Laylatul-Qadr - The Night of Decree & How to Make the Most of It

Just as the month of Ramadan is the most sacred and blessed month of the year, the Night of Power is the most special night of the year, which is better than a thousand months. 

Muslims around the world observe this blessed night during the last ten days of Ramadan with devotion and prayer, seeking forgiveness, and performing good deeds. In this article, we will explore the significance of Laylatul-Qadr in Islam and discuss ways to make the most of this blessed night, including the acts of worship. 

What is Laylatul-Qadr?

Laylatul-Qadr is one of the nights in Ramadan in which worship is better than worshiping for a thousand months. It commemorates the night when the Quran was revealed. The Quran refers to it as Laylatul-Qadr, the night of decree, in the following verses.

Indeed, We revealed [the Qur'an] 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)

When is Laylatul-Qadr in Ramadan?

The exact night of Laylatul-Qadr is not specified in the Quran or by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. But there have been indications on where to find it. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ mentioned:

“Search for Laylatul-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan.”

• Sahih Bukhari, 2017

Allah has not revealed the exact occurrence of this night so that we may seek it throughout the month and perform worship in catching it. Another important thing to realize is that the night starts with the Maghrib prayer instead of the isha prayer.

Laylatul-Qadr in Ramadan 2023

In Ramadan 2023, Laylatul-Qadr is expected to fall on the following odd nights among the last 10 nights. It is expected on the following dates:

• April 12, 2023 - 21st Night
• April 14, 2023 - 23rd Night
• April 16, 2023 - 25th Night
• April 18, 2023 - 27th Night
• April 20, 2023 - 29th Night

However, there is a difference of opinion among scholars on the exact timing of the Laylatul-Qadr. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you observe all the last 10 nights of Ramadan in search of Laylatul-Qadr. Here is a great resource to understand the difference of opinion over the specific time of Laylatul-Qadr.

Importance of Laylatul-Qadr for the Muslim Ummah 

The importance of Laylatul-Qadr for the Muslim Ummah can be understood in the following narration reported by Mālik ibn Anas from a trustworthy source among the people of knowledge:

“The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was shown the lifespans of the people before him, or what Allah willed of that. It was as if the lives of the people of his community had become too short for them to be able to do as many good deeds as others before them had been able to do with their long lives. As a result, Allah granted them laylat al- qadr, which is better than a thousand months.”

• Mālik ibn Anas and Aḥmad ibn Abī Bakr Abū Muṣʿab Zuhrī. Mālik, al-Muwaṭṭaʾ, no. 889

The Significance of Worship on the Night of Decree

Laylatul-Qadr is the blessed day of the year and offers a tremendous opportunity to seek Allah’s forgiveness and rewards. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

 “Whoever spends the nights of Ramadan in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, he will be forgiven his previous sins.”

• Sunan an-Nasa’i 2192

How to make the most of the Laylatul-Qadr? 

Plan all of the acts of worship you will perform on the Night of Decree. Avoid indulging in worldly affairs as much as possible. Be mindful of how you spend your time during the night. Avoid getting into gossip, socializing, shopping, using social media, etc. Abstain from sinning and wasting time. Keep your families also engaged in acts of worship.

One of the practices of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was to seclude himself from the world and practice i'tikaf during the last 10 days of Ramadan. However, if that’s not possible for anyone, they can still make the most of the Laylatul-Qadr by doing the following things.

Qiyam

Standing in Salah during the night of decree offering extra voluntary prayers as much as possible is the most recommended form of worship. Pray Isha and Fajr in the congregation. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

“Whoever attends Isha prayer in congregation, then he has the reward as if he had stood half of the night. And whoever prays Isha and Fajr in congregation, then he has the reward as if he had spent the entire night standing in prayer.”

• Sahih Muslim, 656a

Recitation

The Quran was revealed on the Night of Decree; therefore, spending time reciting the Quran is also a means of gaining Allah’s favor.

Zikr

Doing zikr during Laylatul-Qadr is also a means of gaining Allah’s mercy. Laylatul-Qadr is the night of forgiveness. A’isha asked the Prophet ﷺ, “O Messenger of Allah! If I knew which night is Laylatul-Qadr, what should I say during it?” And he instructed her to say:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عُفُوٌّ كَرِيمٌ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

“O Allah! You are Most Forgiving, and you love to forgive. So forgive me.”

• Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, 3513

Make Dua

Making lots of dua is highly recommended during Laylatul-Qadr. Seek Allah’s guidance, blessings, and forgiveness. Making dua on the Night of Decree can change a person’s record with angels before they are sealed for the coming year. As the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

 “Nothing averts fate except supplication.”

• Sunan Ibn Majah, 1:95

Charity

Charity is one of the most important deeds a Muslim can do during Laylatul-Qadr. Spending in the way of Allah on the Night of Power is believed to be more rewarding than any other time of the year. It is because Laylatul-Qadr is a night when the rewards for good deeds are multiplied many times over, as mentioned in the Quran.

With a better understanding of the importance of Laylatul-Qadr and how to make the most of this blessed night, engage in worship with devotion and sincerity. It is a great gift from Allah for the Ummah to avail His mercy. May Allah make us amongst the people that find and observe the Night of Power. Ameen!