Laylatul Qadr: The Night of Power and Divine Mercy

Laylatul Qadr, or the Night of Power, holds a paramount place in Islamic spirituality. This sacred night is laden with significance, marked by divine revelations and unparalleled blessings. Understanding the essence of Laylatul Qadr, recognizing its signs, and engaging in meaningful acts of worship can elevate one’s spiritual connection and bring about profound blessings.

1. What is Laylatul Qadr?

Laylatul Qadr, mentioned in the Quran as “better than a thousand months” (Surah Al-Qadr, 97:3), is the night in which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan, with the exact date intentionally left undisclosed, encouraging believers to seek it diligently.

In Saheeh Al-Bukhari, it was narrated that ‘Ubaadah ibn al-Saamit said: the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came out to tell us when Laylat al-Qadr was, and two of the Muslims were arguing. He said: “I came out to tell you when Laylat al-Qadr was, and So and so and So and so were arguing, so it [the knowledge of when Laylat al-Qadr was] was taken away from me. Perhaps this is better for you. So seek it on the ninth, the seventh, and the fifth.”. (al-Bukhari, 1919)

2. What is the meaning of “Laylatul Qadr”?

“Laylatul Qadr is an Arabic term that translates to “The Night of Decree” or “The Night of Power.” The word “Laylat” means night, and “Qadr” conveys meanings of power, honor, or decree. This special night holds great significance in Islamic tradition as it is believed to be the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by the Angel Gabriel.

 

3. Is Laylatul Qadr mentioned in the Quran?

Of course, Laylatul Qadr is explicitly mentioned in the Quran in Surah Al-Qadr (Chapter 97). The relevant verses are as follows:

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ

“Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree.”

(Quran, 97:1)

وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ

“And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree?”

(Quran, 97:2)

لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ

“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.”

(Quran, 97:3)

تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ

“The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter.”

(Quran, 97:4)

سَلَامٌ هِيَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ

“Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.”

(Quran, 97:5)

In these verses, the Quran highlights the significance and greatness of Laylatul Qadr, emphasizing that the Quran was revealed on this night. The Night of Decree is described as better than a thousand months, and during it, the angels, along with the Spirit (believed to be Angel Jibreel), descend with the permission of Allah to fulfill various divine tasks. The night is characterized by peace and tranquility until the break of dawn. The exact date of Laylatul Qadr is not specified in the Quran, leaving it intentionally undisclosed, and Muslims are encouraged to seek it during the last ten nights of Ramadan.

4. When is Laylatul Qadr?

Laylatul Qadr is believed to occur on one of the odd-numbered nights in the last ten nights of Ramadan. While the 27th night is traditionally considered significant, it is important to note that the exact night is unknown. Muslims are encouraged to intensify their acts of worship, particularly during the odd-numbered nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th) to maximize their chances of catching this auspicious moment.

5. What to do in Laylatul Qadr?

A) Night Prayers (Tarawih):
Devote the night to performing additional prayers, such as Tarawih, seeking spiritual closeness to Allah.
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever stays up and prays on Laylatul Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” Agreed upon.

B) Performing Itikaf:
Laylatul Qadr is a highly recommended and spiritually rewarding practice in Islam. Itikaf refers to the act of secluding oneself in the mosque with the intention of dedicating that time to worship, reflection, and drawing closer to Allah. Laylatul Qadr, being a night of tremendous significance and blessings, is an ideal time for Muslims to engage in Itikaf.
‘Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to seclude himself (in the mosque) during the last ten nights of Ramadan. He would say, “Search for Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree) in the last ten nights of Ramadan.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

C) Recitation of the Quran:
Engage in the recitation and reflection of the Quran, contemplating its profound meanings and seeking guidance.

D) Supplication (Dua):
Beseech Allah for forgiveness, guidance, and blessings for oneself and the entire Ummah.The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Du’a is ‘ibadah (worship).” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, classed as sahih by al-Albani in Sahih al-Tirmidhi, 2370).

E) Charitable Deeds:
Extend acts of charity and kindness, reflecting the spirit of generosity and compassion during this blessed night.

6. What are the preferred supplications in Laylatul Qadr?

A) Dua for Forgiveness:
“Astaghfirullah al-‘Azeem, allathee la ilaha illa Huwa, al-Hayy al-Qayyum wa atubu ilayh.” (I seek forgiveness from Allah, the Mighty, whom there is none worthy of worship except Him, the Living, the Sustainer, and I repent to Him.)

B) Dua for Mercy:
“Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni.” (O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me.)
It was reported that ‘Aa’ishah said: “I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, what do you think, if I witness Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say?’ He said: ‘Say, O Allah, You are Forgiving and Generous, and you love forgiveness, so forgive me.’” (Narrated by Imaam Ahmad, al-Tirmidhi (3515), and Ibn Maajah (3850). Its isnaad is saheeh).

C) Dua for Guidance:
“Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan waqina ‘adhaban-nar.” (Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire)

7. What are the signs of Laylatul Qadr?

While the night itself may not be visually distinctive, there are spiritual signs, such as a serene atmosphere, a feeling of tranquility, and an increased sense of devotion among believers. These signs signify the unique nature of Laylatul Qadr.

8. Who will be rewarded on this night?

Laylatul Qadr holds immense rewards for those who sincerely seek Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) mentioned that whoever stands in prayer on Laylatul Qadr with faith and expectation of reward will have their past sins forgiven.

9. Can Muslims celebrate Laylat al-Qadr?

Muslims are not allowed to celebrate Laylat al-Qadr or engage in any innovations during Ramadan or at any other time. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said that any innovation in religious matters would be rejected as the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever innovates anything in this matter of ours that is not part of it will have it rejected.” According to another report, “Whoever does any action that is not part of this matter of ours will have it rejected.”  This means that any action or celebration not part of the established Islamic teachings is not allowed.

There is no basis in Islamic tradition for the celebrations that some people hold during certain nights of Ramadan. The best guidance for Muslims is the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), and introducing new practices (innovations, or bid’ah) is discouraged.

In simpler terms, Muslims are encouraged to follow the established teachings of Islam and avoid introducing new practices or celebrations, especially during Ramadan. The focus should be on following the guidance of Prophet Muhammad, and innovations in religious matters are not permitted. May Allah grant us strength and guide us in following the true teachings of Islam.

10. What should a woman do if she is menstruating during laylatul Qadr?

If a woman is menstruating during Laylat al-Qadr, she is excused from performing ritual prayers (Salah) and other acts of worship that require a state of ritual purity. However, this does not mean that she cannot earn extra rewards or engage in worship during this blessed night. There are several permissible actions she can undertake:

A) Supplication (Dua):
Women in a state of menstruation are encouraged to engage in sincere supplications, asking for Allah’s forgiveness, guidance, and blessings for themselves, their families, and the entire Muslim Ummah.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Du’a is ‘ibadah (worship).” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi,  classed as sahih by al-Albani in Sahih al-Tirmidhi, 2370).

B) Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr):
Engaging in the remembrance of Allah, such as reciting tasbih (glorifying Allah), istighfar (seeking forgiveness), and reciting Quranic verses that are not part of the formal prayer, is highly rewarded.

C) Listening to Quranic Recitation:
While not in a state of ritual purity to recite the Quran, a woman can listen to the recitation of the Quran and reflect upon its meanings.

D) Charitable Acts:
Women can engage in acts of charity, kindness, and generosity. This includes helping those in need, providing iftar (breaking of the fast) for others, or contributing to charitable causes.
It was narrated from Salman bin ‘Amir that the Prophet said:

“Giving charity to a poor person is charity, and (giving) to a relative is two things, charity and upholding the ties of kinship.” Grade: Sahih.

E) Learning and Reflecting:
Laylat al-Qadr is also an excellent time for personal reflection and learning. Women can read and study Islamic literature, listen to beneficial lectures, and deepen their understanding of the faith.

It is important to note that while a woman in a state of menstruation may not perform certain acts of worship, her intentions and efforts to draw closer to Allah during Laylat al-Qadr are still rewarded. Islam acknowledges the natural biological cycles of women and provides flexibility for them to participate in various forms of worship even when not in a state of ritual purity.

Women are encouraged to make the most of Laylat al-Qadr by engaging in acts that align with their spiritual state. Earning rewards and drawing closer to Allah is not limited to specific acts of worship and can be achieved through sincere intentions and devotion in various permissible forms.

Conclusion:

Laylatul Qadr stands as a golden opportunity for Muslims to draw closer to Allah, seek forgiveness, and reap unimaginable blessings. By engaging in acts of worship, supplication, and reflection, believers can tap into the profound mercy and guidance bestowed upon this sacred night. May all Muslims find Laylatul Qadr, and may their sincere efforts be rewarded with divine favor and grace.