The Search for Laylatul Qadr

The Importance of Laylatul Qadr

Laylatul Qadr is a night of immense spiritual importance, offering believers the opportunity to have their past sins forgiven. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

"Indeed, ˹it is˺ We ˹Who˺ sent this ˹Quran˺ down on the Night of Glory. And what will make you realise what the Night of Glory is? The Night of Glory is better than a thousand months."

The Quran

| Chapter 97, Verses 1-3

A single night of sincere worship on Laylatul Qadr is equivalent to over 83 years of devotion. It is a rare and unparalleled opportunity to earn rewards that could outweigh a lifetime of good deeds.

When is Laylatul Qadr?

While the exact night is unknown, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged believers to seek it in the last ten nights of Ramadan, particularly on the odd nights. He said:

"Search for Laylatul Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan."

Bukhari

This uncertainty is a test of sincerity, urging believers to exert themselves in worship throughout the last ten nights rather than limiting their devotion to one specific night.

The Significance of Laylatul Qadr

Forgiveness of Sins
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"Whoever stands in prayer on Laylatul Qadr with faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven."
Bukhari
This night offers a chance for complete spiritual renewal, erasing past mistakes through sincere repentance and worship.
Decrees for the Coming Year
On Laylatul Qadr, the divine decree for the year is written. Allah says:
"On that night, every precise matter is made distinct by Our command."
The Quran | Chapter 44, Verses 3-4
This night determines sustenance, health, and life events, making it crucial to engage in du'a and seek Allah’s mercy.
Angels Descend in Great Numbers
Allah describes Laylatul Qadr as a night filled with peace, as angels, led by Jibreel (Gabriel), descend upon the earth:
"The angels and the Spirit [Jibreel] descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn."
The Quran | Chapter 97, Verses 4-5
This divine presence brings a sense of tranquillity, making it a night filled with serenity and blessings.

Finding Laylatul Qadr

One of the most profound aspects of Laylatul Qadr is that its exact date remains unknown. Some scholars believe it is most likely to fall on the 27th night, based on various narrations. However, since there is no certainty, the best way to ensure that one attains its immense rewards is to engage in worship throughout all ten nights.

A simple yet effective approach is to perform at least one good deed every night—whether it be night prayer, reciting Quran, making du’a, giving charity, or remembering Allah. By doing so, a believer guarantees that they have caught Laylatul Qadr, no matter which night it falls on.

Imagine standing before Allah on the Day of Judgment and realising that one night of sincere devotion granted you rewards greater than a thousand months. This is a gift too valuable to risk missing, and dedicating oneself fully to worship in these final nights ensures that no opportunity is lost.

How to Make the Most of Laylatul Qadr

Increase in Salah (Night Prayer)
Engaging in voluntary night prayers (Tahajjud) is one of the best ways to seek Laylatul Qadr. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would dedicate these nights to intense worship.

"When the last ten nights of Ramadan would begin, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would stay up at night, wake his family, strive hard, and tighten his belt."

Bukhari

Recite and Reflect on the Quran
Since Laylatul Qadr marks the beginning of the Quran’s revelation, reciting and reflecting upon its message is highly recommended.
Make Du'a (Supplication)
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) what to say if she found Laylatul Qadr. He taught her this powerful du'a:

"Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni" (O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.)

Tirmidhi

Engage in Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)
Repeating phrases of remembrance such as SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah), Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah), and Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) brings immense rewards.
Give Charity and Perform Good Deeds
Acts of kindness, charity, and helping others magnify rewards during these sacred nights.

"The best charity is that given in Ramadan."

Tirmidhi

A Night Not to be Missed

Laylatul Qadr is an extraordinary gift from Allah—an opportunity for a lifetime’s worth of rewards in a single night. As Ramadan reaches its final moments, let us strive to make the most of these blessed nights with sincere devotion, du'a, and good deeds.

May Allah grant us the ability to witness and benefit from Laylatul Qadr. Ameen.