The month of Ramadan is a time for introspection, prayer, and self-deliverance. While fasting during the day is the main focus of Ramadan, worshipping Allah (SWT) and praying to Him also serve to deepen one’s relationship with Him. Even though the entire month of Ramadan is a significant one for Muslims, Laylat-ul-Qadr is one night that has a unique significance.
What is Laylat-ul-Qadr?
The Islamic calendar’s holiest eve is known as Laylat-ul-Qadr, sometimes referred to as the Night of Power/ Night of Decree. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received the first verses of the Holy Qur’an during this night from Angel Jibril. Although the exact date is unknown, this night occurs during the last 10 days of Ramadan and is frequently referred to as being found on the 27th Day of Ramadan.
This night is more significant than one thousand months in terms of remembrance and devotion to Allah (SWT).
“We have indeed revealed this in the ‘Night of Power’. And what will explain to you what the night of power is? The Night of Power 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!”
Rewards for Laylat ul-Qadr
Your reward for fasting is boosted on Laylat-ul-Qadr when you do good actions. A one act of kindness on this night brings the blessings of a thousand months. Your taqwa will grow if you perform these deeds on the night of worship and on the day of prayer. Don’t forget to recite the Holy Qur’an and follow its precepts by helping those who are in need to fulfil one of Islam’s Five Pillars. The future benefits of performing a benevolent act on Laylat-ul-Qadr are numerous.
“We have indeed revealed this in the ‘Night of Power’. And what will explain to you what the night of power is? The Night of Power 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
The Night of Power lasts how long?
Even though the Night of Power is not any longer or shorter than any other night, many Muslims choose to forego sleep on this Holy Day 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).
How is Laylat-ul-Qadr Observed and Celebrated?
A lot of prayer and reflection are required during Laylat-al-Qadr. Allah (SWT) is believed to watch and respond to your prayers this night when you perform good deeds and beg for forgiveness.
Ramadan causes us to pause and think, and this night is particularly significant. The best method to appreciate what Allah (SWT) does is to recite the Holy Qur’an, dedicating the entire day to your religion.
On the Night of Power, you should be encouraged to read the Holy Qur’an. Reciting its teachings with understanding their meaning is on a whole new level. You may receive the benefits of 1,000 months as a result of this increased understanding.
In the name of our religious obligations, we pray for those who are in need as well as for our loved ones and try to aid as much as we can. One important component of this is paying zakat, and for many people, Laylat-al-Qadr is the ideal time to do it.
Significance of Laylat-ul-Qadr
What distinguishes Laylatul Qadr as unique and special? Let’s explore the significance of this night as we approach the final 10 nights of Ramadan.
1. The Exact Date is Unknown
Although the exact night of Laylatul Qadr has never been determined, it is believed to be one of the odd nights to fall among the last ten nights of Ramadan. According to the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.,
تَحَرَّوْا لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ فِي الْوِتْرِ مِنَ الْعَشْرِ الأَوَاخِرِ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ
“Search for Laylatul Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan.”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Indeed, Allah s.w.t had a very good reason for hiding the precise date from us. One of the reasons is so that we can make an effort to find it, perform extra acts of worship, and continue to do them even when Ramadan draws to a close.
2. The Acceptance of Duas
Congestion and restraint are two of the many variations of “Qadr”. As a result, the planet will be overrun and populated by so many angels that night that it becomes crowded and under pressure. The world is cleansed of all evil and tragedy and is subjected to a spiritual pressure since it is inhabited by celestial beings of light and blessings. Duas are accepted, and sins are pardoned.
The Prophet s.a.w. taught his wife Aishah r.a. an all-encompassing forgiveness prayer, which is one among the supplications that can be said on this night. Aishah r.a. reportedly questioned the Prophet s.a.w., “O Messenger of Allah! If I know which night Laylatul Qadr is, what should I say in it?” And he replied:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ كَرِيمٌ تُحِبُّ العَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Transliteration: Allāhumma Innaka ‘Afuwwun Karīmun Tuhibbu-l ‘Afwa Fa’fu ‘Annī
“Oh Allah, You are indeed Forgiving, Generous and love to forgive, so forgive me.”
(Sunan At-Tirmizi)
3. The Holy Quran Revelation
The Quran was given to humanity and as a source of guidance and as a gift on Laylatul Qadr, which is considered its greatest merit. In addition to referencing it in Surah Al-Qadr’s first verse, Allah (swt) says in Surah Ad-Dukhan:
إِنّا أَنزَلناهُ في لَيلَةٍ مُبارَكَةٍ
“Indeed, We sent it (the Quran) down during a blessed night.”
(Surah Ad-Dukhan, 44:3)
The Scripture was revealed in two stages: first, it was entirely disclosed by Jibril a.s. from Lauh Mahfuz (The Preserved Tablet) to Baitul ‘Izzah (The Lowest Heaven) in the earth’s sky, and then it was gradually revealed to Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. over the course of his 23-year Prophethood.
In light of this, we should show and demonstrate our thankfulness for Allah’s greatest blessing by valuing its revelation, understanding its message, and praising him.
4. The Night’s Reward is Worth More Than a 1000 Months
One of the unbelievable benefits of Laylatul Qadr is said to be that the night is better than a 1000 months. If we appreciate its worth, every act of worship and righteous conduct performed on this one night will be repaid with at minimum 83 years of worship, that’s the equal of a lifetime.
This is the one and only chance we have to earn Allah’s s.w.t unconditional mercy and forgiveness when we approach Him in sincerity. According to the Prophet s.a.w.,
مَن قَامَ لَيلَةَ القَدرِ إِيمَانًا وَاحتِسَابًا، غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّم مِن ذَنبِه
“Whoever spends the night of Laylatul Qadr in prayer out of faith and in hopes for the reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari & Muslim)
What to do on Laylat-ul-qadr?
Here is what you should do on Laylatul Qadr if you want to ask Allah to be gracious to you.
1. Make supplications or duas
Allah is forgiving on the holy night of Laylatul Qadr, and he accepts all sincere supplications. One must beg Allah for mercy and the welfare of the globe throughout this night.
When Aisha asked the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) how to pray to Allah on Laylatul Qadr, he replied that she should repeat this Dua for Laylatul Qadr with a genuine heart:
“O Allah, indeed you are pardoning and generous; you love to pardon, so pardon us.”
2. Offer Dua in the mosque
Most mosques aim to end their Quranic recital on an odd night. They engage in Dua thereafter. If you want to please Allah, make an effort to attend this du’a with your family.
3. Read the Holy Quran.
Reciting passages from the Quran is another activity for Laylatul Qadr. Muslims hold that reciting lengthy Surahs while thinking about their interpretations will atone for past transgressions. You should consider the significance of any verses or Surahs you can recall hearing during the month of Ramadan.
4. Give to charity or Sadaqah
The reward for making a sadaqah during the month of Ramadan is said to be multiplied by 70 times, according to Islamic sources. It is also stated that doing a nice deed on this particular night will repay you in the same way as doing it continually for 83 years. Help the poor and give Sadaqa to someone who would actually benefit from it if you wish to please Allah and get your past sins forgiven. Even giving a glass of water to a person in need results in countless blessings.
5. Do Iftar with your family members.
It is regarded as a good practise to eat Iftar with your family and friends throughout the month of Ramadan. Also, this enables you to spend quality time with the people you love. The benefits of eating iftar on the blessed night are tremendous for the family. Sharing meals together at the table fosters brotherhood and companionship within the family.
6. Do Itikaf
Itikaf (solitude) on this holy night will bring you enormous rewards. The final 10 days of Ramadan are spent by many Muslims at Itikaf, where they pray to Allah. It is considered that spending time alone allows one to think about their activities and provides a chance to re-establish contact with Allah. Itikaf is a time when one should disengage from the world of things and concentrate on doing good deeds. It’s also the best time to begin new religious rituals that you’ll keep up all year.
Signs of Laylat-ul-Qadr
Some signs of laylat-ul-qadr are mentioned in Quran and Hadiths. These are:
1. The sun rises in the morning without rays
2. It may rain that night, either through the night or the day.
3. The sky will be slightly misty at night.
4. The moon will appear to be half a plate and the sky will be modestly illuminated but without reflections or rays.
5. The night will be quite comfortable and calming, with neither high or low temperatures.
Know more about the Signs of Laylat-ul-qadr here.
When is Laylatul Qadr 2023 in Saudi Arabia (Middle East)?
Laylatul Qadr will fall on 17 April 2023 in Saudi Arabia (Middle East). However, one should seek it in the last 5 odd nights of Ramadan, i.e, 11 April 2023, 13 April 2023, 15 April 2023, 17 April 2023, or 19 April 2023
When is Laylatul Qadr 2023 in India (Indian Subcontinent)?
Laylatul Qadr will fall on 18 April 2023 in India (and neighbouring countries). However, one should seek it in the last 5 odd nights of Ramadan, i.e, 12 April 2023, 14 April 2023, 16 April 2023, 18 April 2023, or 20 April 2023
Conclusion
Since the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) was given the first verses of the Qur’an during the last 10 nights of Ramadan, it is said that this period of time is the most significant of the entire holy month. This is remembered today by distributing zakat donations over the last 10 nights, including donations for Laylat-ul-Qadr, which will result in greater rewards in the Hereafter.
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