Laylatul Qadr, also known as the Night of Power or the Night of Decree, holds immense importance in the Islamic calendar. This blessed night falls in the holy month of Ramadan and is mentioned in the Quran as being better than a thousand months.
Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran:
“Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.”
[Quran 97:1-5]
“Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were to warn [mankind]. On that night is made distinct every precise matter – [Every] matter [proceeding] from Us. Indeed, We were to send [a messenger] As mercy from your Lord. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing.”
[Quran 44:3-6]
Why is Laylatul Qadr Special?
- Revelation of the Quran: The Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) during this night, marking it as a pivotal event in human history.
- Angels Descend: On this night, angels and Jibreel (…alaihissalam) descend by the permission of Allah to carry out His commands and bring peace.
- Reward Multiplied: Good deeds performed on this night are equivalent to those done over a period of more than 83 years (1000 months).
Lailatul Qadr in the Hadiths
Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:
He who observed the fasts of Ramadan with faith and seeking reward (from Allah), all his previous sins would be forgiven, and he who observed prayer on Lailat-ul- Qadr with faith and seeking reward (from Allah), all his previous sins would be forgiven.
[Sahih Muslim Book 6, Hadith 209]
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the significance of seeking this night in the last ten days of Ramadan.
‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) and Ibn Numair reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:
Look for Lailat-ul-Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan.
[Sahih Muslim Book 13, Hadith 282]
Salim reported on the authority of his father that a person saw Lailat-ul- Qadr on the 27th (of Ramadan). Thereupon Allah’s Apostle (ﷺ) said:
I see that your dreams agree regarding the last ten (nights of Ramadan). So seek it on an odd number (of these ten nights).
[Sahih Muslim Book 13, Hadith 269]
Ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with them) reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:
Seek it (Lailat-ul-Qadr) in the last (ten nights). If one among you shows slackness and weakness (in the earlier part of Ramadan), it should not be allowed to prevail upon him in the last week.
[Sahih Muslim Book 13, Hadith 271]
‘Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:
I asked: “O Messenger of Allah! If I realize Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), what should I supplicate in it?” He (ﷺ) replied, “You should supplicate: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun, tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni (O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me).”
[At-Tirmidhi]
Scholars generally agree that it is most likely to occur on the 25th, 27th, or 29th night of Ramadan, though Allah knows best.
Recommended Acts of Worship on Laylatul Qadr
To make the most of this blessed night, engage in the following acts of worship:
- I’tikaf (Seclusion in the Masjid):
Dedicate yourself to worship and remembrance of Allah in the mosque, especially in the last ten nights of Ramadan. - Tahajjud (Night Prayer):
Pray long and sincere prayers during the late hours of the night. - Recitation of the Quran:
Spend time reading and reflecting upon the Quran, as it was revealed during this night. - Supplication (Dua):
Make heartfelt duas, especially the one taught by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ):
اَللّهُمَّ اِنَّكَ عَفُوٜ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاَعْفُ عَنِّيِّ
Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun, tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni.O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me.
[Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Hadith 3513] - Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah):
Engage in tasbeeh, tahmeed, and istighfar (seeking forgiveness). - Charity:
Giving in charity on this night multiplies your rewards immensely.
Make the Most of Laylatul Qadr
As this night’s occurrence is uncertain, dedicate yourself fully to worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan, especially the odd nights. Repeat acts of worship, as this might be your last chance to experience this blessed night. Remember the immense mercy of Allah, who grants peace and forgiveness to His servants on this night. Seek it diligently and make every effort to gain the maximum reward.
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