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Over the past few months there has been much discussion of the Laillat al Qadr, the night when Muslims believe that the fate of the world for the coming year is determined.

Many have speculated that the next major terror attack would occur on the Laillat al Qadr.

You’ll see the phrase Laillat al Qadr translated several different ways. The most common are “Night of Power” and “Night of Determination”.

The Laillat al Qadr is considered an especially holy night for Muslims because they believe that it is the night when Allah first began to reveal to Qu’ran to the prophet Mohamed.

Muslims believe that this is the night that the fate of the world for the coming year is determined. It is considered to be better than 1000 nights.

Some Muslims celebrate it on the 27th day of Ramadan.

But no where in the Qu'ran is the exact day specified, although the Prophet Mohamed is believed to have said it falls within the last 10 days.

When I was in Cairo, I was taught that it was one of the odd numbered days during the last 10 days.

Muslims are taught to treat each of the last ten nights of Ramadan as if it is the Laillat al Qadr, when their prayers and good deeds are rewarded 1000 times over.

I’ve seen many analysts speculate as to whether or not the “Night of Determination” or the “Night of Power” is the target date for a major terror attack.

Based on my understanding of Islam, and the fact that the specific Laillat al Qadr is not known, that appears unlikely.

However, it is important to note that radical Muslims believe that martyrdom within Ramadan takes them to a higher level in Paradise.

Therefore, the entire month of Ramadan should be seen as a time of elevated risk of terror attacks.

We are in the final week of Ramadan – and the Laillat al Qadr may be in the days ahead, or it may have already passed.

The risk of terror attack has not passed.

We need to keep in mind that absence of a terror attack does not mean absence of planning for such an attack.

We must maintain our vigilence.