Lailatul Qadr, also known as The Night of Decree, Power, or Destiny, is one of the holiest nights in Islam. It is the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). This night, which falls in the last ten nights of Ramadan, is a time of immense blessings, forgiveness, and mercy from Allah (SWT).
Significance of Lailatul Qadr in the Quran
Allah (SWT) highlights the importance of Lailatul Qadr in Surah Al-Qadr (97:1-5):
“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. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.”
This means that acts of worship performed on this night are more rewarding than those done over a thousand months (83 years and 4 months). It is a unique opportunity for Muslims to seek forgiveness, blessings, and divine mercy.
The Exact Date of Lailatul Qadr
Although the exact date of Lailatul Qadr is unknown, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised seeking it in the odd-numbered nights of the last ten days of Ramadan (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th). However, many scholars believe that it often falls on the 27th night of Ramadan.
The Rewards and Blessings of Lailatul Qadr
- A Night of Divine Mercy and Forgiveness
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:“Whoever stands (in prayer) on the Night of Decree with faith and expectation of reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari, Muslim) - A Night of Increased Worship
Muslims engage in prayer (Salah), recitation of the Quran, Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and Du’a (supplications) to maximize the rewards of this sacred night. - A Night of Peace and Tranquility
As mentioned in Surah Al-Qadr, this night is filled with peace and divine blessings as angels descend to the earth, bringing mercy and tranquility to believers. - A Night When Decrees are Written
Many scholars believe that on this night, Allah (SWT) decrees the fate of individuals for the coming year, determining provisions, life, and death.
How to Make the Most of Lailatul Qadr?
- Offer Extra Prayers (Tahajjud & Nafl Salah): Stand in prayer sincerely seeking Allah’s mercy.
- Recite and Reflect on the Quran: Engage in deep contemplation and recite the Quran with understanding.
- Make Du’a (Supplication): Seek forgiveness, ask for blessings, and make heartfelt prayers for oneself and others.
- Seek Forgiveness with the Special Du’a:“Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni”
(O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.) - Give Charity (Sadaqah): Helping those in need multiplies the rewards on this blessed night.
- Stay Engaged in Dhikr: Keep praising and remembering Allah (SWT) through Tasbeeh and other forms of remembrance.
Conclusion
Lailatul Qadr is a golden opportunity that comes once a year, providing limitless rewards and forgiveness. As believers, we should strive to make the most of this night through worship, repentance, and seeking Allah’s blessings. May Allah (SWT) grant us the ability to witness and benefit from Lailatul Qadr and accept our prayers. Ameen!