Laylat al-Qadr – also known as Laylat al-Qadr – is the most important night of the year in the Islamic calendar.
It takes place during the holy month of Ramadan, but the exact date has not been revealed so people continue to pray earnestly every day.
However, scholars agree that it most likely occurs during the last ten nights of Ramadan, which this year began on the evening of Wednesday, March 22, 2023.
The month of Ramadan ends on the evening of Thursday, April 20, which means that the Night of Power has passed or will happen soon.
But what exactly is it and why is it so important to Muslims?
Stock image of a young Muslim woman reading the Qur’an during Ramadan – the holy night of Laylat al-Qadr
What is Laylat al-Qadr and what does it mean?
Laylat al-Qadr, translated as “The Night of Decree” or “The Night of Decree,” is believed to be the night when the angel Gabriel first revealed the Holy Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad.
The Qur’an describes this night as “better than a thousand months” and says that angels descend on earth throughout the evening.
Muslims believe that whoever sincerely prays Laylat al-Qadr will have all their past sins forgiven.
It is also said that the decree of a person and what will happen in the following year is decided on this night.
when is it?
Although Laylat al-Qadr is believed to occur during Ramadan, the actual date of Laylat al-Qadr is “hidden” in Islam, so Muslims strive to pray diligently during all nights of the holy Islamic month.
Scholars generally agree that it can be found in the last ten days of Ramadan, with the odd nights being the most likely and the twenty-seventh night being the most likely of the odd nights.
Some prominent Islamic scholars believe it moves in the last ten nights.
What is the surah Laylat al-Qadr from the Qur’an?
The night of Laylat al-Qadr is very important for Muslims as there is a whole surah of the Quran dedicated to it.
Chapter 97 is called Al-Qadr, and it consists of five verses which are explained below:
- Indeed, We revealed (the Qur’an) on the Night of Decree.
- And what makes you know what is Laylat al-Qadr?
- The night of Qadr-or when the Quran was revealed-is worth a thousand nights.
- The angels and the spirit descend therein, by permission of their Lord, for every matter.
- Peace be upon him until dawn
What is the prayer that must be read on Laylat al-Qadr?
Reportedly, the Prophet Muhammad commanded Muslims to say “O Allah, You are the one who forgives a lot and loves to forgive, so forgive me.” abundantly during the Night of Power.
It is also believed that one will be greatly rewarded for doing good deeds in general on this night, with one act of kindness bringing the blessings of 1,000 months.
It is believed that the reward for any good deed performed sincerely on this night is enormously amplified, and thus the particular way of worship in which Muslims spend the holy night is flexible.
Some Muslims spend the night standing in prayer, others abound or recite the Qur’an, or spend the evening in the mosque.
There is also a duty to pray for those in need and help them as much as they can.
Muslims donate money and food to charities such as help Ulfa in the cave of Rumi, It is designed to feed the homeless all year round.
What is Ramadan and how is it marked?
Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam – the others are: saying and believing “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God,” the five daily prayers, and giving a well-known specific annual alms. Zakat, and makes the rituals of Hajj if possible.
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims are required to abstain from food, drink and sex from sunrise to sunset and are strongly encouraged to do more for good deeds.
The annual month of fasting is designed to bring them closer to God and is seen as a path towards redemption.
The dinner (iftar) with family and friends at the end of the daily fast is also intended to foster community spirit.
The month ends with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, with festivities lasting up to three days.
