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Laylatul Qadr

November 1, 2022

As we approach the end of Ramadhan, Muslims all over the world are awaiting the
opportunity to gain infinite rewards and blessings from Laylatul Qadr.
Here is a guide to everything you need to know about this blessed night and how to
attain maximum rewards!
But first, what exactly is Laylatul Qadr?

  • Many scholars translate this as the Night of Decree or the Night of Power.
    The Night of Decree implies that this is the night in which each believer’s
    destiny for the year is decided by Allah SWT and written by the angels. This
    destiny can refer to a person’s lifespan, sustenance, success and anything
    else.
  • Other scholars define it as the Night of Power.
    This is because any righteous deed performed during this night is far more
    powerful than it would be on any other night. In fact, the actions we do in this
    one night are equal to 83 years and 4 months (or 1000 months) and this is
    evident in The Holy Qur’an in Surah Al- Qadr, in which it states this night is
    ‘better than a thousand months’ (97:3).
    Sheikh Uthaimeen (may Allah SWT have mercy on him) said ‘Laylatul Qadr is given
    that name for two reasons. The first is because the actions of the children of
    Aadam and other things that will happen in that year are decreed, due to His
    Saying, the Most High, “Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night. Indeed, We
    were to warn [mankind]. Therein [i.e., on that night] is made distinct every precise
    matter…” (Dukhaan 44: 3-4). The second reason is that it is a night of honour
    because of its immense value/rank evident in ayah 3 of Surah Al- Qadr as
    mentioned above.
    {Riyadhus- Saaliheen, Vol. 1, p. 1367}.
  • This auspicious night only occurs once in Ramadhan and though we do not
    know the specific date, the prophet Muhammad SAW said ‘search for
    Laylatul Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadhan’.
    {Sahih Al-Bukhari 2017}
    There is tremendous wisdom behind not knowing a specific date, as this
    will distinguish from those who were consistent in their worship and those who
    would only worship on the one day. This way, we are allowed the opportunity
    to gain even more rewards. It is paramount that we engage in plentiful Ibada’a
    and do good to reap the bounty, mercy, and pleasure of Allah SWT.
  • This was the night that the first verses of The Holy Qur’an were revealed to
    the prophet Muhammad SAW.

So how should I achieve the most out of this night?

  • Cut down and avoid unnecessary socialising whether that be through social
    media or face to face interactions as this can lead to extra sins.
  • Have a light suhoor; you don’t want to waste your day away by sleeping
    when this can be better spent in acts of worship to your Lord.
  • Keep dhikr moist on your tongue constantly! Remember, Allah SWT loves
    those deeds that are consistent, even if they’re small!
  • If possible, go into a period of I’tikaaf- this is to devote yourself to ibada’a by
    secluding yourself in the mosque for the entirety of the ten days as the
    prophet Muhammad SAW often did himself.
  • Perform voluntary prayers such as tahajjud and taraweeh and read other
    prayers in congregation, especially Isha and Fajr salah. Whoever does so,
    it is as if he had spent his entire night in prayer.
  • Read as much Qur’an as you can and ponder over the translation and
    meaning. These are Allah SWT’s words to you. Don’t forget, each letter is
    rewarded 10 good deeds but this multiplies drastically if you happen to do
    this on Laylatul Qadr.
  • Have a list of duas prepared in advance and use some of Allah SWT’s 99
    names to your advantage.
  • Give to charity in abundance and without fear for one’s wealth and it will be
    as if you had done this for 83 years.

Aisha Ra (May Allah SWT be pleased with her) reported:
I asked: ‘O Messenger of Allah! If I realise Laylatul Qadr, what should I supplicate in
it?’ He SAW replied, ‘You should supplicate: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun,
tuhibbul- ‘afwa, fa’ fu ‘anni (O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love
forgiveness, so forgive me).’
{At- Tirmidhi}.

Signs of this blessed night to look out for

  • A peaceful night implying it is neither too hot nor too cold- Ibn ‘Abbas
    RA said that the messenger SAW said ‘Laylatul Qadr is calm and pleasant,
    neither hot nor cold…’

{Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah 2049}

  • The moon may have a distinct shape (half a plate)- Abu Hurayrah (May
    Allah SWT be pleased with him) said “We were talking about Laylatul Qadr in
    the presence of the Messenger SAW of Allah SWT and he said: He who
    amongst you remembers (the night) when the moon arose and it was like a
    piece of a plate?”.
    {Sahih Muslim 1170}
  • There is a possibility of rain- There are many narrations where Prophet
    Muhammad SAW did mention that he dreamt about Laylatul Qadr and in that
    dream he had prostrated and when he came up, his face was wet with rain
    water and mud.
    {Al- Bukhari, 813}
  • The sun rises early in the morning without rays- From Ubayy RA, who
    said that he SAW said ‘On the morning following Laylatul Qadr the sun rises
    not having any rays, as if it were a brass dish, until it rises up.’
    {Sahih Muslim}