Day: August 26, 2025

What is Laylat al-Mabīt — the Night of Sleeping? What happened on the 1st of Rabi al-Awwal?

On that night, Quraysh surrounded the house of the Prophet (SAWW), swords in hand, ready to strike. Allah commanded His Messenger to leave Makkah and begin the Hijrah — but someone needed to stay behind, to sleep in his bed and face death.

It was Imam Ali (AS), only in his early twenties, who stepped forward with unwavering faith. Without hesitation, he laid down in the Prophet’s bed, risking his life so the mission of Islam could survive.

Allah immortalized this sacrifice in the Qur’an:
“And there are those who would dedicate their lives to Allah’s pleasure. And Allah is Ever Gracious to ˹His˺ servants.” (2:207)

This verse, unanimously narrated in Sunni & Shia tafsīr, was revealed about Imam Ali (AS) on that night. His act of devotion is remembered as one of the greatest examples of courage and love for Allah and His Messenger (SAWW).

Laylat al-Mabīt is not just history — it is a reminder that true faith means sacrifice, loyalty, and selflessness