Laylatul Qadr, also known as the Night of Power, Night of Destiny, or Night of Decree, is one of the most sacred nights according to Islamic beliefs. Muslims have a strong belief that Angel Jibril sent down the first verses of the Quran to our last Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) on this night. This night holds great importance and is believed to have more significance than a thousand months of worshipping.
لَيْلَۃُ الْقَدْرِ۰ۥۙ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ اَلْفِ شَہْرٍ۳ۭؔ
“Better is the Night of Determination than a thousand months.” Quran (97:3)
The exact date of Laylatul Qadr is unknown; however, it is believed to fall on one of the last ten nights of Ramadan. That is why Muslims regard all the last 10 days of Ramadan as important to seek this night. The Surah al-Qadr is named after this night, and the purpose of the Surah is to describe the greatness of the night.
Narrated `Aisha (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا): Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.” Sahih al-Bukhari 2017
Laylatul Qadr Meaning & Significance
Qadr is an Arabic word that means limit, value of something, or destiny. This also means the night of Qadr, as it is believed that on this night, the destiny of every person is written. “Laylat al-‘Azama” or “Laylat al-Sharaf” can be used as the few other names of Laylatul Qadr in the Quran, which refer to the Night of Greatness or Night of Honor. Laylat al-Qadr holds additional significance as a night in which angels descend to earth, leading to a night of peace, blessings, and divine guidance (qadar) until dawn.
تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلٰۗىِٕكَۃُ وَالرُّوْحُ فِيْہَا بِـاِذْنِ رَبِّہِمْ۰ۚ مِنْ كُلِّ اَمْرٍ۴ۙۛ
“On (this night) the angels and grace descend by the dispensation of their Lord, for settling all affairs.” Quran (97:4)
When is Laylatul Qadr?
Laylatul Qadr, or the Night of Power, occurs in Ramadan within the last 10 days. Many Muslims believe it to be on the 27th Night of Ramadan. However, few may disagree. Shi’a Muslims believe it to be on the 23rd of Ramadan. In 2025, Laylatul Qadr could fall on the night of 27th March, although it may vary depending on the sighting of the moon. Regardless, the emphasis remains on finding it in the last 10 nights, especially the odd nights.
As advised by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ): “Look for it in the odd nights of the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan.” Sahih al-Bukhari 2018
Only Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) knows correctly about the exact Laylatul Qadr date. However, we can look for a few signs directed towards it. The Laylatul Qadr signs include that the sun rises without rays and early in the morning. Other than this, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also said that the Night of Power is pleasant and calm. It is neither too hot nor too cold. Muslims can follow these signs and make Dua able to catch this precious and rewarding night. Focus on your worship as much as you can so you can earn the rewards of Laylatul Qadr.
سَلٰمٌ۰ۣۛ ہِيَ حَتّٰى مَطْلَــعِ الْفَجْرِ۵ۧ
“It is peace till the dawning of the day.” Quran (97:5)
Best Ibadah for Laylatul Qadr
Due to the great significance of this night, prayers are greatly accepted and multiplied during this night. It is known to be a better night of worship and holds more importance than thousands of months of worship. Muslims are encouraged to maximize their worship and perform as many good deeds as they can. You can follow the prime example of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). He (ﷺ) used to strive hard in worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan as he did not do at other times, praying and reading the Quran.
Narrated Aisha (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا): “With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet (ﷺ) used to tighten his waist belt (i.e., work hard) and used to pray all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers.” Sahih al-Bukhari 2024
Following are the few Ibadah (Prayers) Muslims are encouraged to perform on the night of Laylatul Qadr:
· Prayers (Salah)
Muslims are encouraged to perform additional Laylatul Qadr prayers in addition to the mandatory salah. Our Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to pray Tahajjud, Taraweeh, and additional Nafl during the last 10 nights of Ramadan. And He (ﷺ) used to encourage His family and companions to do so. It’s extremely beneficial to pray voluntary (nafl) prayers, as deeds are multiplied on this Holy night, praying just two rakat could equal 83 years of Salah!
· Reciting Quran
Quran was sent down to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) on the night of Laylatul Qadr; hence, reading the Quran during this precious night is very rewarding. Hence, one should recite the Quran as much as one can, as your sins are forgiven during this night, and you are immensely rewarded.
اِنَّاۗ اَنْزَلْنٰہُ فِيْ لَيْلَۃِ الْقَدْرِ۱ۚۖ
“TRULY WE REVEALED it on the Night of Determination.” Quran (97:1)
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet (ﷺ) 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.” Sahih al-Bukhari 2014
· Laylatul Qadr Duas
Muslims can make Duas to seek forgiveness, health, or peace from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) as there is a high chance of acceptance during this rewarding night. Muslims are rewarded with what they wish for and it is known that their annual destiny is written on Laylatul Qadr. So, you can make Dua for your better future in this world and Akhirah (The day of judgment).
The best dua for Laylat-al-Qadr is the dua the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught Aisha (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا) She is reported to have asked the Prophet (PBUH), “O Messenger of Allah If I know which night is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say?” He said: “Say: اللَّهمَّإنَّكعفُوٌّتُحبُّالعفوَفاعْفُعنِّي (O Allah, You are All-Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me).”
Few other simple Duas you can make are:
سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ وسُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِ
“The Prophet (SAW) said: “Two words are light on the tongue, weigh heavily in the balance, and are loved by the Most Merciful One is: “Glorified is Allah and praised is He, Glorified is Allah the Most Great.” Hisnul Muslim 256
أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ الْعَظِيمَ الَّذِي لَا إِلَهَ إلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ القَيُّومُ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيهِ
I seek the forgiveness of Allah the Mighty, Whom there is none worthy of worship except Him, the Living, the Eternal, and I repent to Him (Allah will forgive him even if he has deserted the army’s ranks.) Hisnul Muslim 250
اللَّهُمَّ لَا سَهْلَ إِلَاَّ مَا جَعَلتَهُ سَهْلاً وَأَنْتَ تَجْعَلُ الْحَزْنَ إِذَا شِئْتَ سَهْلاً
O Allah, there is no ease other than what You make easy. If You please You ease sorrow. Hisnul Muslim 139
Following are the few special Duas from Quran that you can pray on Laylatul Qadr to seek forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى):
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
“Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire!” (Qur’an 2:201)
رَبَّنَا إِنَّنَا آمَنَّا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
“Our Lord! We have indeed believed, so forgive us our sins and save us from the punishment of the Fire” (Qur’an 3:16)
رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُ
“Our Lord! Forgive me and my parents, and (all) the believers on the Day when the reckoning will be established.” (Qur’an 14:41)
This is how you can pray to Duas for your forgiveness and your family or loved ones. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) accept our Duas and repentance and bless us on the Day of Judgement.
· Dhikr & Tasbeeh
You can perform Tasbeeh and Dhikr of Allah, i.e., remembrance of Allah, and get rewarded for it. By doing it specifically on this night, you can get rewarded multiplefold. You can seek forgiveness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and His mercy by reciting Astaghfar. This helps you repent from your past sins and saves you from Azaab e Akhirah.
It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas and Jabir bin ‘Abdullah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘There are two types among my Ummah who have no share of Islam: the people of Irja’ and the people of Qadar.'” Sunan Ibn Majah (Book 1, Hadith 77)
· Charity (Sadaqah)
Other than praying Salah and reciting the Quran, Muslims are also encouraged to perform other deeds of worship during Laylatul Qadr. This included giving out Zakat and Charity (Sadaqah) to other less fortunate and deserving members of the society. The Night of Decree is seen as the perfect time to make donations and earn great rewards through it. You can help those in need and collect Duas from them as well.
Abu Hurairah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) narrated that The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “There are no days more beloved to Allah that He be worshipped in them than the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, fasting every day of them is the equivalent of fasting a year, and standing every night of them (in prayer) is the equivalent of standing on the Night of Qadr.” Jami` at-Tirmidhi 758
Laylatul Qadr Benefits & Rewards
The rewards and blessings of Ramadan are greatly specified by the Quran and hadith. Similarly, the greatness of the blessed night of Laylatul Qadr is beyond human expectations. The angels come down to Earth during this night, and people are rewarded multiplefold for the good deeds they perform. As stated previously, this night is better than thousands of months of worship.
“Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments, as a command from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messengers), as a mercy from your Lord. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.” [Al-Dukhan 44:1-6]
If you make one good deed during Laylatul Qadr, you are rewarded as if you have performed this deed every day for 83 years. It is advised by the Quran and hadith that we should maximize our prayers and worship. We should not be ignorant of this night and understand its importance.
It was narrated that ‘Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘No slave truly believes until he believes in four things: in Allah alone with no partner; that I am the Messenger of Allah; in the resurrection after death; and in the Divine Decree (Qadar).'” Sunan Ibn Majah (Book 1, Hadith 85)
Muslims can fast, perform prayers, seek forgiveness from past sins, and give Sadaqah to make full out of this night. Immense rewards and blessings are sent down to anyone who looks for these nights with faith and tries to find the mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
Abu Hurairah narrated that: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) 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 Lailat Al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” Sunan an-Nasa’i 5027
FAQs
How do I know if I have experienced Laylatul Qadr?
Taken from one of the authentic hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Laylatul Qadr is a peaceful and calm night. On this night, the sun rises without visible rays, and the morning arrives quickly.
Can women on their periods worship on Laylatul Qadr?
Women who are on their periods can perform good deeds other than performing Salah or fasting. They can listen to the Quran, make zikr, and give charity. This way, they can also get rewarded on the blessed night of Laylatul Qadr. Other than that, they can make Dua and get rewarded for their good intentions.
Is there a specific Surah to recite on Laylatul Qadr?
During the night of Laylatul Qadr, it is advised to recite as much Quran as possible to get maximum reward. There is no obligation to recite any particular Surah. People often recite Surah Al Qadr, which is chapter 97 of the Quran, as it is related to the blessings of this night.
Can I make worldly duas on Laylatul Qadr?
Yes, you can make Dua about your better life in this Duniya. You can make Dua for anything as long as it is lawful and does not go against the principles of Islam.
What if I miss Laylatul Qadr?
Muslims are advised to perform worship on all the ten nights of Ramadan especially the odd ones so they don’t miss Laylatul Qadr. However, if you miss it, you can still ask for forgiveness and mercy on other nights of Ramadan. You can also make Dua to experience this blessed night next year.
Conclusion
The Night of Power is a time to reflect on your relationship with Allah and to seek His guidance and blessings, so whether you are an experienced Muslim or just starting your spiritual journey, make sure to take advantage of this precious night and observe it to the best of your abilities. Laylatul Qadr is a night of great spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. It is a time of heightened worship, spiritual reflection, and contemplation. By properly observing this night, Muslims can draw closer to Allah and receive His blessings and guidance.
Laylatul Qadr is an opportunity to run away from Hellfire and retribution. We can receive mercy and protection against sins and their effects in this life as well as on the day of judgment by sincerely worshiping and repenting. This Laylatul Qadr, may Allah Almighty accept and reward us for our efforts and permit them to serve as a tool for our purification and closer relationship with Him. Ameen!
