LAYLATUL QADR
What is Laylatul Qadr?
Laylatul Qadr is an honourable night which is translated to the Night of Power, Night of Decree or Night of Glory.
Why is Laylatul Qadr so significant?
- It is the night in which Allah began the revelation of the Qur’an.
- Laylatul Qadr is described in the Quran as better than a thousand months.
“Indeed, we sent the Qur’an down during Laylatul Qadr. And what can make you know what is Laylatul Qadr? 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).
This means that our worship, Dua’a (supplication), Qur’an reading/memorizing and all other good acts we do in this night would count for more/better than “83 years” of worship. In other words, one night is worth more than an entire lifetime of worship. So, it is a huge generosity from Allah, and we need to seize this opportunity.
- The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,
“Whoever prays on Laylatul Qadr out of faith and sincerity, shall have all his past sins forgiven” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim).
When is it?
This night falls during the last ten days of Ramadan. It occurs in the odd-numbered nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th) of Ramadan.
Why is it hidden?
To encourage Muslims to strive hard in worship and Dua’a, Zikr (remembrance of Allah), charity and all other good deeds in the last nights of Ramadan.
What we should say in this night?
Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her), the wife of the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“I asked: ‘O Messenger of Allah if I realise Laylatul Qadr, what should I supplicate in it?’ He (PBUH) replied, ‘You should supplicate O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving and you love forgiveness; so forgive me'”
In Arabic: “Allahuma innaka a’fu-wan tuh’ibul a’fwa, fa a’fu a’nni”
Signs of Laylatul Qadr
The following are some signs of Laylatul Qadr:
- The sun rises early in the morning without strong rays or without any rays and gushes in white colour.
- Laylatul Qadr is a peaceful, tranquil, calm and quiet night. Within the night you will not hear the barking of dogs. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “The night of Qadr is a calm, serene and peaceful night. It is not hot nor is it cold…”
- Look for the moon after the prayer of Tarawih and see if the moon looks like half a “split bowl”.
Abu Hurairah said: “We were talking about Laylatul-Qadr in the presence of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and he said: He who amongst you remember (the night) when the moon arose and it was like a piece of a plate?” (Narrated by Muslim).
- Rain may fall either during the night or day of that night.
- The night sky will be lightly foggy.
- The sky will be slightly lighted without reflections and rays.
- There would be a pleasant breeze or wind.
If we notice some of these signs, then we should have glad tidings in the hope that we have coincided with Laylatul Qadr.
How should we observe Laylatul Qadr?
Derive benefits from the blessings of Laylatul Qadr by trying to stay awake most or the whole night to:
- Pray
- Recite the Quran
- Make supplications (Dua’a)
- Make Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)
- Try to spend your night at the mosque worshipping Allah (E’tikaf)
- Give charity
- Strive for forgiveness
- Contemplate and reflect on the Qur’anic verses
Nothing is compared to the great rewards associated with Laylatul Qadr. Do not miss it by wasting your time with video games and TV programmes. Seek Laylatul Qadr.