Laylat al-Qadr: The Most Important Night of the Year

Laylat al-Qadr

What is Laylat al-Qadr?

It is the night the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the Cave of Hira. The Quran dedicates a whole surah (97: Al-Qadr) to describe its greatness: "The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months" (83+ years of worship).

Why is it so important?

A single night of worship equals a lifetime of devotion. It is the opportunity to start anew, erase sins, and change one's destiny. On this night, God decrees the affairs of the following year.

When does it occur?

The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan" (Bukhari 2017). Most likely nights: 21, 23, 25, 27, 29. Sunni tradition emphasizes night 27; Shia tradition emphasizes night 23.

Signs

• The next morning's sun rises without intense rays, like a full moon
• The night is temperate, neither cold nor hot
• The sky is clear
• Angels descend in groups
• A feeling of peace and tranquility in the heart

What to do?

1. Itikaf (retreat) in the mosque
2. Voluntary prayer (Tahajjud, Tarawih)
3. Quran recitation
4. Constant supplication
5. Sincere repentance
6. Charity

The Most Important Dua

Aisha asked: "O Messenger of God, if I know it is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say?" He replied: "Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa'fu anni."