Laylatul Qadr and The Last 10 Nights of Ramadan

“The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months” [Surat Al Qadr: 3]

What is Laylatul Qadr?

Laylatul Qadr is referred to as the Night of Power or the Night of Decree. This is the night where God sent down the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH through the Angel Jibrail. Surah Al-Alaq was believed to be revealed on this blessed night which commands Muslims to read the Quran as a way to bring themselves closer to God.

Muslims would increase their worship through additional prayers, recitation of the Quran, heartfelt supplications and many more. There are even instances where Muslims would take a leave of absence so that they could stay up all night to perform such acts of worship.

Why is Laylatul Qadr the most important night of the year?

By far, there’s no more important day or night than Laylatul Qadr. It is so important that the entire chapter 97 of the Quran is dedicated to highlighting the significance of Laylatul Qadr. Muslims are encouraged to engage in worship during this night as the rewards from this night are equivalent to 84 years of worship outside of this night. A sincere Muslim would be able to gain the forgiveness and mercy of God.

“Indeed, We revealed [the Qur’an] 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.” [97:1-5]

When is Laylatul Qadr?

The precise date of Laylatul Qadr is not known. However, it’s believed to fall on the odd nights in the last 10 nights of Ramadan. Therefore, Laylatul Qadr could fall on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th nights of Ramadan. Some Sunni Muslims around the world believe that Laylatul Qadar falls on the night before 27th Ramadan.

Many Islamic scholars believe there’s much wisdom behind concealing the actual date of this sacred night. This is because Muslims would be inspired to strive and seek out this night through increased ibadah and supplications.  

What are the signs of Laylatul Qadr?

Since there is no clear indication of the sacred night of Laylatual Qadr, how do Muslims know they’ve experienced it? There are highlighted hadiths by close companions of the Prophet PBUH who documented some of the signs of Laylatul Qadr.

Firstly, it will be a night of peace and serenity. It is believed that the night of Laylatul Qadr would be neither too hot or too cold. It’s almost too quiet that you feel like you’re having a private conversation with God. Also, it was reported by Abu Hurairah RA that the moon on that night would resemble half of a plate.

“That the Prophet (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.” [Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmithi and Ibn Majah]

Moreover, it could possibly rain during the night or in the day following the night of Laylatul Qadr. Lastly, the sunrise on the following day would also be different. The sun rays would be bright but it would not be exceptionally warm.

Also read: Nuzul Al-Quran and Its Significance