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Download Islamic CompanionLaylatul QadrRamadanWorshipQuranNight Prayer
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Learn about the most blessed night of the year, its significance in the Quran, and how to make the most of its immense rewards.
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Download Islamic CompanionLaylatul Qadr, known as the Night of Decree or the Night of Power, is the most blessed night in the Islamic calendar. It is the night when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and it is a night that Allah has described as "better than a thousand months."
"Indeed, We sent it [the Quran] down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months." (Quran, Surah Al-Qadr 97:1-3)
On this blessed night, the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through the angel Jibril (Gabriel) in the Cave of Hira. This event marked the beginning of the final divine revelation to humanity.
Worship performed on this single night is greater in reward than worship performed continuously for 83 years and 4 months — an entire lifetime. This is an unimaginable blessing from Allah to the Muslim Ummah.
"The angels and the Spirit [Jibril] descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn." (Quran, 97:4-5)
On this night, the earth is filled with angels, and peace prevails until dawn. It is a night of tranquility, blessings, and divine mercy.
Laylatul Qadr is when Allah decrees the affairs for the coming year — provisions, lifespans, and events — as interpreted by scholars. It is a night when destinies are written.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"Seek Laylatul Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan, on the odd nights." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
The most likely nights are the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th of Ramadan, with a strong emphasis on the 27th night based on many hadiths. However, the exact night remains unknown by divine wisdom, encouraging Muslims to worship diligently throughout the last ten nights.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Whoever stands in prayer on Laylatul Qadr with faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
Pray Tarawih and Tahajjud with sincerity, even if only a few rak'ahs.
This is the night when the Quran was revealed. Recite, reflect, and ponder over its meanings. Try to complete as much as you can.
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Prophet (peace be upon him):
"O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is Laylatul Qadr, what should I say?" He replied: "Say: Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'anni (O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me)." (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Sunan Ibn Majah)
This is the most recommended dua for this night.
The reward for charity on this night is multiplied beyond measure. Help those in need, feed the fasting, and give generously.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) would spend the last ten days of Ramadan in I'tikaf — seclusion in the mosque devoted to worship. This is the sunnah way to maximize Laylatul Qadr.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) described some signs:
Laylatul Qadr is a divine gift — an opportunity for spiritual transformation that comes once a year. Do not let this precious night pass without seeking Allah's mercy, forgiveness, and blessings. Prepare in advance, make sincere repentance, and ask Allah for what you truly need in this life and the next.
May Allah allow us to witness Laylatul Qadr and accept our worship. Ameen.