What is Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree)?

Laylat al-Qadr is the most sacred night in the Islamic calendar, also known as the Night of Power. It is the night on which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The Quran describes this night as being 'better than a thousand months' (Quran 97:3).

What are the signs of Laylat al-Qadr?

According to authentic Hadith, some signs of Laylat al-Qadr include a peaceful and serene night that is neither too hot nor too cold, and the sun rising the next morning without its usual rays. Some narrations also mention the possibility of rain and a luminous sky.

What should I do on Laylat al-Qadr?

On Laylat al-Qadr, it is recommended to engage in various acts of worship, including performing voluntary prayers (Qiyam), reciting the Quran, making abundant supplication (Dua), remembering Allah (Dhikr), and giving charity. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught a specific dua for this night: 'Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul-'afwa fa'fu 'anni' (O Allah, You are Pardoning and love to pardon, so pardon me).

Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr): The Holiest Night in Islam

Q: When is Laylat al-Qadr?

The exact date of Laylat al-Qadr is unknown, but the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised searching for it in the last ten nights of Ramadan, particularly on the odd-numbered nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th). Many scholars believe it is most likely to be the 27th night.

Night of Decree

ليلة القدر

Night of Decree (ليلة القدر) is the night in the month of Ramadan in which the Quran was revealed to the prophet Muhammad (also known as the Night of Power).

Explore Verses Related to Night of Decree

🕋Al-Qadr97:4 🕋Al-Qadr97:2 🕋Al-Qadr97:3 🕋Al-Qadr97:5 🕋Al-Qadr97:1

At a Glance

The Night of Decree, or Laylat al-Qadr, is the most sacred night in the Islamic year, marking the moment the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Described in the Quran as 'better than a thousand months,' this night holds immense spiritual significance. It is a time of profound mercy, forgiveness, and blessings, when the angels descend to Earth. Muslims are encouraged to seek this special night with devotion in the last ten nights of Ramadan, engaging in prayer, Quran recitation, and heartfelt supplication to attain its unparalleled rewards.

📖 Quranic Context

The night the Quran was revealed, described as better than a thousand months.

A night of immense mercy, forgiveness, and divine blessings when the angels descend.

References: Surah Al-Qadr (97:1-5)

💭 Theological Perspective

A pivotal night for believers to seek forgiveness, earn immense rewards, and draw closer to Allah.

A time for deep spiritual reflection, repentance (Tawbah), and renewal of faith.

Marks the commencement of the final divine revelation to humanity.

An opportunity for significant spiritual elevation and forgiveness of past sins.

📜 Hadith Perspective

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized seeking this night in the last ten nights of Ramadan, particularly the odd nights.

Seeking the night in the last ten odd nights of Ramadan.
The forgiveness of past sins for those who pray with faith and hope for reward.
The specific supplication to be made on this night.

There is a consensus among scholars about the immense virtue of this night and the recommendation to seek it.

💎 Deeper Insights

The name 'Al-Qadr' has a dual meaning of both 'power/honor' and 'decree.' This linguistic depth signifies that the night's immense honor is the context in which the divine decrees for the coming year are sent down, linking its spiritual power to our predestined future.

— Al-Tabari, Al-Qurtubi

The wisdom of not knowing the exact date of Laylat al-Qadr is a divine mercy in itself. This 'hiddenness' transforms the last ten days of Ramadan into a period of sustained spiritual striving, preventing believers from focusing all their efforts on a single night and fostering a more profound and lasting connection with Allah.

— Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Ibn Uthaymeen