LAYLATUL QADR: NIGHT OF POWER, NIGHT OF DECREE
“Allahumma innaka Afuwwun (Karimun) tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee”;* *“O Allah, indeed You are Pardoning, (Generous) You love to pardon, so pardon me.”
We have indeed revealed this in the ‘Night of Power’. And what will explain to you what the night of power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein come down The Angels and the Spirit by Allah’s permission, on every errand. “Peace!…This until the rise of Morn!” (Quran 97:1-5)
By Babatunde Jose
Laylatul Qadr is an Islamic festival that commemorates the night on which God first revealed the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) through the angel Jibril (Gabriel). It is also known as the Night of Power or the Night of Decree. It is considered to be the holiest night of Ramadan. The exact date of Laylatul Qadr is unspecified, but it is believed to occur on one of the last 10 days of the month.
Laylat al-Qadr is a night of immense blessings and spiritual significance in Islam. The Quran describes it as *”better than a thousand months” (Quran 97:3* ), emphasizing its unparalleled importance.
The last few nights of Ramadan (in which Laylatul Qadr – the Night of Power – can be found) are upon us. We’re blessed with the opportunity to earn even more bountiful rewards for our good deeds.
As Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: *“Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.”*
Qadr in Arabic, means the measure and limit or value of something or destiny. Some reasons have been offered for its naming: It is said that it was called “al-Qadr” because the annual destiny of every person is determined by God.
Some say if one stays awake on this night in prayer, reading the Quran, or repenting, one will reach a higher state. Some have said that it was called “al-Qadr” because it is a grand and highly valued night. Other names for this Night include Laylat al-‘Azama “Night of the Greatness”) and Laylat ash-Sharaf ’Night of the Honor’.
While the month of Ramadan is most widely known as the month that the Quran was first revealed to humankind, the Night of Power describes the exact night that the Quran was revealed.
However, scholars of Hadith recommend focusing on the last 10 nights of Ramadan. Especially the odd nights, as it is most likely to have occurred in one of these nights based on the following Hadith:
It was advised by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to: *“Look for it in the odd nights of the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan.”* (Bukhari and Muslim)
Some commentators believe that the Quran was revealed to Muhammad (SAW) twice: The “immediate revelation”, at the Cave of Hira on the first Laylat al-Qadr in 610 CE; The “gradual revelation” of Makkan and Medinan surat over the succeeding 23 years.
The Quran uses the word anzal which justifies “immediate revelation”, according to Allamah Tabatabai. Some others believe that the revelation of Quran occurred in a different two phases, with the first being its entire revelation on Laylat al-Qadr to the Angel Gabriel (Jibril in Arabic) in the lowest heaven, and then the subsequent verse-by-verse revelation to Muhammad (SAW) from Gabriel. The first surah revealed were the first seven āyat (verses) of Sūrat al-ʿAlaq.
Muhammad (SAW) would usually practice spiritual retreat (Iʿtikāf) during the last ten days of Ramadan, fasting and praying throughout the night. He urged his followers to do the same as one hadith notes: _*”Whoever stands [in prayer] during the Night of Power out of belief and seeking reward, his previous sins are forgiven.”*_ (Sahih al-Bukhari
The specific date of Laylat al-Qadr is not mentioned in the Quran. Muhammad (SAW) said God told him the exact date in a dream, but as he went to tell his companions about it, he saw two people fighting and God made him forget the date.
According to the Islamic calendar, an Islamic day begins at Maghrib prayer (sunset). The Night of Power thus spans Maghrib to Fajr prayer the following dawn.
Muslims are encouraged to worship intently throughout Ramadan in order to catch the blessings of the Night of Power. On this night, the reward for worship is better than 1000 months!
In the Qu’an, an entire Surah is dedicated to the Night of Power/Decree (Laylatul Qadr), and in it, Allah (SWT) reveals its purpose, reward and signs: *“Indeed, We sent 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.” (Quran 97:1-5)*
Here are five key acts of worship to focus on in your effort to catch Laylatul Qadr:Salah and voluntary Salah. Du’a, for yourself, loved ones, those who are oppressed, mankind and Allah (SWT’s) creatures. Tawbah (repentance) for major and minor sins. Acts of Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jariyah. Upright conduct and character towards others.
Due to the sanctity of this night, your deeds are multiplied. Consequently, praying just two rakat could equal 83 years of Salah! May Allah accept our efforts, Ameen.
Allah says about the purpose of this night: *”Ha, Meem. By the clear Book, Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were to warn [mankind]. On that night every precise matter – Every matter [proceeding] from Us. Indeed, We were to send (a messenger).” (Qur’an 44:1-5)*
Only Allah has knowledge of Laylatul Qadr. However, to determine its presence we are directed towards some signs. Two of the most authentic signs of Laylatul Qadr are: The sun rises early in the morning without rays. Ubayy, (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Prophet (SAW) said, *“On the morning following Laylatul-Qadr, the sun rises without any rays, as if it were a brass dish, until it rises up.”* (Muslim)
Laylatul Qadr, or The Night of Power/Decree is mentioned in the Qur’an in Surah Qadr, which is a whole Surah dedicated by Allah to describing this bountiful night in these precious verses: *(Qur’an, 97:1-5)*
Scholars relay that one of the most beloved du’as to make during these last ten nights in the hope that it falls on Laylatul Qadr is the following: *“Allahumma innaka Afuwwun (Karimun) tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee”* ; “O Allah, indeed You are Pardoning, (Generous) You love to pardon, so pardon me.”
There are no specific prescribed acts of worship for Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power). This is because the exact date is known only to Allah. Aisha (ra) said that: *“Allah’s Messenger (SAW) used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time.”* (Muslim
Some examples of worship that can earn bountiful reward can include: Sadaqah Dhikr remembrance of Allah, Blessings on the Prophet (SAW), Nafl (voluntary prayers) and sincere du’a.
Above all, Muslims are encouraged to approach every act of worship with sincere faith in Allah’s bountiful mercy. The Prophet (SAW) said: *“Whoever fasted the month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith (i.e. belief) and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven, and whoever stood for the prayers in the night of Qadr out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven .”* (Bukhari)
During the month of Ramadan in the year 610 CE, the Prophet (SAW) was meditating in the Cave of Hira, when the Angel Jibreel suddenly revealed himself to him by the order of Allah, commanding him to read, “Iqra!”
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was illiterate, and his inability to read prevented him from reading the words before him, he said, “I am not a reader”. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) relayed that Jibreel (as) then took hold of him and squeezed him until he could not bear it any more, then he released the Prophet (SAW) and said, “Read!“. This happened about three times before Jibril said:
*Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has created (all that exists). He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous. Who has taught (the writing) by the pen. He has taught man that which he knew not. (Quran, 96:1-5)*
These were the first verses of the Quran to be revealed; Sura Al-Talaq. That day could be regarded as Laylatul Qadr. Unfortunately, the Prophet (SAW) did not remember the exact date, hence we need to search for it. Allah knows best.
*“Allahumma innaka Afuwwun (Karimun) tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee”; “O Allah, indeed You are Pardoning, (Generous) You love to pardon, so pardon me.”*
*Barka Juma’at and a happy weekend. Ramadan Kareem.*
*Babatunde Jose*
*Friday 21st March 2025*
