“Verily, We have sent it (this Qur’ân) down in the night of Al-Qadr (Decree) And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is? The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allâh in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months) Therein descend the angels and the Rûh [Jibril (Gabriel)] by Allâh’s Permission with all Decrees, (All that night), there is Peace (and Goodness from Allâh to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn.” (Surat-ul-Qadr, 97:1-5)
We are on the cusp of a great night. A night so vast, the magnitude of its excellence cannot be fully understood. It is a night that is fast approaching wherein the angels descend upon the earth. The angels who love those who witness tawbah, those angels who love the recitation of the Quran, a night so powerful the angels wait all year for its greatness and for a chance for them bear witness for all the Muslims around the entire world who are glorifying their Lord. Laylat al Qadr literally means the night of constriction, by virtue of all the angels being in a state of traffic that fill up the entire earth up to the heavens carrying the praises back to Allah (subhana wa ta’ala). May Allah make us from among those who praise Allah in a way most pleasing to Him, aameen.
Abu Hurairah (ra) said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said in regards to Laylat-ul-Qadr: “It is (either) the twenty-seventh or twenty-ninth night. The number of Malaa’ikah (angels) in that night are greater in number than can be counted”.
In another narration Abu Hurrairah (ra) narrated that there are more angels in the skies on that night that there are stars in the galaxy. Subhanallh what a mighty blessing to experience a night that is filled with such barakah.
“…On that night, the angels on earth are more numerous than its pebbles.” [Ahmad]
Ibn Katheer (ra) elaborates in his tafseer of the above verse: “This means that the descending of the angels increases during this night due to the vast amount of its blessings. And the angels descend along with the descent of blessing and mercy, just as they descend during the time when the Qur'an is recited and encompass the gatherings in which Allah is remembered and spread their wings for the true seeker of knowledge, showing respect for him." [Tafseer Ibn Katheer: (8/465)]
Laylat-ul-Qadr, also known as The Night of Power or Destiny, is found in the final 10 nights of Ramadan, particularly on an odd night. It is highly likely to fall on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th night of Ramadan. There are a plethora of spiritual rewards and blessings during this night. During Laylat-ul-Qadr, the spiritual rewards are mighty, it is a night that is better than 1000 months (83 years) of worship.
Abu Hurairah (ra) said that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever fasts Ramadhaan with Imaan and anticipation (of reward) then his past sins have been forgiven and whoever does Qiyaam on Laylat-ul-Qadr with Imaan and anticipation his past sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari)
How to make the most of the Night of Power:
Below are ways tips to excel in your worship of this blessed night.
Remember that the night of Qadr falls into one of the odd nights and this means that it starts at the time of maghrib. It is crucial we understand as this will help prepare us for being extra cautious in guarding our tongues. Every second of the Night of Qadr is extremely precious, just imagine jewels you desperately need are falling from the sky, would you busy yourself collecting the gems or spend that time in idle or displeasing talk?
Praying collectively is a beneficial act of worship and one that is beloved by Allah. It not only inspires others to raise their standards but also strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within our faith.
Imam Malik (RA) narrated that he had heard that Said ibn al-Musayyab) used to say, “Whoever is present at Isha on Laylatul-Qadr has taken his portion from it.”
“Whoever prays with the imam until he finishes, Allah will record for him as if he spent the whole night in prayer” (Tirmidhi)
Some scholars highlight that praying behind the imam during the night prayers for a portion of the night is considered worship for the entire night, subhanAllah such an incredible mercy for us.
There is a powerful dua from the sunnah that can be recited during the last ten night of Ramadan.
It is important to remember that the best duas that are most pleasing to Allah are the ones that are comprehensive and short. It is therefore important to reflect beforehand on what you need and be clear in articulating this need. It may help to make a dua list. One of the best duas is highlighted below.
Aa’isha (ra) said: “I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say on that night?’ He said, ‘Say: Allaahummainnaka ‘afuwwuntuhibb al-‘afwafa’affu ‘anni(O Allah, You are forgiving and You love forgiveness, so forgive me).” [Tirmidhi]
Aisha reported: When the last ten nights of Ramadan arrived, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, would tighten his belt, spend the night in worship, and awaken his family. (Bukhari)
Remember, every one of us is different and this difference can extend into the way we worship Allah. Some stay up all night in prayer, some make dua, some focus on specific dhikr, some give in charity. It’s important to learn from others and see the difference as a blessing to enrich your worship.
This will keep the momentum going and not feel depleted by one single act of ibadah.
May Allah allow us to benefit from the blessings of Laylat Al Qadr, may we do that which pleases Him greatly and may we reap from the fruits of this night throughout our lives in dunya and the hereafter. May He also allow us to grow our hope and increase us in guidance always, ameen.
