What a night!

"So, Sheikh," asked Ahmed fidgeting with his topee(hat), "Why did Allah put Lailatul Baraat(15th Night of Shabaan) right here so near to Ramadaan. I mean in two weeks time we have the greatest month with all the forgiveness and good things...so why would Allah want to put this night of forgiveness so close?"
"Hmmm, have you ever helped your mother with the washing?" Sheikh enquired. "You know I don't do that sort of stuff, "Ahmed shot back without a pause "but I'm sure you've watched her do the washing" said Sheikh. "Yea, sometimes," replied Ahmed, "I try to help....sometimes, but..."
Sheikh Hamaad didn't wait for his full defence but continued, "Have you noticed how she takes out some garments with really bad stains on them? And then she gives them a bit of a pre-wash" "Yea, I've seen her do that a couple of times" Ahmed said. "Well, in the same way ...,"explained Sheikh Hamaad, "Ramadaan is a great month and it's meant to purify and elevate us all. But some of us, actually all of us, need a bit of a pre-wash. So Allah Ta'ala, in His mercy has granted this night. So we can be cleansed of our sins before Ramadaan and He uses Ramadaan to pour His mercies upon us. And for us to be drawn closer to Him."
"Wow!" exclaimed Ahmed, "Allah is really very merciful. But what about those few who will not be forgiven like the drunkard, the one who is disobedient to his parents, those who drink alcohol...and the one who wears his trousers below his ankles...and...Ay, I can't remember the others." "Yes, there are a few that Allah will not forgive. To add to your list those who harbour enmity against one another, those who sever family ties, idol worshippers and those who commit adultery and murder."
"But keep in mind Allah will forgive whoever He wants but these people have committed such crimes that will require a very special effort on their part to get forgiven." "Like the really, really stubborn stains?" Yusuf smiled, pleased at understanding the Sheikh's example. "Yes, they will have to give up their ways and make sincere Tauba, repentance to Allah before He will forgive them. They must make a firm resolution never to commit that crime again and be very remorseful of what they did in the past. And if they turn to Allah on this special night He will forgive them too."
"So what should I do on this night?" Asked Ahmed "You need to do just two things." replied Sheikh."Firstly you must make sure that you are not one of those that Allah has mentioned as stubborn stains, and if you are then you must repent and make Tauba. If you have been disobedient to your parents or cut off family ties then you must set this right first. It doesn't help you try to earn Allah's pleasure while these things still hang over your head." "And the second thing?" he asked "The second thing is to do those things that will draw Allah's attention and earn His pleasure like reading the Quran, salaah, zikr and of course, dua to beg Him for His Mercy and Favours."
A broad smile covered Ahmed's face, "I am so glad Allah Ta'ala granted us this opportunity for a pre-wash before Ramadaan. Allahu Alkbar!"