What Is Laylatul Qadr, And Why Is It Important?

One of the odd-numbered nights of the last ten days of the sacred Ramadan month is when the holy Quran was first revealed to the world. Angel Jibreel descended from the heavens to reveal the holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The night carries an immense significance for Muslims all around the world. The month of Ramadan is pious in itself, but the last days escalate the meaning of prayers and performing good deeds to the highest order. If you want to know more about what Laylatul Qadr is, please keep reading the blog.  

Laylatul Qadr story and significance

People know Laylatul Qadr  with many names, of which  ‘Night of Decree,’  ‘Night of Measures,’ ‘Night of power,’ and ‘Night of value’ are the most common ones. As the pure words of Allah were revealed to the world in the form of the holy Quran, the night is sacred compared to any other night of the year. The night is also believed to be the night of forgiveness from sins and reward, and forgiveness asked on this night is accepted by the merciful Allah. Moreover, the night is highly rewarding for people who pray to Allah.  

What is the date of the Night of Power?

The exact date of the night is unknown to the world, but with the consensus, it is considered to fall upon one of the nights of the last ten days of the sacred Ramadan month. As per a Hadith on the night of measures, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said people to observe it in the last days of Ramadan month on any odd night. The Sunni community seeks the night on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th of Ramadan, and for the Shia community, the night is considered to fall upon the 19th, 21st, and 23rd. To Shia, the 23rd is regarded as the most pious. 

It is mentioned in Hadith No: 240, from: Sahih Bukhari. Chapter 32, Night Prayer in Ramadan (Taraweeh) which is narrated by Ubada bin As-Samit-

The Prophet came out to inform us about the Night of Qadr but two Muslims were quarreling with each other. So, the Prophet said, “I came out to inform you about the Night of Qadr but such-and-such persons were quarreling, so the news about it had been taken away; yet that might be for your own good, so search for it on the 29th, 27th and 25th (of Ramadan).”

Things that should be done on Laylatul Qadr

As Laylatul Qadr is considered the most sacred night, people are suggested to make full use of the night. The rewards that one earns on this night equate to more than the rewards that can be earned during the whole life. In case you want to bring in the blessings of Allah in your life, allow us to provide you with the things that you should do on this night.

1. Offering supplications and dua

With the addition of the blessings during Ramadan, Laylatul Qadr presents an opportunity to get the best rewards from, all giving, Allah. Also, Allah is merciful; therefore, he pardons his children who sincerely ask forgiveness on Laylatul Qadr. As per a hadith on the Night of Power, Aisha asked Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) how she should offer dua on this day.

She was given the following dua to recite during Laylatul Qadr with all of her heart.

“O Allah, indeed you are pardoning and generous; you love to pardon, so pardon us.”

2. Attending dua in masjid

As dua has to be done on an odd night, many masjids try to end their recitation of the holy Quran on an odd night of the last ten days of Ramadan. After they have completed the recitation of the Quran, they offer dua to Allah on the night of power. It is suggested for Muslims to offer dua with and for their family members, and the benefits should be shared with the family and friends to multiply the effect of the night.

3. Reciting the holy Quran

Laylatul Qadr is popularly known among the Muslims as the night when the holy book of Quran was revealed to the world. So, what is better than reciting verses from the book? Many believe that reciting long surahs from the book will help in the cleansing of the sins. Understanding the surah and contemplating it in accordance with one’s life is highly rewarding.

4. Performing charity and sadaqah

While reciting verses from the holy book of the Quran and offering duas have excellent effects, charity is a noble work that will secure a better fortune. Providing for the needy with clothes and food is immensely beneficial during Ramadan and on Laylatul Qadr. Some say charity done during this period is equal to 70 similar charities. Also, the good deed performed during this time will equate to 83 years of rewards. Offering someone a glass of water is also considered a very good virtue.    

5. Open fast with family

Individuals should encourage organizing iftar while opening the fast of Ramadan. Allah blesses the positive vibes after enduring days of long fasting. Also, having food with your family and friends will expand a feeling of belongingness and care as love from family is the most cherished thing on this earth.

6. Observing itikaf

Disconnecting from material possessions and focussing on charity and solitude are considered highly benefitting acts. During solitude, the individuals can ponder upon the previous sins and seek forgiveness from Allah for them. Also, people can make plans how they will help someone better their life and lead on the path shown by Allah. The individuals should fortify their belief in Allah and make way for his blessings by following him on his path. The night is to firm the concept of Islam and forward humanity in accordance with it.

Laylatul Qadr is a significant night for Muslims and should be utilized to maximize the benefits from it in one’s life. Hence, people are recommended to follow the points mentioned above and seek guidance from the holy book of Quran.