What is Laylatul Qadr ?
Laylatul Qadr, also known as the Night of Power, is considered to be one of the most significant nights in the Islamic calendar. It falls during the last 10 days of Ramadan, which are considered to be the holiest and most important days of this month [1]. In the Quran, Allah describes Laylatul Qadr as being better than a thousand months [Surah Al-Qadr: 3].
This means that the blessings and rewards for good deeds performed on this night are multiplied significantly. Muslims believe that Laylatul Qadr is the night when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and it is a night of great spiritual significance and blessing.
The exact date of Laylatul Qadr is not known, but it is believed to occur during one of the odd nights of the last 10 days of Ramadan, such as the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th night of Ramadan. Muslims spend this night in prayer, reciting the Quran, and engaging in acts of charity and kindness. Some Muslims stay up all night in worship, seeking Allah’s mercy and blessings.
Laylatul Qadr is a time for Muslims to reflect on their faith, seek forgiveness, and draw closer to Allah. The significance of this night emphasizes the importance of Ramadan as a month of spiritual cleansing and purification for Muslims.
Best Dua Laylatul Qadr
Dua:Allahumma innaka Afuwwun [Karimun ] tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee
Translation: O Allah, indeed You are Pardoning, [Generous,] You love pardon, so pardon me
It is believed that the rewards for good deeds during this night are multiplied, and it is an excellent opportunity for Muslims to seek forgiveness and blessings from Allah. In this regard, there are several duas or supplications that Muslims can recite during the Night of Power to seek Allah’s mercy and blessings.
According to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, there are several key duas that Muslims should recite regularly during the month of Ramadan, including the Night of Power [1]. In one hadith, Aisha, the wife of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, asked him what she should say on the Night of Decree, to which he replied, “Say: ‘O Allah, you are pardoning and you love to pardon, so pardon me.'” [Sunan Ibn Majah 3850]
This is one of the recommended duas to recite on the Night of Power. Another dua that Muslims can recite during the Night of Power is the following: “O Allah, you are the Forgiving, and you love to forgive, so forgive me.” This dua highlights the importance of seeking Allah’s forgiveness and acknowledging His mercy and love.
Additionally, Muslims can recite the following dua during the Night of Power: “O Allah, you are the One who forgives, and you love forgiveness, so forgive me.” [Ibn Majah 3851] This dua emphasizes Allah’s attribute of forgiveness and His love for those who seek His forgiveness.
It is also recommended to recite Surah Al-Qadr during the Night of Power, which describes the significance of this night and the blessings that it holds. Muslims can also engage in other acts of worship and good deeds during this night, such as reciting the Quran, engaging in acts of charity, and making dua for themselves and others.
There are several duas and acts of worship that Muslims can engage in during the Night of Power, which is a highly significant and blessed night during the month of Ramadan. By seeking Allah’s forgiveness and blessings during this night, Muslims can strengthen their faith and draw closer to Allah.
Dua for Laylatul Qadr (What to read during the last ten days of Ramadan)
اَللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفْوٌ تٌحِبٌّ العَفْوَ فَأَعْفَوْ عَنِّي
Aisha (RA) said, “I asked the Messenger of Allah: ‘O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?’ He said: ‘Say:
Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee’”
O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving and You love to Forgive, so forgive me.
Things to do on Laylatul Qadr
1. Offer duas or supplications
During the holy night of Laylatul Qadr, Allah is merciful, and all the sincere supplications are accepted by him. On this night, one must ask Allah for mercy and the well-being of the world.
2. Attend Dua in Masjid
Most mosques try to end their recitation of the Quran on an odd night. Afterwards, they indulge in Dua. You must try to attend this Dua with your family if you wish to please Allah.
3. Recite the holy Quran
Another thing to do on Laylatul Qadr is to recite chapters from the holy book of Quran. Muslims believe that reciting longer Surahs with the translations and contemplating their explanation cleanse your previous sins. If you remember any passages or Surahs you have heard during the month of Ramadan, then you should reflect on their meaning.
4. Perform Sadaqah or Charity
According to Islamic sources, the reward of giving Sadaqah during the month of Ramadan gets multiplied by 70 times. It is also said that the reward of a good deed during this special night is the same as performing it continuously over 83 years.
5. Have Iftar with your family
During the month of Ramadan, it is considered a good practice to have Iftar with your family and close friends. This also aids you in spending some quality time with your loved ones. Having iftar on the blessed night carries great virtues for the family. It brings about brotherhood and companionship among the family by means of sharing meals on the table.
6. 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.
Laylatul Qadr Benefits
Muslims believe that the night of Laylatul Qadr is unlike any other night. The rewards that one can earn on this night cannot be equated with the ones you will get throughout your life. The Holy Qur’an (97:5) mentions,
“Surely, we have revealed to you the Grand Night, and what will make you comprehend what the Grand Night is? The Grand Night is better than a thousand months. The Angels and the Spirit descend in it by the permission of their Lord for every affair. Peace! It is till the break of the morning.”
