Understanding Laylatul Qadr: The Night of Power and Decree
23 March 2024
Laylatul Qadr is one of the most sacred and spiritually potent nights on the Islamic calendar.
Observed during the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan, it is also known as the Night of Power or Decree and it is important for Muslims worldwide.
In this blog, we will explore everything you need to know about Laylatul Qadr, including:
- What does Laylatul Qadr mean?
- The history and significance of Laylatul Qadr
- Why Laylatul Qadr is important to Muslims
- Recommended acts in Laylatul Qadr
- Advice on how to make the most of Laylatul Qadr
What does Laylatul Qadr mean?
If we break down the meaning of Laylatul Qadr, we can begin to understand and appreciate the importance of this grand night.
“Laylatul” simply means “the night of…”
Worshiping Allah (swt) in the night is emphasized in the Holy Quran. In chapter 73 verse 2, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is tasked to spend a portion of the night in worship:
“Rise to pray in the night, except a little…”
Further down the chapter, in verse 6, the Quran states:
“Night prayer makes a deeper impression…”
Reflecting on these verses, it becomes clear that praying on any night can deepen our connection with Allah (swt).
“Qadr” in the context of Laylatul Qadr can mean two things:
- Power: This interpretation highlights the spiritual significance of this night. Any worship or charity performed on this night weighs heavier than other nights.
- Decree/Destiny: On Laylatul Qadr, Allah (swt) decides the fate of all creation. His decrees cover all aspects of one’s life, including health, wealth, and other forms of sustenance (marriage, children, job opportunities, and so on). Through spending this night in devotion, Muslims can have a say in their destiny.
Putting these two meanings together makes praying on the night of Qadr potentially life-changing.
The history and significance of Laylatul Qadr
The term “Laylatul Qadr” was first mentioned in the Holy Quran. An entire Surah named “Qadr” was revealed to the Prophet during his time in Mecca, before he migrated to Medina.
The entire phrase “Laylatul Qadr” is mentioned in the first verse of this chapter:
“Surely We revealed it on the Grand Night (Laylatul Qadr).”
It is unanimously accepted that the Holy Quran was revealed on the grand night, which is why the night is so rich in spirituality.
The Quran being revealed on this night is also referenced elsewhere. There is an almost identical verse in chapter 44:
“Surely We revealed it on a blessed night.”
Although the Quran was revealed to the Prophet over the course of two decades, some commentators of the Quran say the entire Quran was sent to the Prophet on this night (either in the form of words or its spirit/essence).
Therefore, Laylatul Qadr is also a time for celebration as it marks the arrival of the final guidance for Muslims.
Why Laylatul Qadr is important to Muslims
Apart from what we have already mentioned, the secret to why Laylatul Qadr is important to Muslims lies in verse three of Surah Qadr:
“The grand night is better than a thousand months.”
A thousand months equals a little over 83 years (the average human lifespan).
As a result, there are two implications of this verse:
- Things that could influence/affect the rest of your life are decided on this night.
- Every act of worship you do on this night is multiplied by a thousand months.
It is this second reason why Muslims hold this night so dearly–because they can do a lifetime’s worth of worship in one night.
To put it into context: If someone gives $50 in charity on Laylatul Qadr, it’s as if they’ve donated $50 daily for the next 83 years!
Nobody knows when they pass on to the afterlife. Therefore, Muslims spend this night striving to maximize their devotion to Allah (swt).
Recommended acts on Laylatul Qadr
There are numerous acts recommended for this night. Some of the most common include:
- A ritual bath: A ritual bath or ghusl should be one of the first things performed this night. This bath must be done to seek nearness to Allah (swt) and with the hope it will shed all sins perform in one’s life.
- Seeking forgiveness: Allah’s (swt) mercy is available at any time of the year. However, Laylatul Qadr is the chance to have your entire slate of misdeeds wiped out. Forgiveness should be sought intentionally. This can be done by thinking of the mistakes while repenting and feeling genuine remorse.
- Recitation of the Quran: As it was the night the Quran was revealed, reciting its holy verses is especially recommended. The Quran has layers and layers of meanings to uncover, and this spiritually charged night is your golden opportunity to dive deeper and increase your understanding of the holy book.
- Express gratitude: Sometimes, we make so many requests to Allah (swt) that we don’t take a moment to thank Him for what we already have. Take some time to express gratitude to Allah (swt) in your own way. For example, you could perform a lengthy prostration of gratitude.
- Recite supplications: Recite as many supplications as you can. These can be formal supplications found in books dedicated to supplications or say something in your own words. Besides supplicating for forgiveness and gratitude, consider praying for your loved ones, the oppressed and the dearly departed.
- Donate to charity: Any charity performed on Laylatul Qadr will come back to you manifold. In addition to multiplying your donations by 83 years, charity attracts sustenance and keeps calamities and tragedies at bay–while immensely benefiting the beneficiary.
Consider:
- Donating toward the upkeep and well-being of orphaned children. The importance of looking after orphaned children is frequently mentioned in the Quran.
- Start a Sadaqa Jariya either in your name or the name of a deceased loved one. The deceased have no method of adding to their good deeds. Thus, beginning a Sadaqa Jariya in their name is a great way to continue filling their pot of good deeds.
Advice on how to make the most of Laylatul Qadr
Laylatul Qadr only comes once every lunar year. Understandably, you may feel pressure to make the most of the night.
We recommend the following:
- Have a light iftar: Overeating or eating heavy foods can make us feel drowsy and fatigued, which directly impacts our ability to recite and engage in acts of worship. Consider a light iftar that maintains good energy levels without bringing on fatigue.
- Keep hydrated: Water is your best friend! You will recite more of the Quran and supplications than on normal days. Water will stop your throat from drying out and maintain good energy levels.
- Understand your recitations: It’s recommended that everything be recited in Arabic. If you know how to read Arabic but don’t understand its meaning, consider having English translations nearby so you know what you are saying. This makes your recitations more meaningful and powerful. If you don’t know Arabic, recite everything in English.
- Focus on quality over quantity: So many more things are recommended on Laylatul Qadr (beyond what we mentioned). While getting through all the acts is tempting to feel a sense of accomplishment, you will benefit the most by deeply focusing on a selected few.
- Request time off: With one of the recommendations being staying awake all night, consider taking off the next day–that way you can maximize the benefits without worrying about having to wake up early for work the next day.
- Make lists: Prepare for the night as much as you can through lists. You can make a list for the things you want to show gratitude for, the things you want to ask forgiveness for, and the specific acts you want to perform.
Being as prepared as possible sets you up for a blissful Night of Power.
One of the other things you can prepare for is your charitable acts. Namely, you can choose a trustworthy charity in advance of the night.
And we warmly invite you to consider Al-Ayn.
When you donate to Al-Ayn, you are supporting vital initiatives that bring hope and essential aid to orphaned children in need.
By choosing to give on Laylatul Qadr, you maximize the spiritual rewards for yourself and extend a lifeline of support to those who rely on your contributions.