Khutbah: Laylat al-Qadr - A Night Better Than A Thousand Months

Khutbah: Laylat al-Qadr - A Night Better Than A Thousand Months

A new video by Shaykh Yasir Qadhi on Laylat-al-Qadr explaining the timing and meaning of the most blessed night of the year.

Indeed, We sent the Qur'an down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.

[Surat Al-Qadr]

Laylatul Qadr: The Last Ten Nights of Ramadan

Laylatul Qadr: Making Du'a in the last 10 nights of Ramadan 

Hadith on Laylatul Qadr

Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:

The Messenger of Allah (Sallallaahu 'alaihi wasallam) used to observe I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan and say, "Seek Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree) in the odd nights out of the last ten nights of Ramadan.'' [Al-Bukhari]

This Hadith states that Laylatul Qadr can occur in any of the five odd nights - 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th - of the last ten nights of Ramadan. Its exact date has not been revealed for the reason that people keep themselves awake for prayer for a larger number of nights. Had its date been fixed, people would have kept awake for prayer only on that night.

"Whosoever stood up in front of Allah on the night of qadr with Iman and true conviction of attaining reward from Allah, in return, Allah will forgive all his previous sins." [Muslim]

"Whoever establishes the prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards (not to show off) then all his past sins will be forgiven.’’[Al-Bukhari, Vol.1, Bk.2, No. 34]

Quran on Laylatul Qadr

Surah Al-Qadr
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the night of Power: (1) And what will explain to thee what the Night of Power is? (2) The Night of Power is better than a thousand Months. (3) Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah's permission, on every errand: (4) Peace!... This until the rise of Morn! (5) [Holy Quran, Surah 97]

How to Make Dua to Allah During the Last 10 Nights of Laylatul Qadr

Sheikh Yasir Qadhi gives a brilliant lecture on the benefits of making dua to Allah (especially during the last 10 days) and what is the proper etiquette of making dua.

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

Other Articles on Laylatul Qadr

When is Laylatul Qadr?

Laylatul-al-Qadr Dua

How can Menstruating Muslim Women Observe Laylatul Qadr?

When is Laylatul Qadr

Signs of Laylatul Qadr

The Night of Power or Destiny is an extremely important night for Muslims. It is the night in which the Holy Quran, was revealed from Allah (S.W.T.)to Prophet Muhammad (P.B.B.U.H.). It is a night worth more than 1000 days (which is more than the average lifetime of a human from his birth date to his death date).

When exactly is this glorious night? We don't really know, and the early Muslims asked the same question. The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged them to do I’tikaf (seclusion in the mosque away from all worldly thoughts, deeds and concerns) in the last ten days. So the last ten days of Ramadan are very important.




Looking for a Laylatul Qadr Dua?

Check this out heartful dua by Sa'ad Al Ghamdi

Menstruating Women Laylatul Qadr

How can Menstruating Muslim Women Observe Laylatul Qadr?

Laylatul al-Qadr (the Night of Power or Destiny) is an extremely important night for all Muslims. It is the night in which the Holy Quran, was revealed from Allah (S.W.T.)to Prophet Muhammad (P.B.B.U.H.). It is a night worth more than 1000 days (which is more than the average lifetime of a human from his birth date to his death date). It is said that Laylatul Qadr can occur on the last 10 days (odd days) of Ramadan.

Given the importance of this night, Muslims spend the last ten days of Ramadan in increased prayer and reflection. Some Muslims practice seclusion for the last 10 days of Ramadan.

But for Muslim women who are menstruating during the last 10 days of Ramadan, their observance can be affected, and some are rightly worried. For those of you who do not know, Muslim women are not allowed to pray while menstruating. So how can Muslim women attain the benefits of Laylatul while menstruating?

While it true that she cannot pray the obligatory prayers, or the qiyaam night prayers, she can still listen to the Quran, and say dua.

The prominent Muslim scholar, Dr. Muhammad Abu Laylah, professor of the Islamic Studies & Comparative Religions at Al-Azhar Univ. states:

A menstruating woman should not perform Salah (prayer) nor touch the Qur'an, but she can make du`a' (supplication) and share with other Muslims their prayer by watching and listening to TV channels or radio stations that broadcast Tarawih prayer live.

She can ask someone to put the Mushaf on a table or a stand and read from it without touching it. She can take a cassette and listen to Qur'anic recitation.

Today, Muslim women can make use online quran recitals. She should also read religious books, and remember God through dhikr.

Laylatul-al-Qadr Dua By Sa'ad Al Ghamdi (The Night of Power)

The Night of Power or Destiny is an extremely important night for Muslims. It is the night in which the Holy Quran, was revealed from Allah (S.W.T.)to Prophet Muhammad (P.B.B.U.H.). It is a night worth more than 1000 days (which is more than the average lifetime of a human from his birth date to his death date).

The Quran was revealed during the month of Ramadan (2:185). Traditionally, Muslims celebrated the Night of Power on the 27th night of Ramadan, but there is a debate on which day of Ramadan is Laylatul-al-Qadr (The Night of Power).

Muslims with strong Iman pray every night of Ramadan as if it is a Laylatul-al-Qadr, others increase their prayers as Ramadan progress, and yet others observe each and every single night in the last 10 days of Ramadan. As explained in a previous article, muslims also retreat to the mosque for seclusion (I'tikaf) and pray day and night during the last 10 days.

When exactly is this glorious night? We don't really know, and the early Muslims asked the same question. The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged them to do I’tikaf (seclusion in the mosque away from all worldly thoughts, deeds and concerns) in the last ten days. So the last ten days of Ramadan are very important.

Please pray for us and for all muslims, and may Allah (Subhanahu Wa Taaala) accept your prayers (Dua)on this great night.

Amazing Laylatul-al-Qadr Dua by Sa'ad Al Ghamdi

Part 1


Part 2