The Arabic phrase "Lailatul Qadr" (often written Laylat al-Qadr or Laylatul Qadr) means "Night of Decree" or "Night of Power." It alludes to one of the final ten nights of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, according to Islamic theology. Lailatul Qadr is regarded as the holiest night of the year in Islamic belief.
The Quran makes reference to the significance of Lailatul Qadr in Surah Al-Qadr (97:1–5) of the text.
"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."
According to the Islamic calendar, Laylat al-Qadr day begins at Maghrib prayer (sunset). The Night of Power extends from Maghrib to Fajr prayer (dawn).
In Islam, praying on Laylat al-Qadr, or the Night of Decree, is extremely important for a number of reasons:
- Immense Rewards
- Mercy and Forgiveness
- Connection with Allah
- Guidance and Blessings
- Seeking Laylat al-Qadr
Say, “Oh Allah! You are most forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me.” There are no specific duas (prayers) for Laylat al-Qadr. However, this particular dua about forgiveness is especially popular during Laylat al-Qadr.
On Laylatul Qadr, Muslims are urged to improve their dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and there are several benefits to doing so. On Laylatul Qadr, it is quite good to offer voluntary (nafl) prayers. Just two rakat of prayer on this holy night could translate into 83 years of Salah because deeds are doubled!
As is customary for nighttime prayers, offer two Rakat intervals of prayer. For however long you like, keep repeating. Set your heart on offering two Rakats of Nafl Salah in remembrance of Laylatul Qadr.
In conclusion, the purpose of praying on Laylat al-Qadr is to ask Allah for guidance, kindness, forgiveness, and blessings. Muslims have the chance to deepen their relationship with Allah on this night of great spiritual significance by engaging in earnest worship and devotion.
According to the Quran:
The Quran mentions Laylat al-Qadr in Surah Al-Qadr (Chapter 97). Here are the verses:
"In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
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, Surah Al-Qadr, 97:1-5)
In these verses, the significance of Laylat al-Qadr is emphasized. It is described as a night of great benefits and kindness, better than a thousand months, when angels descend and there is peace that lasts till morning. During this auspicious night, Muslims perform extra acts of worship in which they ask Allah for forgiveness and blessings through prayer, recitation of the Quran, supplication, and remembering of Allah.
Another significant reference to Laylat al-Qadr can be found in Surah Al-Dukhan (Chapter 44), where it is mentioned indirectly:
"Indeed, We sent it [the Quran] down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were to warn [mankind]." (Quran, Surah Al-Dukhan, 44:3)
Although the exact night is not named in this verse, experts believe it to be Laylat al-Qadr, highlighting the significance and blessing of the night the Quran was revealed.
Additionally, in Surah Al-Qadr, Allah mentions:
"Indeed, We sent the Qur'an down during the Night of Decree." (Quran, Surah Al-Qadr, 97:1)
This verse highlights Laylat al-Qadr's significance in Islam by emphasizing the Quran's divine origin and revelation throughout that night.
According to Hadith's:
Narrated by Aisha (RA):
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan." (Sahih Bukhari, Book 32, Hadith 234)
Narrated by Abu Huraira (RA):
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Whoever established prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever fasts in the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven." (Sahih Bukhari, Book 32, Hadith 1)
These hadiths highlight the significance of pursuing Laylat al-Qadr, making an effort to worship during its nights, and the great benefits connected to true acts of devotion carried out during this auspicious time.
Narrated by Ibn Abbas (RA):
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan, on the night when nine or seven or five nights remain out of the last ten nights of Ramadan." (Sahih Bukhari, Book 32, Hadith 237)
The significance of seeking Laylat al-Qadr during the final ten nights of Ramadan, particularly on the odd-numbered nights, is further emphasized by this hadith. In an effort to receive its great blessings and rewards, it exhorts Muslims to increase the intensity of their prayers and acts of worship during this time.
Narrated by Abu Huraira (RA):
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "The month (of Ramadan) has begun, and it is such and such a night, and therefore, observe fasting till the ninth." (Sahih Bukhari, Book 32, Hadith 233)
The fact that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) told his companions about the start of Ramadan and alluded to the significance of specific nights throughout it—possibly referring to Laylat al-Qadr—in this hadith highlights the significance of the holiday. It reminds Muslims to remain watchful and faithful during the entire month, but especially during the final ten nights of the month.
Muslims generally hold the view that Laylat al-Qadr occurs on the 27th night of Ramadan, but it's crucial to remember that neither the Quran nor the genuine Hadith specifically state the date. Narrations from the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) companions, however, indicate that it might actually fall on the 27th night.
Given that the final ten nights of Ramadan are odd-numbered nights, the 27th night is one of the most important evenings to look for Laylat al-Qadr. Furthermore, according to a story ascribed to the Prophet's companion Ubayy ibn Ka'b (RA), Laylat al-Qadr is most likely the 27th night because of specific indications he saw while in prayer. On the 27th of Ramadan, many Muslims observe Laylat al-Qadr by praying and worshiping. According to certain academics, Friday nights are usually Laylat al-Qadr nights if they fall on an odd number.
"The hot month" or "scorching burning heat" is how Ramadan is known. It is the month of the year when Allah revealed the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad; more precisely, the revelation of the Quran as "guidance for the people" occurred on the 27th day of the month. We call it the Night of Power.
Therefore, Laylat al-Qadr might occur on any of the odd-numbered nights of the final ten nights of Ramadan, even though many Muslims mark the 27th night of Ramadan with particular dedication and worship. Thus, it is advised that you look for it carefully during these evenings.
NOTE: Laylat al-Qadr day begins at Maghrib prayer (sunset). The Night of Power extends from Maghrib to Fajr prayer (dawn). This holy night could translate into 83 years of Salah & Prayers. In another word, this one night Prayer could be equivalent to entire life of a person. In'sha'allah.
