“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months,” (Qur’an, 97:3).

Seeking Laylatul Qadr

Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Decree or Night of Power, is one of the most sacred nights in the Islamic calendar. It was the night in which the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan.

It is also believed to be the night in which Allah shows great mercy to His creation and the night in which one’s fate is decreed.

Allah says in the Qur’an, “The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months,” (Qur’an, 97:3). This means that when a good deed is performed on Laylatul Qad, it is as if that deed has been performed for more than 1,000 months.

The exact date of Laylatul Qadr is unknown, although it is thought to occur on an odd night in the last 10 days of Ramadan (e.g. the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27 or 29th night). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Seek it in the last 10 days, on the odd nights,” (Hadith, Bukhari and Muslim).

A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “The Prophet (pbuh) would exert his best (in worship) during the last 10 days (of Ramadan) more than at other times.” [Muslim]

Increasing prayer and reciting the Qur’an

Sincerely praying for forgiveness, reciting the holy Qur’an, sending salawat (blessings upon the Prophet) and offering optional (nafl) prayers are examples of beneficial acts of worship on these nights.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would stand in prayer during the last ten nights of Ramadan, praying for forgiveness. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever prays on Laylatul Qadr out of faith and sincerity, shall have all their past sins forgiven” (Hadith, Bukhari and Muslim).

Make the best duaa

While Laylatul Qadr is a hugely spiritually significant time for Muslims, it also signifies the end of Ramadan. In these final few days, it is important to make the most of the blessings of Ramadan and pray as much as we can.

When Lady Aisha (may Allah be well pleased with her) asked the Prophet (peace be upon him): “O Messenger of Allah, if it is Laylatul Qadr, then what should I supplicate with?” he replied with the famous dua: “Allahumma, innaka Afuwwun Karimun, tuḥibbu al-afwa fa‘afu anna” – “O Allah, indeed You are Pardoning and Generous; You love to pardon, so pardon us.”

Performing i’tikaf

Many Muslims choose to spend the last 10 days of Ramadan in seclusion (i’tikaf), where one solely focuses on worshipping Allah and refrains from involvement in worldly affairs. It is a time to reflect, increase worship and to increase one’s religious knowledge, seeking closeness to Allah.

The sunnah is to remain in i’tikaf for 10 days but as a minimum it can be 1 day and 1 night. I’tikaf is a great opportunity to reconnect with Allah in solitude. It is also a time to implement good religious practices which can be carried on throughout the whole year.

I’tikaf traditionally takes place in mosques, or you can set up a place of seclusion in your home for dedicated worship.

Giving sadaqa during the last 10 nights

The last 10 days of Ramadan are an opportunity to gain multiple rewards by giving sadaqa to those in need for the sake of seeking the pleasure of Allah.

The rewards of giving sadaqa during Ramadan are multiplied by 70 and the reward for any righteous act during Laylatul Qadr is equivalent to having performed the same act for over 83 years!

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said “Sadaqa extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire,” (Hadith, Tirmidhi). He also said that Allah offers relief on the Day of Judgement for those who give sadaqa: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be their charity,” (Hadith, Tirmidhi).

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