Laylatul Qadr

When is Laylatul Qadr?

The last 10 days of Ramadan is upon us. As we approach the most sacred nights of the holy month of Ramadan (Laylatul Qadr), we encourage all Muslims to maximize the next 10 days with a lot of duas and as always to please keep us in your duas.

Today's article is on Laylatul Qadr. Please read this so that you can maximize the last 10 days of Ramadan. Only Allah knows if we will be around to experience Ramadan next year. Do not let anything interrupt you from worshiping Allah as He should be.

Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power)



In the month of Ramadan, certain nights have greater significance and hold more barakah (blessings) than others. One such night is Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power). Allah, the Exalted, has described this night as ‘better than a thousand
nights’. The Exalted says:

“Verily We have revealed this [Qur’an] 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. The angels and the Spirit (Jibra’il) descend therein, by the permission of their Lord, with all decrees. Peace it is, till the break of dawn.” (Al‐Qadr v 1‐5)

The above surah indicates to the many virtues of this night:

First Virtue: Allah the Exalted revealed the Qur’an on this night as guidance for mankind and for their success in this world and the Hereafter.

Second Virtue: The question ‘And what will explain to you what the Night of Power is?’ indicates to the unparalleled greatness of this night.

Third Virtue: This night is better than a thousand months

Fourth Virtue: Angels will descend on this night and they do not descend except with goodness, blessings and mercy.

Fifth Virtue: This night is a manifestation of peace as it saves many from the punishment [of Hellfire].

Sixth Virtue: Allah revealed a complete surah in honour and greatness of the night, a surah which will be recited till the Day of Judgement.



As regards to the exact date of Laylatul Qadr, it has not been conclusively disclosed. However, it is reported from the Prophet that it is in the last ten odd nights of Ramadan (i.e. the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th or the last night of Ramadan).

Aisha said: “The Messenger of Allah used to practice i’tikaf in the last ten nights and say: ‘Seek out Laylatul Qadr in the [odd nights] of the last ten days of Ramadan.’” (Bukhari)

Concealing the exact date of Laylatul Qadr was not a haphazard decision but rather a divine wisdom. Allah the Exalted has concealed [the exact date of] Laylatul Qadr so that Muslims may seek it and their keenness for worship may grow and all their nights during the concluding part of the month be spent in prayer and seeking forgiveness.

However, many scholars are of the opinion that the most likely date for Laylatul Qadr is the night of the twenty seventh of Ramadan. Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “Laylatul Qadr is on the twenty seventh [night].” (Abu Dawud and Ahmad)

Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, was among those who were of the opinion that Laylatul Qadr falls on the twenty seventh night of Ramadan. Although there is a multitude of evidence to substantiate this opinion, there is no absolute surety that Laylatul Qadr falls on the twenty seventh night. Hence, it is advisable to seek this blessed night in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.

There are no specific acts to be performed for Laylatul Qadr. The night should be spent by offering much nafl (voluntary) prayers as one can offer, in recitation of the Glorious Qur’an, in dhikr, durud and tasbih. Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger if Allah said: “Whoever stands in prayer and worship during Laylatul Qadr, with complete iman and sincere hope of gaining rewards, will have all his previous sins forgiven.” (Bukhari)

The forgiveness and mercy of Allah should be sought.29 It is reported from Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, that she once asked: “O Messenger of Allah! If I happen to find Laylatul Qadr, then what should I say in it?” He said: “Say ‘O Allah you are the most forgiving, you love to forgive so forgive me.’” (Tirmidhi)

One should ensure that worship on this night is not neglected or given priority over other worldly duties. The Messenger of Allah once said: “Whoever is deprived of the blessings of Laylatul Qadr [i.e. neglects to worship on this night] is deprived of all good.” (Ahmad)

May Allah give us the ability to reap the benefits of Ramadan and Laylatul Qadr and deprive us not of any of its blessings. May He also enable us to build a long lasting relationship with the Book which has made Ramadan a blessed and glorious month. It is only through the recitation, study, propagation and implementation of this very same Book, that ultimate success can be attained in this world and the next.

Source: Fasting & Ramadan: The Essentials
SM Hasan Al‐Banna

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