Laylat al-Qadr: Understanding the Night of Power
The most powerful night of the year is near. Will you seize its blessings or let it pass unnoticed?
Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power, is the night when the Quran was first revealed, when angels descend to the earth, and when destinies are written for the year ahead. Allah describes it as "better than a thousand months" (Quran 97:3), making worship on this night more rewarding than 83 years of devotion.
When is Laylat- al Qadr?
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) urged us to seek this night in the last ten nights of Ramadan, particularly on the odd nights, the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th.
But why is Laylat al-Qadr hidden? So that believers strive in worship throughout the final ten nights, increasing in devotion, prayer, and charity.
Understanding the Night of Power
Imagine the world before the Quran was revealed. Arabia was steeped in ignorance, idolatry, and injustice. But on a night like no other, in the stillness of a cave on Mount Hira, the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) descended with the first words of revelation:
"Read! In the Name of your Lord who created."
(Quran 96:1)
That moment changed the course of history. It marked the beginning of prophethood for Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the dawn of guidance for humanity.
Allah dedicates an entire surah to this night, emphasizing its magnitude:
"Indeed, We sent the Quran down during the Night of Decree.
And what will make you realize what the Night of Glory is?
The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.
That night the angels and the ˹holy˺ spirit descend, by the permission of their Lord, for every ˹decreed˺ matter.
It is all peace until the break of dawn.”
(Surah Al-Qadr 97:1-5)
This is the night when your duas can change your destiny.
What are the Signs of Laylat al-Qadr?
The Prophet (peace be upon him) did not specify an exact date for Laylat al-Qadr, but he left us clues:
A Unique Sunrise – On the morning after Laylatul Qadr, the sun rises without its usual rays. Ubayy (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“On the morning following Laylatul-Qadr, the sun rises without any rays, as if it were a brass dish, until it rises up.”
(Hadith | Muslim)
A Night of Peace and Tranquility – It is a calm and serene night, neither too hot nor too cold. Ibn ’Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Laylatul-Qadr is calm and pleasant, neither hot nor cold. The sun rises on its morning being feeble and red.”
(Hadith | Ibn Khuzaimah)
"Search for Laylat al-Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan, in the odd-numbered nights."
(Bukhari)
What to do on Laylat al- Qadr?
Duaa for Laylat al -Qadr
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) asked,
’O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say?’
He replied: ’Say: Allahumma innaka ’afuwwun tuhibbul ’afwa fa’fu ‘anni.’” (Tirmidhi)
Translation: “O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me.”
Zakat On Laylat al- Qadr
Seek Forgiveness Like Your Life Depends on It
Laylat al-Qadr is the night when Allah’s mercy overflows. Your past sins can be wiped away completely.
- Beg Allah to cleanse your heart and purify your soul.
- Forgive others, so that Allah may forgive you.
- Make a habit of repeating the dua
Pray with a Heart Full of Hope
The Prophet (peace be upon him) increased his night prayers in the last ten nights. On Laylat al-Qadr, your qiyam (night prayers) carry the weight of a lifetime of worship.
- Stand in Tahajjud and pour your heart out to Allah.
- Pray as if it’s your last Ramadan, your last chance.
- Make a special effort on the odd nights, you don’t want to miss Laylat al-Qadr.
Sadaqah Jariyah: Give Charity That Lasts Forever
A single act of Sadaqah on Laylat al-Qadr is recorded as if given every night for more than 83 years. Imagine feeding an orphan, providing clean water, or supporting Gaza and Yemen every single day for a lifetime.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) was the most generous of people, but in Ramadan, his generosity knew no limits. Follow his Sunnah by giving big on Laylat al-Qadr.
$100 feeds a fasting family for a month.
$250 provides Ramadan Food Parcels Gaza.
$310 brings ongoing clean water for families and communities
Automate your donations with Muslim Hands USA so you never miss an odd night. Donate now to multiply your rewards.
Make Duas That Shape Your Future
The angels descend on Laylat al-Qadr to carry prayers to Allah. Your duas on this night could determine your next year.
- Pray for health, success, and barakah.
- Ask for protection from calamities.
- Make dua for the Ummah: Palestine, Yemen, and every oppressed soul.
- Ask for Jannah and to be saved from Hellfire.
Prepare a dua list now, so you don’t waste a moment.
Tawbah: The Night of Power Is in Your Hands
This is the most extraordinary time of the year. The next Laylat al-Qadr could be the night that changes your destiny forever.
- Pray like you’ve never prayed before.
- Give like you’ll never give again.
- Seek forgiveness like your soul depends on it.
The doors of mercy are wide open. Walk through them.
Multiply your Laylat al-Qadr rewards. Give your charity now. Donate today.
Schedule and Automate Your Donations: Last Ten Nights
With everything that is happening in our day to day it is important to not miss out on a chance to maximize our rewards in the last ten nights!
Muslim Hands USA offers our Best Ten Nights platform to make sure that your donations are scheduled nightly on the last the nights of Ramadan ensuring you don’t miss Layalt al Qadr.
