What is Laylatul Qadr?
Laylat al-Qadr, also known as the Night of Power or Decree, is a highly significant night in Islamic belief. It is believed to be the night when the first verses of the Holy Qur’an were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by Angel Jibril.
Described in the Quran as better than a thousand months, Laylat al-Qadr is a time of immense blessings, forgiveness, and mercy from Allah.
Indeed, We revealed [the Qur’an] 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)
On Laylat al-Qadr, Muslims engage in intensified worship, seeking forgiveness for their sins and making supplications.
When is laylatul qadr?
The exact date of Laylat al-Qadr is not specified in Islamic texts, but it is commonly thought to occur on one of the odd-numbered nights during the last ten days of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
However, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised believers to seek this blessed night in the last ten odd nights of Ramadan, particularly emphasizing the 27th night.
“Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.”
(Sahih Bukhari: 2017)
The uncertainty surrounding the exact night is considered a divine wisdom, encouraging believers to strive in worship throughout the month of Ramadan and to be vigilant in seeking the night of Laylat al-Qadr.
The concealment of the specific night is seen as a means to inspire continuous devotion, supplication, and good deeds among the believers.
The date of Laylat al-Qadr 2024
Laylat al-Qadr in 2024 is expected to be observed on the night of Saturday, April 6th, 2024.
Signs of Laylat al-Qadr
Signs During Laylat al-Qadr:
- The night is clear and pure.
- The moon is bright and shining.
- The night is calm and serene, with no extreme cold or heat.
“Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him), said: “Laylatul-Qadr is calm and pleasant, neither hot nor cold, the sun rises on its morning being feeble and red.”
(Hadith | Ibn Khuzaimah)
Signs After the Completion of Laylat al-Qadr:
The sunrise is white, with no rays.
“The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “On the morning following Laylatul-Qadr, the sun rises without any rays, as if it were a brass dish, until it rises up.”
(Hadith | Muslim)
The Importance of Laylatul Qadr
Laylatul Qadr holds immense significance in Islam. The importance of Laylatul Qadr can be understood through various aspects:
1. Spiritual Significance:
Laylatul Qadr is considered holier than a thousand months, emphasizing its exceptional spiritual value. Muslims engage in increased prayers, seeking forgiveness, and strengthening their connection with Allah during this blessed night.
2. Night of Revelation:
The Quran’s first revelation occurred on Laylatul Qadr, making it a momentous occasion in Islamic history. Believers commemorate this event through acts of worship, reflection, and gratitude.
3. Opportunity for Blessings and Forgiveness:
Laylatul Qadr is a night of immense blessings, mercy, and forgiveness. Muslims strive for spiritual growth, seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness for their sins.
Laylatul Qadr in Quran
This one night is so exceptional that Allah Almighty dedicated a whole Surah for this blessed night. Allah Almighty says in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, We revealed [the Qur’an] 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.”
Surah Al-Qadr
Laylatul Qadr in Hadith
Our Beloved Prophet has revealed the blessing of this special night. He (Peace Be Upon Him) told his Companions to seek that night and to worship Allah with an honest devotion, and to ask Allah His mercy and forgiveness, and praise him with sincere Dua’a to grant His mercy, pardon, and forgiveness.
Abu Huraira reported The Messenger of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him) as saying, “He who fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven; he who prays during the night in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven; and he who passes Lailat al-qadr [Night of Decree] in prayer with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven.”
Bukhari and Muslim
The Messenger of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him) used to observe I’tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan and say, “Seek Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree) in the odd nights out of the last ten nights of Ramadan.”
Al- Bukhari
‘A’isha (RAA) narrated, ‘With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Messenger of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him) used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. keep away from his wives) and used to stay up praying all night, and he would also wake his wives (to pray and recite Qur’an etc..).”
Agreed upon
Dua For Laylatul Qadr
Dua is one of the legitimate acts of worship on Laylat al-Qadr. This is indicated by the hadith of Aisha (RAA) who said, “I asked: ‘O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say on that night?’ He said: ‘Say: O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.’ “
This hadith was narrated by At-Tirmidhi, and he said: “This is a good and authentic hadith,” and Al-Hakim authenticated it.
What to Do on Laylatul Qadr
1. Intensive Prayer (Tahajjud): Engage in prolonged and sincere night prayers, seeking Allah’s forgiveness and guidance.
2. Recitation of the Quran: Read and reflect upon the Quran, emphasizing its significance during this sacred night.
3. Duas (Supplications): Pray for forgiveness, blessings, and guidance. Utilize special supplications such as “Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbu al-‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni” (O Allah, You are forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me).
4. Charity and Good Deeds: Engage in acts of charity, kindness, and helping others. These actions carry immense rewards during Laylatul Qadr.
5. Reflect and Repent: Take time for introspection, repent for past mistakes, and strive for self-improvement. Laylatul Qadr is an opportunity for spiritual renewal.
6. Dua for Others: Extend your prayers to family, friends, and the entire Ummah, asking for well-being and guidance for all.
We advise you to read: 10 Ways to practice Sadaqah during Ramadan
Donate to this Special Night
As Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Power, approaches, seize the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those in need. Your generous donation can bring light and hope to vulnerable communities in war-torn regions like Syria, Palestine, and Yemen through Bonyan Organization.
On this auspicious night, contribute to special initiatives that provide essential support, including food, clean water, and humanitarian aid. Your donation during Laylatul Qadr holds the potential to create a lasting impact, offering relief to those facing adversity.
Let the spirit of giving on this sacred night echo the principles of compassion and solidarity. Join Bonyan in making Laylatul Qadr a moment of profound transformation for those affected by conflict. Your support will help ensure that communities enduring hardship find solace and resilience during this holy month.
The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said, “Sadaqa extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.” – Tirmidhi.
And in another Hadith, the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) explained that Allah SWT offers relief on Judgement’s Day for those who give Sadaqa: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be their charity,”. – Tirmidhi.
FAQs
What are the virtues of Laylatul Qadr?
Laylatul Qadr is a night of great significance, and its virtues include the revelation of the Qur’an and the decree of all matters on this night.
What is the Reward of Laylatul Qadr?
He who passes Laylatul Qadr in prayer with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. And the reward for any righteous act during Laylatul Qadr is equivalent to having performed the same virtuous act for over 83 years.
How can we Take Advantage of Laylatul Qadr?
We can take advantage of Laylatul Qadr by focusing on worshipping Allah Almighty, increasing our religious knowledge and reciting the Qur’an, doing more good deeds, praying more prayers, and seeking closeness to Allah SWT.
What is the sign of Laylat al-Qadr?
According to an authentic Hadith, the sign of Laylat al-Qadr is that the sun rises on the following morning with no visible rays.