Laylatul Qadr: The Night of Power
With the end of Ramadan comes our last efforts in gaining as many rewards as possible. In the last ten days there is a special opportunity for those who seek it: Laylatul Qadr. This article covers all you need to know about this blessed night insha’Allah.
What is Laylatul Qadr?
Laylatul Qadr translates into The Night of Power. The Qur’an describes this night as 'better than a thousand months' (Al-Qadr 97:3).
When is Laylatul Qadr?
This blessed night can be found in any of the last ten nights of Ramadan. There are a a variety of opinions as to which day it falls on but, to be on the safe side, we should commit to performing extra acts of worship on all ten nights. By doing so we will not only gain more reward but we'll not risk missing this blessed night.
What are the signs of Laylatul Qadr?
Contrary to popular belief, there are no specific signs for this night. However, this is what people have experienced on the night:
- It is said that since the angels descend on this night, we may feel a peculiar tranquillity and peace of mind and be overwhelmed with a unique tenderness of heart
- The night is neither very hot nor very cold but a temperate one
- The sun that rises on the next day is not very hot
What are the rewards of Laylatul Qadr?
- Abu Hurayrah relates that The Prophet (saw) said: 'Whoever stands (in the voluntary night prayer of) Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven. And whoever spends the night of Laylatul Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.' (Sunan an-Nasa’i)
- Any action done on this night such as reciting the Qur’an and remembering Allah, is better on this night than doing these same actions for a thousand months.
What should I do on Laylatul Qadr?
There are many ways to gain reward on this blessed night:
- I'tikaf: Remain in I’tikaf, if it is possible - this is the best way of catching this night
- Ibadah: Concentrate on prayer and worship. The best du’a for this night is:
اَللَّهُمَّ اِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ ، تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun, tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni (O Allah, You are most forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me)
- Giving charity: The reward for any righteous act performed during this night is equivalent to that of having performed the same act for over 83 years!
- Eating lightly: The more you eat, the harder it will be for you to stay up and the less productive you will be!
SubhanAllah! there are such immense rewards to be gained in these blessed 10 nights. Allah (swt) has hidden knowledge of the exact night out of mercy for us. This enables us to increase in our worship in search of this honourable night by praying, making dhikr and du’a and in turn having our sins forgiven and gaining many rewards.
