What is Laylat-ul-Qadr?

What is Laylat-al-Qadr?

The Qadr Night or Laylat al-Qadr, variously rendered in English as the Night of Decree, Night of Power, Night of Value, Night of Destiny, or Night of Measures, is in Islamic belief, the night when the Quran was first sent down from Heaven to the world and also the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to our beloved prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) through the angel Gabriel (Jibrīl) and it is described to be better than a thousand months of worshipping.

“We have indeed revealed this in the Lailat-ul-Qadr ('Night of Power'). And what will explain to you what the Lailat-ul-Qadr is? The Lailat-ul-Qadr is better than a thousand months. Therein come down The Angels and the Spirit by Allah's permission, on every errand. Peace!...This until the rise of Morn!”

-Surah Al-Qadr When is Laylat-al-Qadr?

A specific date of Laylat al-Qadr is not mentioned in the Quran. Muhammad (peace be upon Him) received the information about the exact date of Laylat al-Qadr from Allah SWT in a dream. He (peace be upon Him) went to tell the Sahabah about that date. However, he saw two people fighting and forgot what the date was because Allah SWT took the knowledge of Al Qadr from him. However it is known that the Lailat-ul-Qadr occurs in Ramadan’s 10 final days. It was advised by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) to “Look for it in the odd nights of the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan.” (Bukhari). When to seek for Laylat-al-Qadr 2023?

However, it is typically thought to take place on the 27th night. Based on this, the Lailat-ul-Qadr 2023 is expected to fall on Tuesday 18 April, but more accurate would be to search for the Blessed Night on the 12th, 14th, 16th, 18th and 20th of April. How Long is Lailat-ul-Qadr?

Lailat-ul-Qadr is no different than any other night in length; however, many Muslims choose to forego sleep during Ramadan in order to worship and pray to Allah (SWT). It is thought that all previous sins will be forgiven if one gives up their sleep in order to pray and perform good deeds for Allah (SWT). What to Do During Lailat-ul-Qadr

If you wish to seek the blessings of Allah SWT, here is what to do on the night of Laylat-ul-Qadr:

Offer Supplications and Duas

Known as the Night of Decree, it is that the destiny of the forthcoming year is determined on the night of Laylat-ul-Qadr. For this reason, it is advised to devote as much time as possible to honoring Allah SWT, praying for His mercy, the prosperity of your family and friends and a safeguard from the misfortunes of this life.

According to a narration by Aisha (RA), when she asked the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him), “O Messenger of Allah if it is Laylat-ul-Qadr, then what should I supplicate with?” In response, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) recited the following verse, “Allahumma, innaka Afuwwun Karimun, tuḥibbu al-afwa fa’afu anna” – “O Allah, indeed You are Pardoning and Generous; You love to pardon, so pardon us.”

Recite the Holy Quran

Ramadan is a year-long month during which we recite the Holy Quran. This can help us understand Allah SWT's message and cleanse our previous sins. Recite the longer Surahs of the Holy Quran and their translations to better understand the meaning of Allah SWT's words.

Make Dua in a Masjid

The majority of mosques around the globe intend to finish reciting the Holy Quran on an odd night, preferably the 27th of Ramadan. The Imam performs dua on behalf of the entire Muslim Ummah when the Quran is concluded. Thus, it is advised that you attend the dua at the mosque nearby if you have the opportunity.

Have Iftar with Your Family and relatives

During Iftar, it is recommended that the entire family sit together. The deed has enormous benefits and qualities for your family on the beautiful Laylat-ul-Qadr night, strengthening the connections of fellowship and brotherhood.

Perform Charity and give Sadaqah

The act of giving charity is rewarded handsomely by Allah SWT. However, according to Islamic sources, the reward for giving Sadaqah in the holy month of Ramadan (especially on the night of Laylat-ul-Qadr) is multiplied seventy times. Thus, if you want to satisfy Allah SWT and receive forgiveness for your past sins, donate Sadaqa to those in need (Zakat).

Perform Itikaf

On this holy night, performing Itikaf (solitude) will to earn you great rewards. Many Muslims spend the last 10 days of Ramadan in Itikaf and pray to Allah. It is believed that going into solitude gives you time to reflect on your actions and offers you an opportunity to reconnect with Allah. During Itikaf, one should disconnect from the material world and focus on good deeds. It is also an ideal time for starting new religious practices that you will continue for the year.