Laylatul Qadr (also referred to as the Night of Power or Night of Decree) is one of the most important and sacred nights in the Islamic calendar.
In Ramadan, we find the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of this Holy month. Making the final third of Ramadan an opportunity to earn even more bountiful rewards for our good deeds.
Laylatul Qadr (also Laylat-al-Qadr, Laylat-ul Qadr) is one of the most important and sacred nights in the Islamic calendar. It is also referred to as the Night of Power or the Night of Decree, and is night filled with many opportunities for endless rewards.
Laylatul Qadr was also the exact night when the Qur’an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and, in turn, mankind. Which is why Ramadan is known as the month of the Qur’an.
It is a commonly held belief the Night of Power occurs on the 27th of Ramadan. This year, the night will fall on the evening of 6th April 2024, depending on the sighting of the moon.
However, humankind will never know the exact date of Laylatul Qadr. For Allah (SWT) intended this for us and He knows best.
What we do know, though, is this blessed night is most likely one of the odd nights in the last 10 nights of Ramadan. As mentioned in this Hadith.
It was advised by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to: “Look for it in the odd nights of the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan”.
In fact, many scholars of Hadith recommend focusing on making the most of the last 10 nights of Ramadan as a whole. As, depending on the sighting of the moon, Laylatul Qadr could be on any of those 10 nights.
In the Holy Qur’an, Laylatul Qadr is described in an important and grand way. Such that it illustrates the significance of what the night holds for humankind.
Allah (SWT) says about the purpose of this night:
"Ha, Meem. By the clear Book, Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were to warn [mankind]. On that night every precise matter – Every matter [proceeding] from Us. Indeed, We were to send (a messenger)."
Laylatul Qadr marks the Holiest night of the Islamic calendar. It also marks one of the most important events in Islamic history: the revelation of the Qur’an.
During the month of Ramadan in 610 CE, the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Thus began the Prophethood of the Messenger of Allah with a message to humanity for the remainder of existence.
As a result, Muslims around the world are encouraged to seek this night out with worship during Ramadan in hopes of catching its many rewards.
In the Quran, the whole of Surah Al-Qadr mentions Laylatul Qadr. The entire chapter is dedicated by Allah (SWT) to describing this bountiful night in these precious verses:
"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."
Only Allah knows what Laylatul Qadr exactly looks and feels like. However, He directs towards some signs to determine its presence.
Two of the most authentic signs of the Night of Qadr are:
1 | The sun rises early in the morning without rays. Ubayy, (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “On the morning following Laylat-ul Qadr, the sun rises without any rays, as if it were a brass dish, until it rises up.”
2 | The night is pleasant and calm. Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him), said:
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: “Laylat-ul Qadr is calm and pleasant, neither hot nor cold, the sun rises on its morning being feeble and red.”
While the Laylatul Qadr is the most significant night of the year, it is not a celebratory night. Rather, Muslims are encouraged to observe it by making extra Ibadah (worship).
This could include acts such as giving Zakat (almsgiving) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity), praying Nafl prayers (voluntary prayers), and making Du’a.
In some cases, communities may encourage each other to gather together at the Mosque in the last ten nights to pray or fundraise Sadaqah in the hope of catching extra rewards.
However, the Night of Power may be observed at home in solitude, in Itikaf (devotion to Ibadah or worship inside a mosque for the last ten nights) or on a visit to a mosque.
However, there is no right way to observe the Night of Qadr. Therefore, let us try our best to catch this blessed night and its rewards by focusing and perfecting our Ibadah (acts of worship) the best we can!
There are many opportunities to earn rewards on Laylatul Qadr. Muslims are encouraged to engage in increased Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and pray voluntary (nafl) prayers. Deeds are multiplied on this Holy night, so praying just two rakat could equal 83 years of Salah!
The night is also a great time to reflect and turn to Allah (SWT) for forgiveness by making Du’a. A time to make the intention to improve our conduct and refrain from returning to our sins.
In turn, another virtuous act is to give Sadaqah to those in need of our help. The Prophet (ﷺ) himself was especially generous during (Muslim).
Overall, there are a lot of Ibadah (acts of worship) you can engage in to increase your rewards during this blessed night. See our article for more on how to make the most of the last 10 nights.
"Whoever prays on Laylat-ul Qadr out of faith and sincerity, shall have all their past sins forgiven."
The reward for any righteous act performed on Laylatul Qadr is equivalent to having performed that same deed every day for 83 years, SubhanAllah!
Our Prophet (ﷺ) advised us to maximise the benefit of the holy night and value its importance in our deen. Some of the best deeds to perform to reap the rewards of the Holy night are fasting, praying, seeking repentance and giving Sadaqah.
Laylatul Qadr takes place on an odd night during the last ten nights of Ramadan:
“Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan...”
With the start of Ramadan 2024 falling on the evening of Monday, March 11, 2024, the 5 odd nights of this year’s Ramadan will fall on the evenings of:
• 31th March (21st night)
• 2nd April (23rd night)
• 4th April (25th night)
• 6th April (27th night)
• 8th April (29th night)
Muslims are encouraged to follow the beautiful example of the Prophet (ﷺ) during Laylatul Qadr, and maximise their worship and good deeds.
On this blessed night, turn to Allah (SWT) with sincerity, and make du’a from your heart. As well as making Du’a for yourself, make sure to make du’a for your loved ones, those who are oppressed, mankind and Allah (SWT’s) creatures.
It’s especially important to make du’a for our Muslim brothers and sisters across the world. That Allah (SWT) grants them ease and patience and fulfils their needs. See our article on what du’as to read on the Night of Qadr.
Right now across the world, millions of men, women and children are struggling to survive as a result of a lack of food, water and shelter.
However, by donating to Islamic Relief, you can offer vulnerable families critical aid and save lives for an even greater reward.
On Laylatul Qadr, every reward is multiplied – better than 1000 month’s worth! By giving even just $1 on this night, it could be the same as giving $30,000, SubhanAllah!
Seize the rewards of Laylatul Qadr today by saving the lives of those most in need in our Ummah.
