Laylat al-Qadr/Introduction
Laylatul Qadr, also known as the Night of Power or the Night of Decree, holds significant importance in the Islamic religion. It is believed to be the night when the Quran was first sent down from Heaven and when Prophet Muhammad (PBUM) received the initial revelations from the Quran. This night is considered to be more valuable than a thousand months of worship. While its exact date is unknown, it is thought to fall within the last 10 nights of Ramadan.
Muslims worldwide dedicate this night to worship and prayer, seeking forgiveness and blessings from Allah. It is believed that any good deeds performed on this night are equivalent to those performed for a thousand months. Many Muslims stay awake all night engaging in prayer, reciting the Quran, and asking for forgiveness and guidance. Laylat-al-Qadr provides an opportunity for Muslims to reflect on their faith and strive for closeness to Allah.
Laylat al-Qadr in Quran
Allah SWT says in Quran, Surah 97:
Indeed, it is We Who sent this Quran down on the Night of Glory. And what will make you realize what the Night of Glory is? The Night of Glory is better than a thousand months. That night the angels and the Holy Spirit descend, by the permission of their Lord, for every decreed matter. It is all peace until the break of dawn. (Surah Al-Qadr 1-5)
Laylat al-Qadr in Hadith
Narrated `Aisha:
Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said, “Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2017)
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet (SAW) said, “Whoever fasted the month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith (i.e. belief) and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven, and whoever stood for the prayers in the night of Qadr out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven .” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2014)
How to pray Laylat al-Qadr
Here’s a general guide on how to pray on Laylatul Qadr:
Intentions (Niyyah)
Start by making a sincere intention in your heart to seek the blessings and mercy of Allah on this special night.
Performing Isha Prayer
Begin the night with the obligatory Isha prayer in congregation at the mosque or individually at home.
Taraweeh Prayer
After Isha, engage in the Taraweeh prayer, a special night prayer performed in sets of two Rak’ahs with breaks in between. You can pray as many sets as you can, and it’s traditionally recommended to recite longer portions of the Quran during these prayers.
Nawafil (Voluntary Prayers)
Nafl (voluntary prayers) on Laylat al-Qadr are a way of seeking Allah’s forgiveness and mercy on the most blessed night of the year. On this night, the rewards for good deeds are multiplied by more than 1000 months. Consequently, praying just two rakat could equal 83 years of Salah! Pray as much nafl as you can. The key is to pray with focus and sincerity, as you imagine yourself before your Lord. In the nafl prayers, you can also recite surahs from the Qur’an, such as surah al-Qadr, surah al-Ikhlas, surah al-Falaq, and surah al-Nas.
Recitation of the Quran
Spend time reciting and reflecting upon the Quran. On this night recite Surah Al-Qadr 21 times. You can choose specific chapters or verses that hold significance to you and focus on their meanings.
Dua (Supplication)
Engage in heartfelt dua, seeking forgiveness, guidance, and blessings from Allah. You can use any authentic prayers from the Sunnah or offer your supplications.
Remembrance (Dhikr) and Tasbih
Engage in the remembrance of Allah through dhikr and tasbih, such as saying “SubhanAllah” (Glory be to Allah), “Alhamdulillah” (Praise be to Allah), and “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest).
Charity and Good Deeds
Take the opportunity to give charity, perform acts of kindness, and engage in good deeds. This night is believed to be a time when deeds are multiplied, so any act of charity or kindness holds immense value.
Seeking Forgiveness
Ask for forgiveness for past sins and shortcomings sincerely, repenting and intending not to repeat those mistakes.
Fajr Prayer
Offer the Fajr prayer at its designated time, concluding your night of worship.
Remember, while there are specific recommended acts for Laylat al-Qadr, the most important thing is sincerity and devotion in your worship. The exact night of Laylat al-Qadr is not known, so it is recommended to seek it during the odd-numbered nights of the last ten days of Ramadan, especially the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th night.
Dua for Laylat al-Qadr
This dua should be recited on Laylatul Qadr, so it is the best dua for the last 10 days of Ramadan. Recite this dua every night, as much as you can to receive Allah’s (SWT) mercy.
Narrated `Aisha:
“I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, what is your view if I know when the Night of Al-Qadr is, then what should I say in it?” He said: ‘Say: “O Allah, indeed You are Pardoning, [Generous,] You love pardon, so pardon me (Allāhumma innaka `Afuwwun [Karīmun], tuḥibbul-`afwa fa`fu `annī).” (Jami at-Tirmidhi 3513)
Signs of Laylat al-Qadr
Only Allah knows Laylatul Qadr. However, we are directed toward specific signs to determine its presence.
- Early in the morning, the sun rises without any rays.
- It is pleasant and calm
- The seawater tastes sweet.
- Rain may fall at any time of day or night on that particular night.
- There will be light fog in the sky that night.
- There will be a hint of light in the sky, without rays and reflections.
Rewards of Laylat al-Qadr
Your rewards are multiplied more on Laylatul Qadr than on any other night of the year when you perform an act of worship. Laylatal Qadr is a staggering 83 years of charity if you dedicate the whole day to helping others. That’s an entire lifetime of reward packed into one powerful, wondrous night. Laylatul Qadr is one of the most blessed nights in Islamic history. It was when Allah SWT revealed the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad (PBUM). Hence, to earn tremendous rewards, Muslims engage themselves in reciting the Holy Quran, praying, giving out zakat, and doing good deeds on the Night of Power. While seeking Laylat-al-Qadr this year, remember that you shouldn’t worry about searching for the night but should work hard for it, as you never know when the Night of Power may fall.
Key Takeaway
So the lower level of forgiveness is Al-Maghfirh, in which Allah forgives your sins. But the Earth still knows you did it. The Angels still know you did it. And on the Day of Judgment, it is still in your book. But as Allah forgave it already, so you are not going to get punished for that sin. But Al-Afuu is the greatest extent in which Allah SWT erases the Sin. The Angels forget that you did it and it is no longer in your Book of Deeds. Nobody knows except Allah SWT that you did it and you will never face its consequences ever again.
That is why;
When Aisha (R.A.) asked the Prophet (PBUH): If Laylat ul-Qadr is to come, what should I ask Allah? He didn’t say, “Say O Allah forgive me or Conceal my sins.”
Instead, He (PBUH) said:
“O Allah, you clean the Sins, as You love to erase the Sins. Remove all the traces of my sins, so nobody knows.”
This is Afuu, SubhanAllah.
