires and aspirations.

As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, the exact date of its conclusion is anticipated to be on April 10 or April 11 depending upon the sighting of the moon, signalling the beginning of Eid al-Fitr, the festival of breaking the fast.