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Laylatul Qadr - The Night Of Power

During Ramadan, one should reflect, pray, and deliver oneself from sin. While the emphasis of Ramadan is on fasting during daylight hours, it is also about strengthening one’s relationship with Allah (SWT) through worshipping, declaring His greatness and praying to Him. Ramadan, in its entirety, is a special time in Islam, but the last 10 nights hold greater significance as they have the Night of Power amongst them,which is known as Laylatul-Qadr in Arabic.Allah (SWT) has made this a night of great blessing and virtue. In the Qur’an, Allah (SWT) says:

“We sent it (this Qur’an) down on a blessed night.” [Al-Dukhan 44:3]

Laylatul Qadr – Night of Power

The Night of Power is the most venerated night of the Islamic calendar. During this night, Angel Jibril revealed the Holy Qur'an’s first verses to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This night falls within Ramadan’s final 10 days, and although the exact date is unidentified, it is commonly thought of as the Holy month’s 27th night. However, the believers are advised to seek this night in the last 10 odd nights of Ramadan, following the example of the Prophet (PBUH). It is reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said:

“Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 2017]

Humankind will never know the exact date/day of Laylatul Qadr. However, it is most likely one of the nights in the last ten nights of Ramadan – Allah knows best.

This is a night of great reward and significance. On this blessed night, the believers are encouraged to devote themselves to the worship of Allah (SWT), who has placed it higher in virtue than one thousand months.

“We have indeed revealed this in the 'Night of Power'. And what will explain to you what the night of power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein come down The Angels and the Spirit by Allah's permission, on every errand. Peace!...This until the rise of Morn!” [Al-Qadr 97:1-5]

To put this into perspective, 1,000 months are equivalent to 83 years and 3 months+. That is longer than the average lifespan of a person today! Such tremendous rewards that far outweigh the acts of worship performed in our entire life. It’s definitely a night not to be missed.

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever fasted the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith (i.e. belief) and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven, and whoever stood for the prayers in the night of qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.”

What the prophet ﷺ did during the last ten nights of Ramadan

Narrated Aisha: - With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet (ﷺ) used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work hard)

- The Prophet (ﷺ) used to pray all the night

- The Prophet (ﷺ) used to keep his family awake for the prayers.

- The Prophet used to engage himself in I'tikaf (seclusion for prayers) in the mosque during the last ten nights of Ramadan till he passed away; Thereafter, his wives followed this practice after him

[Sahih al-Bukhari 2024 & 2026]

Supplication for forgiveness

It was narrated from ‘Aishah that she asked the Prophet ﷺ, O Messenger of Allah, what do you think I should say in my supplication, if I come upon laylatul qadr?” He said: “Say:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّا

Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni (O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me). [Sunan Ibn Majah 3850]

Signs of Laylatul Qadr

1. The Moon

Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported: We were talking about Laylatul Qadr in the presence of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and he said: He who amongst you remembers (the night) when the moon arose and it was like a piece of plate (at the fag end of the month in a state of waning). [Sahih Muslim 1170]

2. Peaceful Night

We know that Laylatul Qadr will be on a peaceful night from its specific Quran verse: “Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.” [Al-Qadr 97:5]

3. Possibility of Rain

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) did mention that he dreamed about Laylatul Qadr and in that dream he had prostrated and when he came up, his face was wet with rain water and mud. [Al-Bukhari 813]

4. The Sunrise of Next Morning

Narrations say that it is going to be a sun with no rays. So that means it's a very weak sun, you can look straight at it [Sahih Muslim 762a]

The Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr) allows you to multiply your rewards. This night is better than a thousand nights. The deeds performed on this night are better than those accomplished in a thousand months. The believers strive hard to earn the pleasure of Allah (SWT) and seek His forgiveness during this noble night. It is advisable to engage oneself in acts of worship such as recitation of the Holy Qur’an,reflecting on its meaning, supplicating to Allah (SWT) in prayers and giving in charity. On this night, the angels descend, Allah’s (SWT) mercy is sent down, and prayers are granted.

May Allah grant us the ability to reach Laylatul Qadr in a state which is pleasing to Him. Ameen

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