Laylat al-Qadar (Arabic: لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ), also known as the Night of Decree or Night of Power, is the most sacred night in Islam. It marks the revelation of the first verses of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) through Angel Jibril (Gabriel). Allah (SWT) describes its immense value in Surah Al-Qadr (97:3):
لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ
“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.”
This means worship on this night is more rewarding than 83 years of devotion!
Surah Ad-Dukhan (44:3-4)
إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةٍ مُّبَارَكَةٍ ۚ إِنَّا كُنَّا مُنذِرِينَ ﴿٣﴾ فِيهَا يُفْرَقُ كُلُّ أَمْرٍ حَكِيمٍ ﴿٤﴾
Translation:
“Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night, for We always warn. In that night is made distinct every precise matter.”
When Does Laylat al-Qadar Occur?
The exact date is hidden, but the Prophet (ﷺ) guided us to seek it in the last ten nights of Ramadan, particularly the odd nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th).
Hadith Evidence (Bukhari & Muslim)
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا: تَحَرَّوْا لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ فِي الْوِتْرِ مِنَ الْعَشْرِ الأَوَاخِرِ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ
“Search for Laylat al-Qadar in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.”
Many scholars emphasize the 27th night, but Muslims should strive in all odd nights to maximize rewards.
Signs of Laylat al-Qadar
The Prophet (ﷺ) described its signs:
- A Peaceful, Pleasant Night – Calm weather, neither hot nor cold.
- Sun Rises Weak & Reddish – The next morning, the sun appears without strong rays (Hadith in Muslim).
- Feeling of Tranquility – Believers experience deep spiritual upliftment.
Signs of Laylat al-Qadar (Muslim)
عَنْ أُبَيِّ بْنِ كَعْبٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «صَبِيحَةَ لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ تَطْلُعُ الشَّمْسُ لَا شُعَاعَ لَهَا، كَأَنَّهَا طَسْتٌ، حَتَّى تَرْتَفِعَ»
Translation:
Ubai ibn Ka’b (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “On the morning following Laylat al-Qadar, the sun rises without rays, appearing like a brass dish, until it rises fully.”
Virtues & Rewards of This Night
- Better Than 1,000 Months (Qur’an 97:3)
- Sins Forgiven for those who worship sincerely (Bukhari & Muslim).
- Divine Decrees Decided – Allah decrees the coming year’s fate (Qur’an 44:4).
Hadith on Forgiveness (Tirmidhi)
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
“O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me.”
How to Seek Laylat al-Qadar?
1. Qiyam (Night Prayer)
Perform Tahajjud and Taraweeh with devotion.
2. Recite the Qur’an
Reflect on Surah Al-Qadr, Al-Dukhan, and other verses.
3. Make Heartfelt Du’a
Aisha (RA) asked the Prophet (ﷺ) what to say if she finds Laylat al-Qadar, and he taught:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
“O Allah, You are Pardoning and love to pardon, so pardon me.” (Tirmidhi)
4. Give Charity (Sadaqah)
Generosity multiplies rewards on this night.
5. Seek Forgiveness (Istighfar)
Repent sincerely for past sins.
Conclusion
Laylat al-Qadar is a once-a-year opportunity for immense blessings. By engaging in prayer, Qur’an, du’a, and charity, Muslims can attain divine mercy, forgiveness, and a transformed destiny.
May Allah (SWT) grant us the chance to witness this blessed night and accept our worship. آمين!
