What is Layla tul Qadr
Muslims believe that on Laylat ul-Qadr, the blessings and mercy of Allah are abundant, sins are forgiven, and prayers are more likely to be accepted. Therefore, they strive to intensify their worship, engage in extra prayers (such as Taraweeh and Tahajjud), recite the Quran, and make supplications (dua) during this auspicious night in the hope of attaining spiritual rewards and closeness to Allah.
Laylatul Qadr translates into The Night of Power. The Qur’an describes this night as,
‘better than a thousand months’ (Al-Qadr 97:3).
It is the night in which the very first verses of the Holy Qur’an were revealed to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as guidance for mankind.
Many Muslims choose to spend the final ten nights of Ramadan in deep prayer while seeking the rewards and blessings of the Night of Power, which falls during this time. Join your brothers and sisters around the world as we celebrate this Holy month and all the reward it can bring.
‘Ramadan is the month in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear signs for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong)’. (Qur’an 2:185)
The night of Layla tul Qadr (the Night of Power / Decree) in Ramadan is of great significance. Holy Quran was sent down in this night. Angels descend in this night. This night is better than a thousand months. Whatever good deeds you do in this night, it’s like you did it for 1000 months or 83 years! Authentic hadiths say Laylat-ul-Qadr happens in the last 10 days of Ramadan (in an odd night). There is strong scholarly opinion that it is mostly on 25th, 27th or 29th night of the Ramadan.
What to do during Layla tul Qadr
- I’tikaf in the Masjid
- Pray Tahajjud
- Recite the Quran
- Special Dua recommended by our Prophet
اَللَّهُمَّ اِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ ، تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun, tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni
O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me
- More duas / supplications!
- Recite more Quran!
- Repeat all these again and again like as you may not get another Ramadan or Laylatul Qadr !
Layla tul Qadr in the Quran
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]
Layla tul 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]
‘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 Layla-tul-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 (Layla-tul-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 Layla-tul-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]
What are the Signs of Laylatul Qadr?
Many Muslim scholars have spoken of certain phenomena occurring on Laylatul Qadr:
It is said that since the angels descend on this night, we may feel a peculiar tranquillity and peace of mind and be overwhelmed with a unique tenderness of heart. The night is neither very hot nor very cold, but a temperate one. The sun that rises on the next day is not overly hot.
What are the Rewards of Layla tul Qadr?
Abu Hurayrah relates that the Prophet (saw) said:
‘Whoever stands (in the voluntary night prayer of) Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven. And whoever spends the night of Laylatul Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven’.
(Sunan an-Nasa’i)
Any action of worship carried out on this night such as reciting the Holy Qur’an and remembering Allah (swt), is better on this night than doing these same actions for a thousand months.
What is the Best of Nights?
