Laylatul Qadr

What it is

On this night Allah decrees matters for the coming year, sends angels, and grants immense reward to those who worship sincerely. The exact calendar night is hidden so Muslims strive throughout the last ten nights.

Qur'an

Indeed, We sent it [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. Qur’an 97:1–5

Hadith

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever stands (in prayer) on Laylatul Qadr out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” Sahih al-Bukhari 1901; Sahih Muslim 760

When to seek it

The Prophet ﷺ intensified worship in the last ten nights of Ramadan and told us to seek Laylatul Qadr in the odd nights among them.

Hadith

When the last ten nights of Ramadan began, the Prophet ﷺ would tighten his waist-wrapper, stay awake at night, and wake his family. Sahih al-Bukhari 2024; Sahih Muslim 1174

Hadith

Seek Laylatul Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan. Sahih al-Bukhari 2017

What to do

Prayer, Qur’an recitation, du‘a, dhikr, charity, and i‘tikaf (retreat in the masjid) are all encouraged. The Prophet ﷺ taught a specific supplication for this night.

• Pray Tarawih and extra night prayers (qiyam).
• Make sincere du‘a for yourself, family, and the ummah.
• Give sadaqah — reward is multiplied.

Hadith

‘A’ishah (RA) said: “O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is Laylatul Qadr, what should I say?” He said: “Say: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul-‘afwa fa‘fu ‘anni (O Allah, You are Pardoning and love pardon, so pardon me).” Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3513 — graded hasan sahih