Laylatul Qadr (the night of power)

The Majesty of Night: Laylatul Qadr

“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.” – Quran, Surah Al-Qadr (97:1-3)

The Night of Power holds the highest reverence in the Islamic calendar. It marks the occasion when Angel Jibril first revealed the initial verses of the Holy Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is also known as shab e Qadr. Falling within the last 10 days of Ramadan, the exact date remains unknown, though it is often presumed to be the 27th night of the blessed month. However, believers are encouraged to diligently seek this auspicious night throughout the final 10 odd nights of Ramadan, following the Prophet’s (PBUH) example.

Laylat-al-Qadr 2024

The Night of Power is situated within the last ten odd nights of Ramadan. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) counseled believers to actively search for Laylat al-Qadr during these nights, as stated in the following narration: ” Seek Laylat al-Qadar in the odd-numbered nights of the last ten nights.” [Bukhari, 4/259]. Although commonly associated with the 27th night based on certain narrations, the exact date can vary slightly each year. For instance, in 2024, the 27th of Ramadan might fall on 7 April, subject to moonsighting, with slight variations possible.

Historical Background

Laylatul Qadr marks the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). According to tradition, the angel Jibreel (Gabriel) visited the Prophet in a cave on Mount Hira and conveyed the initial verses of Surah Al-Alaq. This event Initiated the revelation of the Quran, a process that spanned 23 years. “Truly, We revealed the Quran during the Night of Power. But what is the Night of Power? It’s better than a thousand months! On that night, angels and the Spirit descend by permission of their Lord with every decree. It’s a night of peace until the break of dawn.” [Quran 97:1-5]

Surah Laylatul Qadar

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ فِى لَيْلَةِ ٱلْقَدْرِ

وَمَآ أَدْرَىٰكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ

لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌۭ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍۢ

تَنَزَّلُ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ وَٱلرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍۢ

سَلَـٰمٌ هِىَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ ٱلْفَجْرِ

Laylat-al-Qadr Signs

Laylat-al-Qadr is described as a serene night in the Quran. An authoritative narration from the Prophet (PBUH) indicates that a distinguishing sign of Laylat al-Qadr is the sunrise on the subsequent morning, appearing without discernible rays.

Donate Zakat on The Night of Power

Laylatul Qadar is considered one of the holiest nights in Islam, believed to occur during the last ten days of Ramadan, with particular emphasis on the odd-numbered nights. It is a night of immense spiritual significance, during which Muslims seek forgiveness, mercy, and blessings from Allah.

Please donate your Zakat to orphans and the needy, especially to Muslims in Palestine and Gaza on this blessed night of Laylatul Qadar.

Benefits and virtues of Laylatul Qadr

Laylatul Qadr presents a remarkable opportunity to seek the pleasure and forgiveness of Allah (SWT). It serves as a chance to amass invaluable deeds that significantly elevate the status of a believer. As Laylatul Qadr holds a reward greater than a thousand months.

Sadaqah (charity) and dua (supplication) are closely connected to this sacred night. The Prophet (SAW) highlighted dua and Sadaqah as two actions capable of altering divine decree and prolonging the lifespan of a believer.

According to a narration, “Nothing can alter the Divine decree except supplication.” [Ahmad 5/277]

Also read about Shab e miraj (Night journey)